Do you want to tour a filmed area that is Kenya’s only complete wilderness? Naicef Experts gives you all you need to know about Meru National Park. In this article, you will understand the best time to visit Meru National Park Kenya, the best hotels in Meru National Park, and attractions including Meru National Park Safaris and Tours.
For a quick customized tour, contact Naicef or tap 0799922277
Did you know that Meru has 13 rivers passing through its savanna?
Bisected by 13 rivers and numerous mountain-fed streams, Meru National Park is straddling the equator. The landscapes have huge savannas which dry out in the dry season so staying cool and hydrated.
Meru National Park contains vast grasslands, thorny bush, gushing rivers, and a thick jungle where there are sights of Grevy’s Zebras, elephants, buffalo, hippos, giraffes, and bird species.
Interesting History of Meru National Park Kenya
In 2005, Kenya Wildlife Service in conjunction with Agence Francaise de Development and International Animal Welfare restored the park into one of the best-known attractions in Kenya and Eastern Africa before it was ruined by poaching activities.
The park became a famous conservation area after conservationists Joy and George Adamson raised Elsa the Lioness.
The couple did one of the bestselling book and an award-winning movie in 1966, ‘Born Free’.
In the book and as captured in the movie, Elsa is a Lioness who was adopted and raised by the couple.
Elsa was adopted after her Mother was killed by Adamson in a fierce attack. The couple emotionally raised the lionness and later released her to the wild as an adult.
The story continues deeply with an emotional connection after Elsa dies and is buried in a special gravesite. After Joy and Adamson died, their cremation ashes were sprinkled on the grave of Elsa.
Welcome to our Meru National Park Kenya tour for a more emotional connection with the sweet deep story.
Meru National Park Kenya entrance fees
According to the Kenya Wildlife Service Website, the entry fees for Meru National Park are
International Visitors
Adults- USD 60
Children- USD 35
Rest of African
Adults- USD 30
Children- USD 20
East African Residents
Adults- USD 500
Children- USD 250
East African Residents include Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with a valid passport.
Location of Meru National Park
Meru National Park Kenya is located east of Meru, 350 km from Nairobi. The park covers an area of 870 sq. km. The park has 13 rivers and mountain streams that drain into the Tana River.
In addition to the park, there are additional protected areas in the park and they include:
Kora National Park- 1,787 sq. km
Rahole- 870 sq. km
Bisanadi- 807 sq. km
Mwingi- 745 sq. km
Best time to visit Meru National Park
The park is best visited in the dry seasons from June to October.
During the long rains in the months of March to May, it’s difficult to spot wildlife. This is the same case in the short rains during the months of November to December since animals disperse out of the park and the grass is high so viewing wildlife is difficult.
Meru National Park Accessibility
The park is accessed by road from Nairobi 348 kms via Nyeri-Nanyuki-Meru or Embu all weather roads. By air, amin strip at Kina, Mulika next to Meru Mulika Lodge and Elsa’s Kopje airstrip.
Meru National Park gates for accessibility inside the park include, Murera and Ura gate.
Attractions in Meru National Park Kenya
Dubbed as the wilderness park, there are attractions in the park to make your experience like no other in any national park in Kenya.
Wildlife
In any national park in Kenya, this is a must attraction and in this wilderness park, there’s wildlife including the big five. Wildlife increased especially from 2001 when Kenya Wildlife Service relocated elephants and other species including healthy herds of reedbucks from the Laikipia Plateau.
Other wildlife species found in the park include leopard, cheetah, elephant, lion, both common and Grevy’s Zebra, reticulated giraffe, African Wild Cat, Hippo, Kudu, Black and White Rhino decent sized herds of buffalo. The rest is a surprise when you book with Naicef Travels and our Naicef guide is exceptional at driving and helping you spot safari animals.
Snake lovers be on the watch for Pythons, Puff Adders and Cobras.
Meru Rhino Sanctuary
Located near the gate and covering an area of 80 sq.km, the sanctuary is fenced to allow free movement to smaller animals by the rangers. All the 40 white rhinos and 20 black rhinos are closely monitored and well positioned to allow you to take a picture of them!
Interesting Fact: Meru National Park is notable for having one of Kenya’s successful Rhino Sanctuaries over the years.
Birdlife
The park is a bird hub with 427 bird species and some include Peter’s Finfoot, Pel’s Fishing Owl, Palm -Nut Vulture among others. Carry your binoculars with you to view your favorite bird.
Elsa’s Kopje
This is where the Adamson family raised Elsa. Elsa was a lioness who was adopted by the Adamson family and later released to Meru National Park when she was an adult. Currently, it is one of the luxurious accommodations in Meru National Park.
Adamson’s Falls
These beautiful falls are located inside Meru National Park Kenya and are named after George Adamson. It is a waterfall across the rugged rocky terrain.
Cultural experiences
Get to Know of the local communities and learn about their way of life.
Activities in Meru National Park Kenya
Meru National Park Safaris
Experience wild safari in the wild wilderness park of Meru. There are full day game drives, river safaris and night safaris. All these in the company of a park ranger. During the safaris, be sure to spot one of, if not all, the big five animals- Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo- herds of Buffaloes.
River safaris are the best activities to view bird species that harbor around the riverbanks.
Nature Walks
In Meru National Park, there are two beautiful viewpoints like Rojewero and Boardwalk which are amazing spots to stretch your legs and experience the scenic riverine forest.
During the nature walks, there are good views of crocodiles, hippos and fish eagle spotting. You’ll be able to encounter vegetation mainly, thorny bush land in the North, wooded grasslands elsewhere, having dense riverine forests of Doum and Raffia plain.
Fishing
In the Tana River, cast your line or hook and try your luck catching various fish species.
Camping
Camping under the stars in the wilderness of Meru National Park is a great activity to interact with nature in the wild night.
Meru National Park Accommodations
Hotels in Meru National Park range from campsites to tented lodges. Their positioning makes it to look like a perfect hideaway from the busy city thus making them part of attractions in Kenya. Here is a list:
- Elsa’s Kopje
- Rhino River Camp
- Ilkweta Safari Camp
- Kampi Baridi
- Rojawero
- Meru Guest
- Leopard Rock Lodge
- Golo 1 & 2
Book with Naicef Travels for the best hotel deals in Meru!
Landmarks of Meru National Park
Elsa’s Kopje is a famous kopje of the kopjes that surrounds Meru National Park.
The swamps are a major feature in the park, located in the northern part of the park are good times for spotting animals coming to drink water from the waterhole. The swamps include Mulika, Mururi and Bwatherongi.
Interesting facts about Meru National Park Kenya
The park was discovered by conservationists George Adamson and Joy Adamson who raised Elsa the Lioness made famous in the best-selling book and award-winning movie, “Born free”.
Meru’s successful Rhino Sanctuary now protects 40 white rhinos and 20 black rhinos thus championing the country’s Sustainable Development Goals for the future.
For every Meru National Park tour you take with Naicef, you impact Sustainable tourism through the environment and the local community. Naicef focuses on raising responsible tourists.
For the best Meru National Park safaris, contact Naicef.com or write to my@naicef.com or +254799922277 Not ready now? opt for our Naicef savings plan to visit Mombasa later on.
