Meru National Park – Explore Kenya’s Untamed Safari Gem
Tucked away in the remote north of Kenya lies Meru National Park, a breathtaking, uncrowded wildlife haven made famous by Elsa the Lioness from the Born Free story. This rugged landscape of rivers, baobab trees, and rolling savannah offers one of the most authentic safari experiences in East Africa — without the crowds of more commercial parks.
If you’re seeking a quiet, off-the-beaten-path Kenya safari park, Meru is your perfect escape.
Location: 310 km from Nairobi
Why Visit Meru National Park?
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveler, Meru safari tours deliver raw, untouched Kenya.
Top Reasons to Visit:
Wildlife in Meru National Park
Unlike the busier Masai Mara, Meru National Park wildlife is wild, elusive, and pure. On a typical game drive, expect to encounter:
Lions (including descendants of Elsa)
African elephants
White and black rhinos (rhino sanctuary zone)
Buffaloes
Leopards and cheetahs
Nile crocodiles and hippos
Colobus and vervet monkeys
Kingfishers, hornbills, secretary birds & more
Meru is one of the few parks in Kenya where you can spot the Big Five — including rhinos — without tourist traffic.
Things to Do in Meru National Park
Game Drives – With expert guides and pop-up safari vehicles
Rhino Sanctuary Visits – Meet protected white & black rhinos
Bird Watching Safaris – Ideal for ornithologists and photographers
Tana River Walks & River Views – Incredible scenery and rare sightings
Born Free Trail – Visit Elsa’s grave and the site of the original lion rescue
Best for photographers, honeymooners, and safari-goers seeking solitude.
Best Time to Visit Meru National Park
| Season | Months | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | Jan–Mar, Jun–Oct | Clear skies, excellent wildlife viewing |
| Green Season | Apr–May, Nov–Dec | Lush greenery, fewer tourists, great birdlife |
Wildlife viewing is possible year-round thanks to the park’s river systems.
Meru Safari Packages
3-Day Meru Safari Tour from Nairobi
Includes park entrance, accommodation, all game drives, and transfer.
5-Day Meru + Samburu Combo Safari
Perfect for spotting the Big Five plus Samburu’s unique species.
Meru, Ol Pejeta, Mount Kenya, and Samburu in one expertly curated tour.
How to Get to Meru National Park
By Road: 5.5–6 hours from Nairobi via Embu–Isiolo highway
By Air: Scheduled flights to Kinna or Mulika airstrips
Private Transfers: Available in safari packages
Park Entrance Fee (as of 2025):
Citizen | Resident | Non-Resident | |||
Adults KSH | Child KSH | Adult KSH | Child KSH | Adult USD | Child USD |
300 | 215 | 300 | 215 | 52 | 35 |
Where to Stay in Meru
We partner with top lodges and tented camps:
Elsa’s Kopje – Luxury lodge built on the original Elsa site
Rhino River Camp – Mid-range luxury with river views
Ikweta Safari Camp – Budget-friendly and family-safe
Book Your Meru Safari Today
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Let us help you design your custom Meru safari tour — peaceful, authentic, and unforgettable.
Meru National Park – Frequently Asked Questions
It’s the setting of the famous Born Free book and movie, and home to Elsa the lioness. It offers raw, untouched wilderness, rhinos, and peaceful safaris.
You can spot elephants, rhinos, lions, buffaloes, hippos, leopards, and over 300 species of birds.
January to March and June to October offer the best game viewing. April and May are wetter but beautiful and quiet.
By road: 5.5–6 hours. By air: Flights available to Kinna or Mulika.
Yes! We recommend combining with Samburu, Ol Pejeta, or Mount Kenya for the ultimate Northern Kenya safari.
