- Kenya
- 870 km² (87,000 hectares)
- 1966
- Meru
- The "Big Five," plus the "Northern Special Five"; famous as the setting for Born Free.
- Moderate risk; prophylaxis is recommended.
- ~0°11′N 38°12′E
- Mostly unfenced, but contains a highly secure 84 km² fenced rhino sanctuary.
- 13 rivers and spring-fed streams, doum palm forest, dense riverine thickets, and open baobab-studded savannah.
- (dry season) for the best wildlife viewing as animals gather at rivers; is also excellent.
Known as the "Complete Wilderness," Meru National Park is one of Kenya’s most beautiful and untamed destinations. It gained worldwide fame through the story of , raised here by George and Joy Adamson. Despite its history, it remains rugged and off-the-beaten-path, offering a solitary experience far from the crowds of the Maasai Mara.
- Murera Gate (via Maua) and Ura Gate (via Embu).
- Daily scheduled flights from Nairobi Wilson (WIL) to the Mulika Lodge or Elsa’s Kopje airstrips (~45–60 minutes).
- ~5–6 hours (350 km) from Nairobi. The route via Nanyuki is scenic and passes through the foothills of Mt. Kenya.
- Can be challenging and thick with vegetation; a 4WD vehicle is essential, especially after rains.
- The park is bisected by numerous permanent streams and the Tana River, creating lush corridors in an arid landscape.
- Unique mix of verdant swamps and thick riverine forests of Doum and Raffia palms.
- The plains are dotted with massive, artistic termite mounds that define the skyline.
- The park features a large, dedicated sanctuary that is home to both Black and White rhinos.
- Like Samburu, you can find the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and Beisa oryx here.
- Meru is legendary "Lion Country," with healthy prides often seen resting on the granite kopjes (hills).
- Over 427 species, including the rare Pel’s fishing owl and Peter’s finfoot found along the rivers.
Best visibility; elephants and buffalo gather at rivers in massive herds.
Great for photography and spotting predators.
The "Emerald Season"; beautiful but tall grass makes tracking difficult.
- Home to iconic lodges like Elsa’s Kopje, built into the rocks of Mughwango Hill.
- Several public and private campsites offer a raw, "Born Free" style experience.
- Permitted in some of the park's rivers (targeting barbus and catfish).
Meru is for the true explorer. It combines the riverine beauty of Samburu with the rhino-guarantees of Ol Pejeta, all while maintaining a sense of total isolation. It is arguably Kenya's best-kept secret.