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Kenya Safari Camp named after Elsa from 'Born Free'

Meru National Park, Kenya, Africa: Cheli and Peacock Ltd. opened its permanent camp, Elsa's Kopje in 1999. The camp is situated in Kenya's Meru National Park, and has been named after Elsa, the orphaned lioness reared and released back into Meru National Park by George and Joy Adamson. The camp is perched on top of Mugwongo Hill, a rocky outcropping (kopje) that affords beautiful views of the stunning landscape of Kenya. This is the fourth camp in operation by Stefano Cheli and Liz Peacock. As a natural extension of their mutual love of the African wilderness, they started operating safaris in 1985.

For the past twelve years they have consistently set standards in the industry, not only for quality of service provided, but also for their commitment to wildlife, conservation and environmentally friendly tourism. Cheli and Peacock's first permanent luxury tented camp, Tortilis Camp in Kenya's Amboseli National Park, won British Airways Southern Region Tourism for Tomorrow award for excellence in ecotourism. Elsa's Kopje, built with the same care and dedication to conservation, is destined to once again illustrate the high standards of the Cheli and Peacock properties.

Meru National Park, the home of Elsa's Kopje, is an arid park dotted with gigantic baobab trees and crystal clear palm fringed springs and streams. The springs are fed by water from volcanic Mt. Kenya and Nyambeni Mountains. Herds of eland, Beisa oryx, gerenuk, elephant, Grevy zebra, reticulated giraffe, Grants gazelle and the elusive Lesser Kudu roam the park and of course the predators, lion, leopard, cheetah and hyena are never far behind.

Elsa's Kopje will sleep a maximum of sixteen people in individual stone and thatch cottages. Each cottage is positioned to give guests absolute privacy and allows a 270-degree view of the surrounding park with its scattered kopjes and delightful baobab trees. The rooms have been designed to showcase the incredible wildlife crossing the plains of Meru, and the impressive views of Mt. Kenya. A variety of activities will be offered at the camp including day and night game drives in open 4WD vehicles as well as guided nature walks, fishing and rafting on the Tana River. The company's other camps include Tortili's Camp, Mugie and Mara Camp.

Cheli & Peacock Ltd., Lengai House, Wilson Airport
PO 39806, Nairobi, Kenya
e-mail: chelipeacock@africaonline.co.ke
tel: 254-2-604053/4. fax 254-2-604050/503066

Photos in Travel Media Fotomation, courtesy of Kenya National Tourist OfficeKenya Association of Tour Operators
P.O. Box 48461, Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254 2 225570 Fax +254 2 218402
Email: kato@africaonline.co.ke

On an Africa Safari by land sea and air
by Muguette Goufrani

Some of my greatest pleasures in the wide open spaces, be it in some remote corner of Africa, in the Canadian North, or around the world, occurred when I was "On Safari" ... although we didn't use that word at the time. The term 'safari' began in Kenya and Tanzania, and was derived from the Swahili word for "journey. " These various treks or excursions are mainly overland, however in some cases bodies of water must be crossed. Some say it came originally from the Arab term 'safara."

My most recent safari in Northern Tanzania involved air transportation -- a light aircraft to take us to our destination - the famous Serengeti Plain- then as in addition to our journey through the wildlife area b y 4-wheel drive, myself, Karen Hoffman and several others traveled by balloon. Serengeti Balloon Safaris has become the latest trend, gaining popularity in recent years. Looking at the history books, the word has been in use for longer than you may think ... (More Air Safaris).

Superstars of the Serengeti
iLike a cinemascope movie, Africa's Animal Empire filled the scene, then fanned out in all directions on the far horizon; to the Tanzania - Kenya border, or to Lake Victoria and beyond. And what performers these four legged actors were; prancing about like tv wrestlers, snorting and butting heads, as if they knew they were the star performers of our show.(Continued)

On Safari: Your Defining Moment
According to Harold Gordon, there are brief encounters or experiences that shape our lives and head us in a new direction. He calls them "defining moments" - moments that give us new insights and vision. After we've had a defining moment, we can never turn back to the old ways. Most people, in his opinion, will experience a defining moment of some kind in their lives, be it a person they met, a book they read, a thought or a certain teacher.
When Harold Gordon's defining moment came, it shaped his life. "Thirty years ago," Harold related, "I was on a minibus heading for Arusha, Northern Tanzania, when I spotted four tall, ungainly, but graceful giraffes galloping towards an acacia tree to munch on the green leaves. The bus stopped and we watched as they fed, wrapping their tongues around the thorns to reach the tiny leaves.
Continued

Serengeti Balloon Safaris: Ballooning in Africa is an exhilarating experience -- one you'll never forget. What's more, it fits ideally into any safari schedule. For reservations in Arusha, Tanzania, call 255.57.8578 or fax 255.57.8997

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