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Grace Leonard
General Manager at Elewana Elsa’s Kopje Meru
I was fortunate to have a father who strongly believed in the importance of educating girls and providing mentorship.
Where are you from originally, and what first drew you to the world of hospitality?
I’m originally from Maralal in Samburu County, Kenya, which is a vibrant tourist town. Growing up there, I witnessed a unique blend of culture and nature, as many visitors came to experience the local wildlife. During a time when many young girls were married off early instead of pursuing education, I was fortunate to have a father who strongly believed in the importance of educating girls and providing mentorship. Without his support, I truly believe I wouldn’t be in my current role in hospitality. Watching the tour drivers interact with guests inspired me from a young age. I would often wave at the vehicles filled with tourists and wonder how those drivers were able to share their knowledge and lead such engaging experiences. This curiosity about hospitality and the desire to connect with people ultimately drew me into this field.
What brought you to Kenya, and how did your journey lead you to the Elewana Collection? Was it passion, purpose, timing, or a bit of everything?
I joined the Elewana Collection during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was a challenging time for the hospitality industry. I was fortunate to start at Elewana Tortilis in Amboseli and later moved to Elewana Elsa’s Kopje when a vacancy arose. What drew me to Elewana was their strong commitment to community support through initiatives like Land & Life, as well as their conservation efforts in partnership with organizations like Kenya Wildlife Service and various conservancies, including Lewa and Loisaba. This aligns perfectly with my passion for making a positive impact on both people and the environment. Timing also played a significant role; coming on board during this transitional phase felt like the ideal opportunity to rebuild and contribute to a dedicated team, especially after Elsa’s Kopje had been closed for 14 months due to the pandemic. So, to answer your question, it was indeed a bit of everything: passion, purpose, and timing that brought me to Elewana.
I am excited to continue our legacy of excellence while fostering sustainable tourism
Let’s fast-forward to today: who are you, and what’s your current role at Elewana Elsa’s Kopje Meru?
I am the General Manager at Elewana Elsa’s Kopje Meru, where I have the privilege of overseeing one of Kenya’s first luxury camps. Our camp has a rich history, having been established in 1999 by the renowned conservationists Richard Leakey and Virginia McKenna. At Elsa’s Kopje, we pride ourselves on offering an unforgettable experience that seamlessly blends luxury with the stunning natural beauty surrounding us.
Our commitment to conservation, sustainability and community engagement is at the heart of what we do, and I am dedicated to ensuring that every guest not only enjoys exceptional service but also leaves with a deeper appreciation for the incredible environment and culture of Meru. Leading such an iconic establishment is both an honor and a responsibility, and I am excited to continue our legacy of excellence while fostering sustainable tourism that supports both our local communities and the breathtaking wildlife we cherish.
How would you describe your job in a nutshell, what are your responsibilities, and what makes your role unique?
In a nutshell, my job as the General Manager at Elewana Elsa’s Kopje Meru involves overseeing all aspects of the camp’s operations to ensure an exceptional guest experience. My responsibilities encompass managing the team, coordinating daily operations, maintaining high service standards, and upholding our commitment to conservation and community engagement.
What makes my role unique is the opportunity to blend luxury hospitality with meaningful conservation efforts. A significant part of my work involves training the younger generation alongside our heads of departments. Since we reopened the camp after COVID, we have successfully trained at least 29 interns, many of whom have gone on to secure positions within Elewana Collection and other companies in the hospitality industry.
Additionally, I oversee the back-of-house operations, which include managing our vehicles and collaborating closely with the maintenance team (we have a full-fledged workshop). I also ensure that we adhere to health and safety standards and comply with regulations set by entities like the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) and EcoTourism Kenya, amongst a few. This multifaceted approach allows me to contribute not just to our camp’s success, but also to the broader goals of sustainability and community development in the region.
Each day is a blend of hospitality, management, and conservation
What does a typical day in your work-life look like, from sunrise to sunset? We’d love a glimpse into the rhythm of daily life at Elsa’s Kopje.
As dawn breaks over Meru National Park, I wake up at 5:15 AM, ready to embrace the day. By 6:00 AM, I see our guests off for their morning game drives, ensuring they’re set for an unforgettable adventure. In between, I take a refreshing morning run across the steps at the back of the lodge, which energizes me for the day ahead.
At 8:00 AM, I gather with our Heads of Departments for a morning meeting, aligning our plans to provide a seamless experience for our guests. During breakfast, I engage with guests, sharing the rich history of our lodge. While the guests are out exploring, I check the rooms and collaborate with my assistant manager on daily operations.
In the afternoons, my assistant manager takes over responsibilities, allowing me to focus on administrative tasks, which include dealing with procurement, staff issues, and planning. This is also the time I take my much-needed break (siesta). Every two weeks, I meet with the Kenya Wildlife Service’s Assistant Director to discuss park management and collaborative initiatives.
As the sun sets, I prepare for dinner and reconnect with guests. In the evening, I share the remarkable story of George Adamson & Elsa the Lioness, highlighting his dedication to wildlife conservation and the legacy he left behind (this is by request). After a fulfilling day, I reflect on the connections made in this beautiful setting. Each day is a blend of hospitality, management, and conservation, all woven together in the stunning backdrop of nature.
How do you and your team measure the impact you’re having on your guests?
- Guest Feedback: Surveys, comment cards, and online reviews to gather insights.
- Engagement Metrics: Monitor social media interactions and online mentions.
- Staff Training and Observations: Regular training to ensure high service standards.
- Repeat Business: Track return guests and loyalty program participation.
- Focus Groups: Conduct sessions for in-depth feedback on experiences.
These methods help us continuously improve and enhance guest experiences.
We educate our first time safari guests about the importance of conservation in Kenya
Luxury and environmental respect can sometimes seem at odds: how do you balance both at Elewana Elsa’s Kopje Meru?
- Sustainable Design: Using local materials that blend with nature.
- Eco-Friendly Practices: Implementing solar energy and waste management systems.
- Local Partnerships: Supporting conservation and community initiatives.
- Wildlife Conservation: Promoting responsible tourism to protect local wildlife.
- Guest Education: Engaging guests in sustainability efforts.
- Nature-Centric Luxury: Offering exquisite experiences that celebrate the natural surroundings.
This approach ensures our guests enjoy luxury while respecting the environment.
How do you help educate guests, especially first-timers, about the importance of conservation in Kenya?
At Elewana Elsa’s Kopje, we educate our first time safari guests about the importance of conservation in Kenya through several key initiatives:
- Guided Nature Walks: Our knowledgeable guides lead walks that highlight local flora, fauna, and ecosystems, fostering appreciation for biodiversity.
- Informative Briefings: We conduct pre-safari briefings covering conservation issues, wildlife protection, and the role of eco-tourism.
- Interactive Workshops: We offer hands-on workshops on sustainable practices and community initiatives.
- Cultural Events: On special occasions, we feature traditional dancers from the Tharaka community, showcasing their culture and connection to the land.
- Night Game Drives: We offer night drives for a unique perspective on wildlife, emphasizing the park’s dense vegetation, which can make viewing elusive big cats challenging.
- Terrain Overview: It’s important to let first-time safari guests know that the park features diverse terrain, including dense bush and rolling hills. This dense vegetation can make it difficult to view animals like big cats from a distance, as it is not open savanna like other parks. Additionally, drivers are not allowed to go off-road, ensuring minimal disruption to the environment.
- Birdwatching: The park is a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting over 416 different species, making it a fantastic destination for birdwatching.
- Rhino Sanctuary: Guests learn about our commitment to protecting endangered rhinos through our dedicated sanctuary, highlighting ongoing conservation efforts.
Through these initiatives, we aim to instill a sense of responsibility and inspire guests to support conservation during and after their visit.
One of our most fascinating residents is a leopard who has called this area home since 2016
What’s one unexpected, funny or fascinating fact about working in the heart of Kenyan nature that might surprise people?
At Elewana Elsa’s Kopje, we are surrounded by captivating wildlife and rich history. One of our most fascinating residents is a leopard who has called this area home since 2016. Below the kopje lies a cave that once served as a hideout for poachers during the dark days of the 60s to 80s, where they concealed elephant tusks. Today, this cave has a much brighter purpose: it’s where our leopard raised two cubs in 2017 and three more in 2021. She thrives in this environment, feasting on the abundant rock hyrax and monkeys that inhabit the nearby Tanganyisien trees.
In addition to the leopard, the rock hyrax adds another layer of intrigue to our ecosystem. Despite their small size, these creatures have a surprisingly long gestation period of 7 to 8 months and can even delay their delivery until the rainy season for better survival odds.
However, the rock hyrax is not just a favorite of the leopard; it has also attracted local hyenas that have set up a den behind Elsa’s Kopje at Mughwongo Hill. Recognizing the delicacies available at our camp, we’ve collaborated on relocating a few hyenas, but their clever nature makes this a challenging task.
As a precaution, we provide security escorts to and from the rooms, ensuring our guests feel safe while enjoying the wonders of nature — making every experience here at Elsa’s Kopje truly unforgettable.
Is there a local story, tradition, or animal you feel especially connected to?
Apart from the inspiring story of Elsa the Lioness, who was raised and successfully released into the wild by George and Joy Adamson, I am equally fascinated by the tale of Christian the Lion. Brought from the UK as an adult, Christian was successfully released by George Adamson in 1974, highlighting the incredible bond between humans and wildlife and the dedication to conservation in this area.
Additionally, the history of the Meru and Tharaka Mau Mau freedom fighters adds another layer of depth to our connection with this land. They would hide in a massive baobab tree, which still stands proudly in our park today. This tree serves as a living testament to their resilience and bravery.
These stories resonate deeply with me, reminiscent of the tales we would hear from our grandmothers gathered around the fire, surrounded by the sounds of nature. They remind us of the rich history and cultural heritage of this region, and the ongoing importance of preserving both wildlife and the stories that connect us to our past.
Is there anything else you’d love to share, whether it’s a personal anecdote, a message for future guests, or something more people should know about your work?
Absolutely! I am always reminded of the profound connection we share with nature. It’s not just about observing wildlife; it’s about feeling a sense of belonging in this vast ecosystem.
My message to future guests is this: take a moment to immerse yourself in the experience. Embrace the sounds, the sights, and the stories of this remarkable place. Each encounter, whether with a majestic giraffe or the rustle of leaves, has the power to create lasting memories. Remember that you’re not just visitors; you’re part of a larger narrative of conservation and connection to the land.
We look forward to sharing this journey with you!
