Meru National Park

Meru National Park – A Hidden Gem in Kenya

Meru National Park is one of Kenya’s least visited, and therefore most unspoiled, national parks. The park covers 870 square kilometers and is crossed by the equator. It features a variety of landscapes, with grasslands in the west and dense forests along its many watercourses.

Thirteen rivers and several mountain-fed streams flow through Meru National Park, making it a green and lush destination compared to the drier savannahs of other Kenyan parks. The park’s terrain includes open plains, woodlands, riverbanks, volcanic soil areas, and scattered rocky hills (kopjes). It is also famously known as the wilderness where George and Joy Adamson released Elsa the lioness, the subject of the film Born Free.

Wildlife and Activities

Meru offers exceptional game viewing opportunities. Visitors can see large herds of elephants, buffalo, gerenuk, greater and lesser kudu, lions, leopards, and both black and white rhinos. Fishing is also popular here, thanks to the many rivers. You can enjoy a relaxing day by the river with a fishing rod, some canapés, and a good book. The rivers are home to species like catfish, tilapia, and barbel.

For those who enjoy hiking, a guided walk to the top of Mughwango Hill offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Mount Kenya to the west and the Meru plains to the east.

A dedicated rhino sanctuary within the park is home to around 40 white rhinos and 20 black rhinos, making it one of the best places in Kenya to see these endangered animals.

History of Meru National Park

Established in 1968, Meru National Park experienced a period of heavy poaching in the late 1980s, which led to the loss of its white rhino population. However, the Kenyan government took strong action to restore security and wildlife numbers. In 2001, elephants were relocated from the Laikipia Plateau to Meru, and other species followed.

Between 2000 and 2005, Kenya Wildlife Service, with support from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), revitalized the park. IFAW contributed $1.25 million towards infrastructure development, equipment, and ranger vehicles, helping transform Meru into a promising tourist destination once again.

Aside from wildlife and scenery, other attractions include George and Joy Adamson’s former home, Adamson’s Falls, Mount Kenya views, and the Tana River.

How to Get There

By Road:
Meru National Park is accessible from Nairobi via the Nyeri-Nanyuki route (348 km) or the Embu-Ura Gate.

By Air:
There are daily scheduled flights from Nairobi to the park’s airstrips at Kina, Mulika, and Elsa’s Kopje.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry season from June to September, when animals gather at water sources. During the rainy seasons (March to May and October to November), tall grass can make wildlife harder to spot. However, the park is open all year round.

Safari Activities in Meru National Park

Game Drives
Game drives are the most popular activity in Meru. Both day and night drives allow visitors to see a wide variety of animals in diverse landscapes. Rivers like the Tana, Bisanadi, and Rojerwero are great spots to see hippos and crocodiles. Night drives also offer a chance to see predators and the Big Five.

Meru Rhino Sanctuary
A visit to the fenced Meru Rhino Sanctuary offers a close encounter with approximately 80 rhinos, both black and white. It’s one of the park’s top highlights for visitors interested in conservation and the Big Five.

Bird Watching
Meru National Park is a paradise for bird watchers. Over 400 bird species have been recorded here. The riverbanks, acacia woodlands, swamps, and forests create perfect habitats for a wide variety of birds.

Hiking Adventures
You can hike to the crater of an extinct volcano only 4 kilometers away. The crater contains a small forest and offers panoramic views of the park. Another popular hike leads to the Kiolu River Falls, which are surrounded by steep rock cliffs. These walks are a refreshing way to explore nature on foot.

Mountain Biking
Cycling is possible on several trails and dirt roads around the park. You can ride through local villages and banana or maize fields or cross rivers for a more adventurous experience.

Fishing
With so many rivers in the park, fishing is a relaxing activity for visitors. Enjoy catching catfish, tilapia, and barbel along the scenic, palm-lined riverbanks.

Cultural Encounters
Cultural tours to nearby communities, such as the Tharaka people, provide insights into local traditions and ways of life. These tours are a unique way to complement your wildlife experience.

Visit to Adamson Falls and Elsa the Lioness’s Grave
Joy Adamson and her lioness Elsa helped put Meru on the map through the book Born Free. You can visit Elsa’s grave and the nearby Adamson Falls with a park ranger. The falls, where the Tana River squeezes through a rocky gorge, are a scenic highlight. A hike to the top of the falls takes 2–3 hours and offers great views and the chance to explore on foot.

For travelers looking to explore a peaceful, uncrowded, and scenic safari destination, Meru National Park offers a rich and rewarding experience. Monumental Expeditions and Safaris can help you plan your visit to this remarkable Kenyan wilderness.