I went on an amazing international vacation — an African safari to see some of the world’s most prized national wonders: Arusha National Park, Ngorogoro Crater, the Serengeti National Park and Tarangire National Park.
Zebra graze on the hillside at Ngorogoro Crater.
We spent our days cruising in the sun under the popped top of a converted 4×4 Eurovan hunting for sightings of hippo, elephant, gazelle, rhino, giraffe, and lion. We didn’t have to hunt terribly hard.
Perhaps as a side effect of eco-tourism, the animals were strangely comfortable with our gawking presence. On day one a wayward lioness even came up to our van and slept in our shade for 20 minutes. I careened my upper body out of the window to take a shot of the lioness and I in frame like a kid posing with a character at Disneyland. Needless to say I was quickly shooed back in the vehicle by our safari leader, who was irritated by my Siegfried-and-Roy-like actions.
Lions at the Ngorogoro Crater
On night two we slept in tents under a indigo sky as a the sound of Maasai children in the distance singing songs carried over the flat, calm, plains and right through my nylon tent. A Maasai man with a bow and arrow lashed to his back watched over the site to ensure hyenas and other “visitors” would not make their way in to our campground.
The other days of my international vacation peeled by. Scrambling to find the binoculars to spot a jaguar in a tree, standing on the seats of the van as we watched a baby elephant cool off in a muddy bank — all of these experiences creating a personalized vision of Africa in my mind that I surely will never forget.
An older brother, watching his sister, introduces himself to campers..
Ostrich Crossing at Taringire National Park
Two lionesses lay in the afternoon sun in Serenghetti National Park.
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Located within Meru National Park, Elsa Camp is named after the lioness made famous by George and Joy Adamson’s biographical book and film ‘Born Free’, and still overlooks the site of George’s origional campsite. Photographs in camp remind you that on the very same rocks you wander around, Elsa played in and surveyed her world.
The lodge has a choice of luxury accommodation options, in either a private house or in smaller cottages, and offers many extra touches, including an indulgent infinity pool and private massage service. Tribal community visits and fishing trips can be arranged alongside game drives in this prime area for rhino viewing.
8 luxury en-suite cottages, 1 honeymoon suite and a private house
Infinity pool
Children of all ages are welcome
Great for fishing, honeymoons and responsible tourism
Style: An elegant lodge in a spectacular setting, with a choice of accommodation options.
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Setting: The Lodge has a wonderful position in Meru National Park, on Mughwango Hill, overlooking the plains and bush below. The lodge blends in seamlessly into the rocky crags of the kopje (granite hillock) surrounding it.
Accommodation & facilities: The eight open-fronted cottages are liberally scattered around the kopje, offering spectacular views of the surrounding plains – each cottage has the ultimate ‘room-with-a-view’. All rooms are uniquely designed and crafted, incorporating the natural features of the rocky hillside. Bedrooms are luxurious, offering spacious double or twin beds with private sundecks and elegantly appointed en-suite bathrooms. Some cottages even have an outside bath to soak in, whilst admiring the stunning views.
The honeymoon suite is a three-tiered cottage with private sitting room, main bedroom, en-suite bathroom, and private deck.
Suitable for groups and families, Elsa’s Private House is set apart from the main lodge and includes a large dining/sitting room, private garden and swimming pool, with two en-suite rooms; one twin and one double bedroom with dressing room.
Facilities in the main lodge area include an open bar with a comfortable lounge area and a dining room. There is also an exceptionally appealing infinity swimming pool, which overlooks the Meru plains.
Dining: Excellent cuisine is often served outside so that meals can be enjoyed under the stars.
Full board, including house wines, beer and soft drinks.
Activities: Day and night-time game drives and guided bush walks with bush meals and sundowners are available.
Elsa’s Kopje Lodge also arranges Boran tribal community visits, day excursions to the Tana River, access to a 44 km² Rhino Sanctuary and line fishing (Catfish and Barbel).
Whilst at the lodge, guests can relax and take advantage of the infinity pool and massage service.
Child Policy: Children of all ages are welcome.
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A great alternative to standard hotel rooms are timeshares. These apartment-style suites provide guests with more amenities, fully-equipped kitchens and lower prices. Timeshare properties are located all over the world, allowing travelers to find luxurious lodging wherever they go.
