Skip to content

Meru National Park

Tucked away in Kenya’s remote northern frontier, Meru National Park remains one of the country’s best-kept secrets. Spanning 1,810 sq km and straddling the equator, the park is a rare blend of open grasslands, dense bush, and lush riverine forests. With 13 permanent rivers and countless mountain streams feeding into the mighty Tana River, Meru offers a vibrant ecosystem that feels wild, unspoiled, and refreshingly off the beaten path.

For wildlife enthusiasts, Meru is a rewarding destination. Herds of elephant, buffalo, and both Grevy’s and plains zebra roam the savannah alongside reticulated giraffe, hartebeest, and hippo. Lion, cheetah, and leopard are present—though the tall grasses and thick bush mean sightings are often thrillingly unexpected. The park is also home to both black and white rhino, carefully reintroduced after years of conservation efforts, making it one of the few places in Kenya where visitors can encounter such diversity in a single safari.

Birdwatchers are equally rewarded, with over 400 recorded species. From the elusive Peter’s Finfoot along shaded riverbanks to the nocturnal Pel’s Fishing Owl and the uncommon Palm-nut Vulture, Meru is a paradise for keen birders seeking rare sightings.

Meru also carries a rich conservation legacy. Once devastated by poaching in the 1980s, the park has rebounded thanks to decisive protection efforts by the Kenya Wildlife Service. Today, it stands as a testament to resilience and renewal. It also holds a place in global history as the setting of Joy and George Adamson’s Born Free, where Elsa the lioness was raised and released into the wild. Visitors can still pay tribute at Adamson’s Falls on the Tana River, where Joy Adamson herself is buried.

Remote, authentic, and brimming with life, Meru National Park promises a safari experience as untamed as the land itself.

A Taste of Meru

Talk to a Specialist

Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.

Talk to a Specialist

Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.

How To Make The Best Choice For Your Wildlife Safari in Kenya

Don’t miss out on our free copy of our 36 page Guide to Choosing a Safari in Kenya.  A must-read before booking any safari tour to ensure you make the most of your time and budget and get the best possible experience.

How To Make The Best Choice For Your Wildlife Safari in Kenya

Don’t miss out on our free copy of our 36 page Guide to Choosing a Safari in Kenya.  A must-read before booking any safari tour to ensure you make the most of your time and budget and get the best possible experience.

How To Make The Best Choice For Your Wildlife Safari in Kenya

Don’t miss out on our free copy of our 36 page Guide to Choosing a Safari in Kenya.  A must-read before booking any safari tour to ensure you make the most of your time and budget and get the best possible experience.

Curating ultimate tailor-made safari experiences for 35 years