- Country
- Kenya
- Region
- Meru County, east of Mount Kenya
- Type
- Kenya Safari
- Best months to visit
- Jan–Feb, Jun–Sep
Overview
Meru National Park is where George and Joy Adamson released Elsa the lioness, made famous by the book and film “Born Free”. Watered by more than a dozen rivers flowing from the Nyambene Hills, it is greener and more varied than the dry north, with doum palms, swamps and riverine forest.
Few visitors make it here, so you can often enjoy sightings without another vehicle in view.
- Very few visitors
- Rhino sanctuary
- Rivers and doum palm forests
- “Born Free” history
What you'll see
Elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, and northern species such as reticulated giraffe, Grévy’s zebra and oryx. White rhino are protected in a sanctuary within the park.
Wildlife you may see
- Elephant (Big Five)
- Lion (Big Five)
- Leopard (Big Five)
- Cheetah
- Cape buffalo (Big Five)
- White rhino (Big Five)
- Reticulated giraffe
- Grévy's zebra
- Hippo
- Beisa oryx
Things to do
- 01
Game drives
Quiet drives along rivers, swamps and open plains.
- 02
Rhino sanctuary
Look for white rhino in the protected sanctuary area.
- 03
Riverside picnics
Lunch beside the Tana or Rojewero rivers.
Best time
- Jan: Great time
- Feb: Great time
- Mar: Possible
- Apr: Possible
- May: Possible
- Jun: Great time
- Jul: Great time
- Aug: Great time
- Sep: Great time
- Oct: Possible
- Nov: Possible
- Dec: Possible
June to September and January to February are dry. The long grass after the rains can hide wildlife.
Getting there
About 6 hours by road from Nairobi, or a scheduled flight from Wilson Airport. Combines well with Samburu or Laikipia.
Where to stay
Luxury
An exclusive lodge on a hilltop with views across the park.
We'll suggest camps and lodges that fit your dates and budget.
Comfort
Small lodges and tented camps along the rivers.
We'll suggest camps and lodges that fit your dates and budget.
Budget
Park bandas and campsites.
We'll suggest camps and lodges that fit your dates and budget.
