Meru National Park

Meru National Park
Reserve Information

This was the wilderness into which George & Joy Adamson released Elsa the lioness, creating the much-loved film Born Free.

  • Size & Location: 900km², 350km north-east of Nairobi below the Nyambeni hills
  • When to visit the park: June - October (warmer - preferred), January - March (hottest season)
  • Climate: Warm with low humidity.
  • Rainfall: 635-762mm in the west and 305-356mm in the east.
  • Altitude: 304m - 1036m above sea level

Park Information:

Straddling the equator and bisected by 13 rivers and numerous mountain-fed streams, Meru National Park is wild and one of the most beautiful parks in Kenya. A green paradise compared to the dry savannah of Kenya's parks, this was the wilderness into which George & Joy Adamson released Elsa the lioness, creating the much-loved film 'Born Free'. It has diverse scenery from woodlands to wide-open plains, meandering riverbanks, hilly landscapes and rich grey aluvial volcanic soil deposits. Three large rivers border the reserve: the Tana to the south, the Ura to the south-west and the Rojeweru to the east.

Game viewing in Meru includes large herds of buffalo, bushbuck, duiker, eland, elephant, gazelle, genet, giraffe, hartebeest, impala, kudu, waterbuck and zebra. Expect to see baboons, hyena, jackal, kudu, large prides of lion, mongoose, Oryx, Oribi, Vervet monkeys and warthog. You may see wild dog, bushbaby, caracal, cheetah, civet, Dik-dik, leopard, otter, bush pig, porcupine, Black and white rhino. The rivers abound with hippo and crocodile and fishing is permitted at camp sites and along the Tana River. Birdlife includes Peter's finfoot which inhabits the Murera and Ura Rivers, the Pel's Fishing Owl, Kingfishers, rollers, bee-eaters, starlings and numerous weavers.

Main Attractions:

  • Former home of Joy and George Adamson and the grave of Elsa the lioness
  • Adamson's Falls
  • Game Viewing and stunning views of Mt Kenya
Popular Kenya Safaris
Governor's Safari
  • Departure; Scheduled and tailor-made departure dates
  • Duration; 8 Days / 7 Nights
  • Lodging; Luxury Lodges
  • Group Size; Minimum 2
  • Note: Travel insurance is compulsory for all safaris
Chelis Tented Safari
  • Departure; Scheduled and tailor-made departure dates
  • Duration; 9 Days / 8 Nights
  • Lodging; Luxury Safari Camps
  • Group Size; Minimum 2
  • Note: Travel insurance is compulsory for all safaris
Kenya Wilderness Adventure
  • Departure; Daily
  • Duration; 8 Days / 7 Nights
  • Lodging; Luxury Lodges
  • Group Size; Minimum 2
  • Note: Travel insurance is compulsory for all safaris
Kenyan Odyssey to Mombasa
  • Departure; Sundays and Wednesdays as well as tailor-made departure dates
  • Duration; 8 Days / 7 Nights
  • Lodging; Safari Lodges
  • Group Size; Minimum 2
  • Note: Travel insurance is compulsory for all safaris
Taste of Kenya
  • Departure; Sundays or tailor made
  • Duration; 7 Days / 6 Nights
  • Lodging; Safari Lodges
  • Group Size; Minimum 2
  • Note: Travel insurance is compulsory for all safaris
Kenya Classic Safari
  • Departure; Scheduled and tailor-made departure dates
  • Duration; 7 Days / 6 Nights
  • Lodging; Safari Lodges
  • Group Size; Minimum 2
  • Note: Travel insurance is compulsory for all safaris
Through the Rift Valley
  • Departure; Scheduled and tailor-made departure dates
  • Duration; 4 Days / 3 Nights
  • Lodging; Safari Lodges
  • Group Size; Minimum 2
  • Note: Travel insurance is compulsory for all safaris