Meru National Park
Meru National Park
Discover Meru National Park, a remote Kenyan wilderness of rivers, grasslands, forests and abundant wildlife, famed for rhinos, elephants, Grevy's zebra and the legendary Born Free story.
▶ ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS PARK- • African elephants
- • black rhinoceros
- • white rhinoceros
- • Grevy's zebra
GENERAL OVERVIEW
Meru National Park is one of Kenya's most rewarding wilderness destinations, offering a relatively secluded safari experience across 870 km² of diverse landscapes. The park was gazetted in 1966 and forms part of the larger Meru Conservation Area, a vast protected landscape incorporating Meru National Park, Kora National Park and surrounding reserves.
Unlike some of Kenya's more heavily visited parks, Meru offers a feeling of genuine wilderness. Its landscape is shaped by numerous permanent streams flowing from the Nyambene Hills, creating a fascinating mixture of riverine forest, open grassland, woodland, bushland and wetlands.
Meru is particularly important for the conservation of black rhinoceros, white rhinoceros, elephants, Grevy's zebra and other threatened wildlife. The park also offers excellent birdwatching, with KWS highlighting it as a birdwatcher's paradise.
The park has a powerful conservation and cultural story through George and Joy Adamson and Elsa the lioness, whose story became internationally famous through Born Free. Visitors can visit Elsa's Grave and other sites associated with the Adamsons' conservation legacy.
Meru is also developing as a destination for astro-tourism and guided night wildlife experiences, adding an unusual dimension to the traditional Kenyan safari.
SIZE
Meru National Park is 870 square kilometers (km²) in size.
Valid Passport/ID, Park entry ticket
- Respect wildlife
- Remain inside the vehicle except in designated areas
- Maintain a minimum 20-metre wildlife viewing distance
- Observe the 40 km/h speed limit
- Remain on established roads and trails
- Do not feed wildlife
- Avoid loud noiseS
- Do not litter or do not use single-use plastics
- Never drive off-road
- Follow ranger instructions
HOW TO GET THERE
By Road from Nairobi: Approximately 348 km, via Nyeri–Nanyuki–Meru or via Embu.
From Embu: Approximately 161 km to Ura Gate, with the route offering an alternative approach to the park.
From Maua: Approximately 35 km to Murera Gate.
By Air: Flights can use Kinna Airstrip, Mulika Airstrip near Meru Mulika Lodge and Mughwango Airstrip near Elsa's Kopje.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Best time to visit Meru National Park: June–October and January–February
WILDLIFE & LANDSCAPE
MERU NATIONAL PARK GALLERY
POINTS OF INTEREST
FAQS
TRIPADVISOR REVIEWS
Contact Esteemed Africa Safaris to book your dream Meru National Park safari holiday. Start your tour from major cities or coastal beaches and explore our premium national parks, game reserves, and private wildlife conservancies across East Africa.
Speak to our safari experts to tailor the perfect Meru National Park experience for you.
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