Elsamere

Elsamere lodge or Camp is a haven for lovers of nature, set in Acacia forest on the banks of Lake Naivasha in Kenya’s Rift Valley.

It is the former home of the late Joy Adamson who, together with her husband George Adamson, became world-famous for their pioneering conservation work and relationship with the lioness Elsa, as told in her best-selling book and subsequent film, ‘Born Free’ and she did much of her writing at Elsamere up until her murder in 1980.

The Rooms

The center provides accommodation for 16 people in cottages set in the gardens around the main house.

Room amenities: Each cottage has a veranda and faces towards the lake. The rooms are bright and attractive, and all have ensuite bathrooms. Guests may also choose to stay in Joy Adamsonbedroom’s main house, which has easy wheelchair access.

Food & Drink

Elsamere prides itself on its warm hospitality and home like atmosphere. The day starts with a hot breakfast; lunch is buffet style with plenty of outdoor tables and chairs for alfresco dining. Dinner is hosted each night and it is the perfect opportunity to get to know other guests, many of whom may be visiting researchers and conservationists.

Elsamere does not have a bar facility. Guests are invited to bring their own alcohol.

Special feature: Early mornings at Elsamere are a special time, the African Fish Eagles herald the dawn with their memorable ringing cry and the chorus of bird song continues through-out the day. Elsamere is a bird watcher’s paradise, over 200 species of birds have been recorded and rare species such as the Verreaux’s Eagle Owl are regularly sighted.

General Facilities

The museum contains a small collection of Joy’s paintings and artifacts. Memorabilia from the film Born Free and a range of photos documenting Joy and George’s work with wildlife are also on display. The Elsa Trust shop stocks a variety of T-shirts, jewellery, books, earrings and prints of Joy’s works are also for sale. There is also a video library of conservation and wildlife documentaries.

Recreational Facilities

Elsamere is conveniently located near many local attractions. Hells Gate National Park is one of the only parks in Kenya that permits walking. The park has a wide variety of ga, including many raptors, and the scenery is quite spectacular.

A trek up Mt. Longonot, a 2,800 meter extinct volcano, is another interesting day’s outing. Visiting Crater Lake with its emerald green colored water is yet another option and there are also many unique handicraft shops in the area.

Guests may hire boats or arrange a guided tour to view birds and other wildlife on the nearby Crescent Island.

Elsamere lodge or Camp is a haven for lovers of nature, set in Acacia forest on the banks of Lake Naivasha in Kenya’s Rift Valley.

It is the former home of the late Joy Adamson who, together with her husband George Adamson, became world-famous for their pioneering conservation work and relationship with the lioness Elsa, as told in her best-selling book and subsequent film, ‘Born Free’ and she did much of her writing at Elsamere up until her murder in 1980.

Her relationship with Elsais, the lioness she raised from a young cub and later successfully released back into the wild.