Elewana Collection Revamps Two Safari Icons in Kenya

Nairobi, Kenya: 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 two of its iconic Kenyan properties: Elsa’s Kopje Meru, and Elephant Pepper Camp in the Maasai Mara.

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.

“Careful attention has been paid to ensure the refreshed Elsa’s Kopje still holds the heart and soul of what makes it so special,” said Callum Oliver, Operations Manager Kenya at Elewana Collection. “Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, the updates enhance the comfort and elegance of the lodge without losing the deep connection to the wilderness and history of Meru.”

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.

Nestled in the Mara North Conservancy in the Maasai Mara National Reserve in southwestern Kenya, Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp has long been a favourite for safari purists and those seeking a close-to-nature experience with minimal environmental impact.

The final phase of the camp’s multi-stage renovation is now complete, bringing a full upgrade to guest tents with new furnishings that retain the camp’s rustic elegance while adding modern comfort. The arrival area has been reimagined to enhance the sense of welcome, while the mess and bar tents now feature new furniture for an elevated communal atmosphere.  

Crowning the transformation is the debut of ‘Elephant and Pepper’, a bold new culinary concept centred on the primal art of fire cooking. Drawing inspiration from African bushcraft and global smokehouse techniques, the open-flame experience showcases slow-smoked meats, ember-roasted vegetables, and fire-grilled seafood infused with rich local spices and cooked over aromatic acacia wood. Traditional braai equipment ensures authentic preparation, while smoke-infused cocktails and foraged ingredients create a sensory journey that connects guests with the land’s raw power and beauty.

“These renovations are more than just cosmetic upgrades – they’re about deepening the connection between guest and place,” said Kieren Day, Chief Operating Officer of Elewana Collection. “Elsa’s Kopje and Elephant Pepper Camp are two of our most beloved properties, each with a distinctive spirit. These enhancements honour their stories while enriching every aspect of the guest experience.”

Elewana Collection, named for the Swahili word meaning “harmony,” is comprised of 16 boutique lodges, camps and hotels in iconic locations across Kenya and Tanzania, each of which has been carefully selected for its unique accommodation and iconic location to provide unparalleled African wildlife-viewing and beach holiday opportunities, with an emphasis on style, comfort and conservation. Elewana Collection crafts memorable African safari experiences that offer the highest quality of luxury and comfort, embodying the balance between people, wildlife and environment that are today’s sophisticated travellers have come to expect.