Stuart is an award-winning travel journalist covering safari, trekking and conservation in Kenya and Tanzania for the Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, BBC, Bradt Travel Guides, amongst many others. He is the author of Walking With The Maasai, a journey through some of Kenya's lesser-visited Maasai lands.
This is the best lodge in what is, for me, one of the best safari parks in Kenya. Named after Elsa the lion, of Born Free Fame, the lodge sits on an outcrop with simply incredible views over Meru. Owned by Kenya-based Elewana Collection, it’s undeniably pricey – high season rooms start at around USD $950 per night and climb steeply from there – but worth a night or two if your budget can stretch that far.
If that’s beyond your means I can also recommend Meru Camp and there are cheaper options in the nearby town of Maua.
At a glance
Destinations
Meru National Park
Activity
Safari, Nature & WildlifeRelated Guides
The best safaris in Kenya
Meru, the country’s forgotten national park, is easily one of my favourite of all Kenya’s safari parks.
The best safaris in Meru National Park
The country's forgotten national park – Meru was once one of the most popular of all Kenya safari parks.
Kenya besides safari
The most popular add-on to a safari is to throw in a bit of sun and sand time on Kenya’s delicious Indian Ocean coastline. Direct flights link most of the main national parks and reserves with Diani and Malindi beaches.