Leopard Rock Lodge stands on the site of the former lion camp of George and Joy Adamson, of Born Free fame. Overlooking a river, it is located in one of the last surviving great wilderness areas of Kenya, Meru National Park. A traditional safari lodge, Leopard rock offers just 15 cottages, 10 suites and 5 luxury family cottages, all of which enjoy magnificent views over the wild and seldom-visited Bisanadi Reserve, beyond which lies Somalia, Ethiopia and the Indian Ocean. The lodge offers a charming lounge, two bars, one outdoor bar and a spectacular swimming pool which offers an island bar in its centre and glass partitions through which guest’s can view the crocodiles in the adjacent river. 

Background

Seldom-visited Meru is one of Kenya’s wildest parks. Straddling the equator, it offers 1810 sq km of thorny bushland and wooded grasslands. There are 13 rivers and numerous mountain-fed streams that flow in the Tan River from the south. Dense riverine forests grow along the watercourses, which are surrounded by doum palms. The area boasts hundreds of species of birds including the Somali ostrich, the red-necked falcon and Pel’s fishing owl. Animals include lion, leopard, heetah, elephant, Grevy’s and plains zebra, gernuk, reticulated giraffe, hippo, lesser kudu, oryx, hartebeest and Grant’s gazelle alongside some large herds of buffalo. 

Accommodation

Leopard rock offers 15 cottages overlooking the river, all with private terraces and excellent views. There are also a number of suites, a honeymoon cottage and 5 family cottages (each with two bathrooms). There is also a jacuzzi room with optional massage services.

Dining and bars

The open dining room offers a selection of buffet meals and a 6 course supper nightly. Borana dancers also perform nightly

Child-friendly

The camp welcomes children. 

What to see and do

Activities available include a tour of the local museum, day and night game drives, a visit to the rhino sanctuary and to the grave of Elsa the lioness or Pippa the cheetah.

Also offered are; a tour of a local Borana village, birdwatching walks, river treks, sundowners, bush breakfast, river fishing, camel trekking, day trip to the Tana River and Adamson’s falls. 

Location

The lodge is 310km from Nairobi, North East of Mt Kenya, 5 hour journey from Nairobi by road and 1 hour by air.