Discovering the Wilderness of Meru National Park
The Park is located in the eastern parts of Kenya, a hidden gem that offers exceptional safari experiences with minimum crowds encountered unlike other National Parks. The park covers an area of 870 square kilometers of wilderness comprising a variety of landscapes and very rich in wildlife which comes as a compliment to the park being remotely located, this will be appealing to adventurers and nature lovers.
The Park has all the Big Five present and with luck on the day, you can get to see all the big cats while on game safaris due to its abundance in nature. As you move further south in the park, you will see the grave of the famous “Elsa the Lioness” that starred in the movie “Born Free”. The park also has a rhino sanctuary where great work has been done in efforts to repopulate these near-to-extinction mammals.
About Meru National Park’s Landscape.
If you drive into the park for the first time you will be amazed and it’s hard not to fall in love with its scenery. From afar you get to see distant hills rise from the horizon with tall palm trees silhouetted against the sky. The green lush vegetation lined along the Rojewero and Tana Rivers with palms and baobab trees with the park’s red soils creating a striking background for which the park has been described as Kenya’s most diverse park in terms of landscapes. Other than Rojewero and Tana Rivers the park also has other rivers and streams found here like Ura rivers which crisscross the park and thus create a network of wetlands and riverine forests. These water bodies are responsible for the rich variety of plant life in the park and the different ecosystems found here. The western part of the park is dominated by savannah and baobab trees while the eastern part of the park has more rugged and hilly features which create magnificent viewing points in the park. For more information, contact us.
Wildlife in Meru National Park
Meru National Park offers an exciting and amazing overall wildlife viewing list, being home to the Big Five and large herds of Elephants can be seen here migrating through the park as they move through the vegetation zones during the seasons. Sighting of the big cats isn’t guaranteed but the chances are high as they are all there in the park.
You also have the chance to see the white or black rhines in the rhino sanctuary found in the park which completes the Big Five. This sanctuary is one of the few places in Kenya where you will find both species together. Among other noteable wildlife to expect are the hippos around the rivers and Nile crocodiles which are common along Tana and Rojewero Rivers. Large herds of buffaloes, zebras, giraffes and antelopes are common sightings in the park.
It is one of the few places in Kenya where you can spot the lesser kudu, graceful antelope with striking spiral horns. Other antelope species like elands, bushbucks, and oryx can also be seen in the park while on game drives. For Birdlovers the park boasts of over 400 recorded birds species which makes up for at least half of kenya’s total birding list, visitors here will tick off a lot from there list. Some of the birds on this list include kingfishers, herons, and the striking saddle-billed stork. Raptors such as martial eagles and African fish eagles, impressive Somali ostrich, Boran cisticola and the vivid vulturine guineafowl.
The noisy yellow-necked spurfowl and the sought-after Hinde’s pied babbler. The rivers that cross through the park are habitants to the Pel’s fishing owl, the shy African finfoot and golden palm weavers are common as well.
The Legacy of Joy and George Adamson.
The Park will forever be linked to the story of these two as they are famous conservationists who did a lot of work raising up Elsa the Lioness, her story made famous by the book and movie titled “Born Free”. The work of Joy and George in Meru National Park played a significant role in shaping up the park’s history and conservation. Today safaris going to Meru National Park have to visit the Adamson’s Falls and also take a trip through their former campsite while your guide gives you a full story of their stay and work, a reminder of their legacy in Kenya. The work they did highlights the importance of conservation and protection of wildlife not only in Kenya but globally.
Activities to Experience in Meru National Park
Meru National Park offers a wide range of activities that allow visitors to fully appreciate and enjoy the wildlife. From thrilling game drives to nature walks and night drives this park has a lot to offer.
Game Drives
Game drives are a very popular way to explore Meru National Park. The park’s vast landscapes and diverse habitats mean that every game drive you do is unique for the past one you did. Early morning and late afternoon drives are particularly rewarding, as this is when the wildlife is most active. Whether you’re seeking out the big cats, tracking elephants, or watching the birdlife along the rivers, a game drive in Meru will always deliver. Night game drives are also offered here and while it’s possible to do them you are required to take an armed ranger and have the night tracking gear with you.
Guided Nature Walks
For those who want to experience the park on foot, guided nature walks are available for you to do. These walks, led by experienced rangers, allow you to explore the park’s ecosystems up close, from the intricate plant life to the smaller creatures that are often overlooked on game drives. It’s a chance to learn about the park’s flora and fauna and also to connect with nature on foot.
Rhino Sanctuary Visit
A visit to the rhino sanctuary in Meru National Park is a must. This secure area is a rare occurrence being home to both black and white rhinos which offers a unique opportunity to see these endangered animals in their natural environment together. The sanctuary is a testament to Kenya’s conservation efforts and services as both educational and pure touristic joy.
Bird Watching
With over 400 bird species recorded in Meru National Park, this is a must visit for the bird lovers and for them its ticking off a lot from their list. with the park having many of the northern Kenya birds, you will have a lot ticked off from your list in one park. The park’s rivers, swamps, and forests provide a variety of habitats for different bird species, from waterbirds and waders to raptors and forest dwellers. Carry your pair of Binoculars, your bird guidebook and your checklist before leaving your hotel and spend the whole day in the park enjoying.
Fishing and Boat Rides
The rivers within Meru National Park offer excellent opportunities for fishing, especially the Rojewero River. Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck at catching catfish and tilapia, while enjoying the serene surroundings but you are encouraged to do it in a sustainable manner. For afternoons after the game drivers in the morning sun, take on a boat cruise along the river to see crocodiles, hippos and other wildlife as they come along the river banks to drink water in the very hot sun.
When is the Best Time to Visit Meru National Park
Meru National Park is one of those parks that can be visited year-round depending on when you have the time available to do your trip in Kenya.
However, there are basically two seasons in Meru that you have to consider when planning a trip and that’s the dry and wet seasons.
The dry season months are from June to September, this is the most popular time for wildlife viewing, the grass is short and dry with wildlife visible and most time concentrating around water sources.
The wet season which is from October to May comes with a lot of lush greenery to the park and is an excellent time for bird watching, as migratory birds arrive and the resident species are more active. The wet season also comes with less crowds in the park but the roads are muddy and more slippery. Get in touch with us for more information.
Obtaining a Visa for Kenya
Kenya has now moved to the new visa online application system which requires all visitors to fill in an online application form and pay the required fees where applicable. The process is simple and less time consuming compared to the old system. Click here for the online application portal to complete your visa.
Our Transportations services.
We have Land cruisers each driven by professionally trained driver guides and fuel. They have pop-up roofs for proper game viewing and photography. They come with a small fridge for cooling your drinking water while on safari (which is always included while IN THE VEHICLE). They have inverters for charging small gadgets such as smartphones and cameras. They can seat five to a maximum of seven people and each client is guaranteed a window seat. 4×4 Vehicle: If traveling by road are highly recommended due to the rough terrain in some areas. Contact us for transportation services.
Accommodation Options in Meru National Park
Meru National Park offers a wide range of accommodation options that suit different budgets and preferences of travelers. Whether you’re looking for luxury lodges, mid-range camps, or budget-friendly options, we will find something that meets your needs.
Luxury Lodges
• Elsa’s Kopje
• Offbeat Meru Camp
Mid-Range Camps
• Ikweta Safari Camp
• Rhino River Camp
Budget Options
• Kinna Guest House
KWS Self Catering
Kinna Cottages
Kinna Guesthouse
Murera Cottages
Meru Guest House
Campsites
Mugunga
Rojawero
Kenmare
Golo 1
Golo 2
Fisi
Kampi Baridi
Chuma
Bwatherongi
Getting to Meru National Park
Meru National Park is accessible by both road and air. Making it easy to reach from various parts of Kenya.
By Air
The quickest way to get to Meru National Park is by air. There are regular flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the Kinna Airstrip in the park. The flight takes about an hour to get there. Contact us for booking domestic flights to Meru National Park.
By Road
Traveling to Meru National Park by road is the most popular option for those who enjoy road trips and want to explore the Kenyan countryside along the way. It’s very scenic and has a lot to offer along the way.
• From Nairobi to Meru National Park the distance is Approximately 350 km and the drive time to get there is approximately 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic and stops on the journey. The most common route to take is via the Nairobi-Nyeri-Nanyuki-Meru road, which is generally the main road and is well-maintained, but some sections around Meru town can be rough, especially after heavy rains. Contact us for assistance.
Is it safe to visit Meru National Park?
Meru National Park is a very safe place to visit Kenya is a country that has prevailing peace and the people also are friendly. Finding crime towards travelers as uncommon as the reserve security does a lot of monitoring work to ensure that this prevails. But like anywhere around the world, you are encouraged to be cautious of your belongings as theft is common especially in the city and urban areas.
Why use Encounter Africa Safaris as your trusted operator.
Encounter Africa Safaris is one of the leading tour operators for the East African region, we have been organizing amazing experiences to Meru National Park for the last 15 years and are in a position to give you the best advice in terms of getting the best out of any penny spent. We have a team of competent safari designers and guides who will make sure that planning and executing your safari is done with ease. Encounter Africa Safaris is owned and run by locals and part of the money paid by you is channeled to benefiting projects that support community development as well as conserving the environment. Follow this easy guide to Meru National Park when choosing to book a safari and I assure you that the package will work out. Encounter Africa safaris is highly recommended on TripAdvisor as well as safari bookings. Feel free to visit these platforms and get to see what other clients say about our service.
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