Elsa’s Kopje is a hidden jewel in the untamed wilderness of Meru National Park, for many years one of Kenya’s best-kept secrets. The Kopje blends miraculously into its surroundings (as you approach, the lodge is invisible to the eye).

The open-plan lodge has eight cottages and one family cottage that are all individually designed. There are two rooms with twin beds but the rest have king-size beds. All of the rooms have ensuite bathrooms and a sunken bath with uninterrupted views of the plains. There’s a swimming pool, a personal butler service and a restaurant serving traditional north Italian cuisine (along with local vegetables and specialities). The ultimate ‘pool with a view’ looks out across the surrounding plains. Elsa’s Kopje was recipient of Africa’s first Bronze Eco-Tourism certification back in 2003.