We spoke with Emily Willis and Gabriel Jones about settling into Elsa’s Kopje, the magic of Meru, and what guests can look forward to in the months ahead.
As the new General Managers of Elsa’s Kopje, what drew you both to this property and what are your first impressions?
Elsa's is one of those legacy properties in Kenyan tourism, 26 years on and still kicking! Everyone loves it. It holds a special place in so many hearts. The legacy of George and Joy Adamson (and Elsa of course) and their pioneering work here in Meru has shaped how so many people around the world think about wildlife and conservation to this day. Meru National Park itself is one of the true untouched wilderness areas left, especially combined with the wider area such as Bisanadi National Reserve & Kora National Park. The plethora of biodiversity on show is unmatched. We both love to be in these kinds of environments. The lodge fits seamlessly into this, literally it has been carved into the rock. The character of each unique room is immersive. It is magic. However, it is the team at Elsa's that has made the biggest impact on us. Many have been here since the beginning; there is no better sign than that. They have welcomed us into their home & are keen to share it with the many visitors over & over again!
The property has just unveiled a new outdoor cinema, what do you hope guests take away from watching Born Free and other films here?
The cinema experience has been a great hit so far, there is something really special about not only knowing the story of Elsa but being able to visualise it whilst sitting where George himself possibly sat one hot afternoon. It is really immersive watching the film here, you feel connected to the story in the most authentic way. The screening is outside by the pool as the sun goes down, and we are working on a way to take it out into the bush! Imagine experiencing it out in the wild on any kopje you choose throughout the park! The other night we had the film on and obviously there are a lot of lion sounds in the film but what was remarkable was at the same time at the bottom of the Kopje we had Elsa's pride calling - we couldn't tell what the film lions or the real lions. I think our guests will hold that memory with them forever. We hope that our guests can take away the incredible importance of conservation. Without it, without George and Joy and Elsa - no one would be sitting in Meru listening to any kind of lions.
How do you balance adding new amenities while still preserving the quiet, secluded environment of the property?
This is a tricky one, the tourism and safari industry are developing so quickly, and guests do come to expect a lot, as they should. It is a fine balance of providing enough to make guests comfortable and happy but not detracting from the real reason they are here - the park, the wildlife and the nature experience. Small things like in-room coffee and tea stations and a mini bar (all our honeymoon cottages have these now) really go a long way but they don't detract from the guest activities or experiences. We are lucky here because in many ways the property speaks for itself in that department, it has so much character and quirkiness that I think it would take a lot to change the feeling of the property - which we don't want to do. The privacy of every room also allows guests to go enjoy the bush at any given time. We are focusing on adding value with activities throughout the park and in the lodge. At the end of the day it is up to the guests and the choice is theirs, whether it be a more adventurous walk through the bush or to just kick it back and lounge by the pool all afternoon with a glass of wine.
Elsa’s also recently underwent significant upgrades - which of these do you think has had the most meaningful impact on the overall guest experience and why?
Yes, the lodge had a soft refurbishment in May this year, and it's looking lovely! The refurb has retained the character of Elsa's whilst affording the guests real comfort in the rooms and main areas. So much thought has gone into the design. We think the new Spa is the highlight though. It is an old safari cottage that has been converted. Judy and Janerose, our in-house therapists offer a comprehensive list of treatments that help the guest settle into the rhythm of Elsa's. We love that the updates have enhanced comfort and style without losing the authentic character that makes Elsa’s so special. It’s still very much the classic, soulful safari lodge guests remember, just with a renewed warmth and freshness that makes every space feel that much more relaxing and welcoming.
How would you describe the new revamped dining experience for guests?
Our group chefs Amie and Wes have done an incredible job implementing a modern menu here at Elsa's. The surprise guests feel receiving excellent food in such a remote place always brings a smile to their face, and to ours. When you combine this with the locations, under the stars in the lodge, down by the Rojeweru river or having a picnic by the Tana river. Head Chef Jackie and her team deliver delicious food day in, day out. It's world class.
Looking ahead, what are your priorities for the coming year?
Definitely we need to settle first. We need to learn from the team here about Meru & Elsa's. We will prioritise the guest experience. Emily & I have always lived by a guest first mantra. We want to expand the offering for the guests. More bush banqueting options, fly fishing for barbel in the rivers, nature walks up the Tana. We are really excited about the sleep out experience that will be a new offering in the New Year.
