Elewana Collection, an operator of award-winning boutique lodges and safari camps across Kenya and Tanzania, has unveiled significant renovations and refreshed culinary concepts at its iconic Kenyan property Elsa’s Kopje Meru.
Elewana, part of international hospitality group Minor Hotels, is known for its commitment to conservation, community, and classic East African hospitality. The latest enhancements exemplify that ethos, elevating the guest experience while remaining deeply rooted in each property’s natural surroundings, cultural heritage, and distinctive character.
Perched dramatically above the savannah in Meru National Park, Elewana Elsa’s Kopje is a lodge steeped in history. Named after the orphaned lioness made famous by conservationists George and Joy Adamson in the 1996 film Born Free, the lodge is built into the rocky hillside above the Adamsons’ former camp. Since opening in 1999, Elsa’s Kopje has become an icon of responsible luxury and timeless safari charm.
The latest renovations pay tribute to this legacy while enhancing comfort and design throughout the lodge. All guest suites now feature upgraded furniture, Nero-finished bathroom floors, and reimagined lighting that accentuates the lodge’s organic architecture and expansive views. The expansive Private House has also been elevated with a luxurious new bath and redesigned outdoor shower.
Communal areas reflect the same attention to detail: the main and private pools have been refinished with terrazzo tiles, offering a refreshed setting for relaxation between game drives. A new in-house sundowner space provides the perfect stage for evening G&Ts overlooking Meru’s vast wilderness, with a new outdoor cinema screening the film, Born Free, set to be launched in the area within the month. The spa has been expanded, offering a more spacious retreat for wellness rituals.
The lodge’s updated culinary direction celebrates Kenya’s rich gastronomic traditions, blending comfort and authenticity. From slow-simmered local stews and grilled meats to elevated breakfasts featuring yoghurt parfaits, fresh pastries, and vibrant garden fare, each dish is a reflection of the land and its culture.
Elewana Elsa’s Kopje
Meru, Kenya
