Safari Experience
Discover Meru National Park Kenya |Big 5 Safari & Born Free Legacy
Discover Meru National Park’s wild beauty with its diverse landscapes, Big Five wildlife, over 400 bird species, and rich history as the home of Elsa the Lioness. Enjoy uncrowded game drives, lush rivers, and stunning scenery in one of Kenya’s most underrated safari gems.
Meru National Park Kenya |Big 5 Safari & Born Free Legacy Overview
Nestled in the remote eastern region of Kenya, Meru National Park is one of the country’s most pristine and underrated safari parks. Covering an area of approximately 870 square kilometers, Meru offers breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and a peaceful safari experience far from the crowds found in more famous destinations like the Masai Mara or Amboseli. Meru’s landscape is dramatic and varied, with open grasslands, acacia woodlands, lush swamps, and dense riverine forests. The park is crisscrossed by 13 permanent rivers and numerous streams, including the Tana, Rojewero, and Ura Rivers, which provide vital water sources for wildlife and vegetation. This abundance of water supports an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, making Meru one of Kenya’s most ecologically rich parks. The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and both black and white rhinos, which are protected in a dedicated rhino sanctuary within the park. Visitors can also see cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, reticulated giraffes, Grevy’s zebras, oryx, lesser kudus, and numerous species of antelopes. Meru’s relatively low tourist traffic makes wildlife viewing more intimate and natural, with fewer vehicles around sightings. Bird enthusiasts will be equally impressed—over 400 bird species have been recorded in the park. From vibrant kingfishers and bee-eaters to rare species like the Pel’s fishing owl, Meru offers excellent birdwatching, especially along the rivers and swamps. Meru National Park is also famously associated with the story of Elsa the Lioness, raised by George and Joy Adamson and made world-famous through the book and film Born Free. The couple lived and worked in Meru, where they pioneered wildlife rehabilitation. Elsa’s Kopje, a luxury lodge built into the rocky outcrop where the Adamsons lived, remains a tribute to their legacy and offers one of the most iconic views in the park. The park offers a variety of activities for visitors. Game drives are the primary way to explore, with a well-maintained network of roads offering access to the park’s diverse ecosystems. Guided nature walks in select areas allow visitors to experience the bush on foot, while cultural visits to nearby Meru and Borana communities provide insight into traditional ways of life.
Quick Facts
Location
Kenya
Best Time to Visit
June to October and January to February
Size
870 square kilometers
Safari Packages
3 available packages
Highlights
Discover Meru National Park’s wild beauty with its diverse landscapes, Big Five wildlife, over 400 bird species, and rich history as the home of Elsa the Lioness. Enjoy uncrowded game drives, lush rivers, and stunning scenery in one of Kenya’s most underrated safari gems.
How to Get There
6 to 7 hours’ drive from Nairobi
Safari Packages in Meru National Park Kenya |Big 5 Safari & Born Free Legacy
9 Days Africa Safari Vacation Kenya
mid_rangeThe 9 Days Africa Safari Vacation Kenya offers an immersive journey through Kenya’s diverse and iconic parks. Begin in Meru National Park, a lush sanctuary near Mount Kenya with abundant wildlife and prolific birdlife. Explore Samburu National Reserve’s unique semi-arid landscapes, home to the Samburu Special Five and thriving big cats. Visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a leader in rhino conservation and home to chimpanzees and rare northern white rhinos. Experience Lake Naivasha’s tranquil waters and outdoor activities like boat rides and cycling in Hell’s Gate National Park. Conclude in the legendary Masai Mara, famed for its big cats, diverse herbivores, and the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration. This luxury safari blends expert guiding, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable wildlife encounters for families, groups, and solo travelers.
Destinations
Lake NaivashaMasai Mara Kenya SafariMeru National Park Kenya |Big 5 Safari & Born Free Legacy+2 more
Experiences
Africa Safari Game Drive Experience | Unforgettable Wildlife AdventuresAfrica Safari Road Trip | Explore Wild Africa by Road
9 Days, 8 Nights
$3180
per person
7 Days Exquisite Kenya Safari Itinerary
luxuryThe 7 Days Exquisite Kenya Safari Itinerary offers an immersive journey through Kenya’s pristine wildlife sanctuaries. Begin at Solio Rhino Sanctuary, a private reserve home to thriving black and white rhino populations alongside lions, leopards, and zebras. Explore Aberdare National Park’s stunning landscapes, waterfalls, and rich biodiversity, including rare melanistic leopards and serval cats. Discover Meru National Park’s unspoiled wilderness with abundant birdlife, elephants, rhinos, and the legacy of lioness Elsa. Experience Samburu National Reserve’s unique semi-arid ecosystem, home to the Samburu Special Five, big cats, and vibrant bird species. This luxury safari combines expert guiding, tailored game drives, and cultural encounters for an unforgettable African adventure.
Destinations
Aberdare National Park, Kenya | Wildlife, Waterfalls & Scenic BeautyMeru National Park Kenya |Big 5 Safari & Born Free LegacyNairobi City, Kenya | Culture, Wildlife & Urban Adventure+2 more
Experiences
Africa Safari Game Drive Experience | Unforgettable Wildlife AdventuresAfrica Safari Road Trip | Explore Wild Africa by Road
7 Days, 6 Nights
$2000
per person
4 Days Kenya Safari Meru Park
mid_rangeExplore the diverse wilderness of Meru National Park on this 4-day Kenya Safari. Nestled in the rain shadow of Mount Kenya, Meru boasts 13 rivers feeding Kenya’s longest river, the Tana, and a landscape ranging from highland forests to semi-arid plains dotted with baobabs and commiphora trees. Discover the rhino sanctuary protecting black and white rhinos, witness lion prides, and spot endangered Grevy’s zebra. Follow in the footsteps of Elsa the lioness, reintroduced by George and Joy Adamson, whose legacy lives on here. Enjoy tailored game drives, birdwatching with over 400 species including the rare Pels fishing owl and African finfoot, and guided walks offering stunning views. This mid-range luxury safari offers an authentic, unspoiled African wilderness experience.
Destinations
Meru National Park Kenya |Big 5 Safari & Born Free LegacyNairobi City, Kenya | Culture, Wildlife & Urban Adventure
Experiences
Africa Safari Game Drive Experience | Unforgettable Wildlife AdventuresAfrica Safari Road Trip | Explore Wild Africa by Road
4 Days, 3 Nights
$1170
per person
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