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To the grave of Elsa the lioness
Sam writes... Our last few days in Kenya arrived all too soon, and I really wanted to go visit the grave of Elsa, the orphan lioness who became a film star in Born Free, and whose life gave such inspiration for the cause of conservation. Not easy. The grave is in Meru, a good day's drive to the north of our base at Machakos. I talked Linda into a drive north (thanks Linda) and Martin and Debbie, once again, suggested we take Maggie (thanks so much, guys!).... so off we pottered, a last spell in the bush (for now....)
 

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The road led north from Nairobi past Thika and Meru
 


After a long and ill-signposted slog cross-country, we came to this sign that (unbeknownst to us) heralded a 100 mile offroad drive to the park


The park was worth the drive - we entered at the Ura River gate, much to the amazement of the Rangers as we appeared out of the bush. Here is a track in the Reserve, blocked by a tree pushed over by an elephant
 


We stayed at Elsa's Kopje, the site of George Adamson's first camp. This is sunrise.


...Elsa's Kopje is a Lodge, skilfully blended in with natural scenery sio as to be unobtrusive. Here is the pool.

 


The start of it all - the grave of Elsa, the gentle lioness

 

 


 


My own Land Rover, named after Elsa, back in the UK.

 

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