Elewana Collection 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 Minor Hotels, is known for its commitment to conservation, community and classic East African hospitality. The latest enhancements elevate the guest experience while remaining deeply rooted in each property’s natural surroundings, cultural heritage and distinctive character.
Elsa’s Kopje Meru
Perched 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 updated lighting that accentuates the lodge’s organic architecture and expansive views. Additionally, the expansive Private House has been elevated with a luxurious new bath and redesigned outdoor shower.
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.
Elephant Pepper Camp
Nestled in the Mara North Conservancy in the Maasai Mara National Reserve in southwestern Kenya, Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp has long been a favorite 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 refreshed, while the mess and bar tents now feature new furniture.
Crowning the transformation is the debut of “Elephant and Pepper,” a new culinary concept centered 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.
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