Overview
Meru safari holidays
Meru National Park, a small hidden gem in central Kenya, offers a more intimate safari experience compared to its more famous counterparts.
Spanning a diverse landscape of lush woodlands, rolling savannahs, and winding riverbanks, it is bisected by over 13 rivers and streams, giving it a greener, more fertile appearance than much of Northern Kenya.
Meru is perhaps best known as the setting for the book and film Born Free, and visitors can explore the park’s south to find the grave of Elsa the lioness, the beloved star of the story. The park is also home to the Big Five and a rhino sanctuary, offering wildlife viewing in a peaceful, uncrowded environment.
Close to the Samburu tribe people’s unique cultural experiences and the private conservancies of Lewa and Laikipia, Meru makes for an ideal stop on a luxury family safari through Northern Kenya.
Overview
Meru safari holidays
Where is Meru National Park?
Meru National Park is located in central Kenya, northeast of Mount Kenya, and covers an area of 870 square kilometres.
This lesser-known park is part of the larger Meru Conservation Area and offers a tranquil escape for those looking to explore Kenya’s diverse landscapes away from the busier safari circuits.
The park is accessible by road from Nairobi, a journey of around 350 kilometres, or via charter flights to nearby airstrips at Kina and Elsa’s Kopje.
What to do in Meru National Park?
Meru National Park, still fairly unexplored by tourists, offers a more wild and exclusive safari experience in Northern Kenya.
With only Elsa’s Kopje lodge permitted to operate night drives and game walks through the park, it will often seem that you are enjoying a private game drive through the wilderness.
Spot the Big Five, especially the park’s 900 resident elephants, as well as the more unique Northern Five consisting of the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, the beisa oryx, the gerenuk and the Somali ostrich. All trips to Meru must include a visit to the drive-in rhino sanctuary, boasting over 40 white rhinos and 20 of the critically endangered black rhino.
The region’s many waterways, including the Tana and Rojewero Rivers, make it ideal for a spectacular boat safari where you can spot leopards lounging in overhanging branches as well as hippos and Nile crocodiles gliding past.
And the fittest families can end their trip to the park with a guided walk to the top of Mughwango Hill, where you can enjoy uninterrupted 360 degree views, with Mount Kenya in the west to the vast Meru plains in the east.
Best time to visit?
For your best chance of spotting the wildlife that Meru has to offer, visit during the drier months from June to October. During this time, large groups of animals in search of water congregate around the few remaining water sources ensuring reliable wildlife spotting.
However, the wet season from November to April is perfect for birding enthusiasts as this is the time when the migrants from Europe and North Africa are present and widespread nesting takes place.
The months of December to March provide a happy balance between abundant bird spotting, slightly less rainy conditions and cheap rates.
Who should visit?
Meru National Park is perfect for luxury family travellers seeking an off-the-beaten-path safari experience.
With its peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere, families can enjoy exclusive game drives, spotting the Big Five and the unique Northern Five in a more intimate setting. Children will love the thrilling boat safaris along the rivers, while adventurous families can hike to Mughwango Hill for breathtaking views.
The park’s diverse wildlife, rich history, and serene environment make it ideal for those wanting a truly immersive and unforgettable African safari.
Places to stay
Recommended Meru accommodation
Places to stay
Recommended Meru accommodation
Why travel with Coral Tree?
We are the specialists in luxury Africa family safari holidays
We are Africa experts and also parents. We understand what makes a memorable family adventure.
Our knowledge and connections are unsurpassed
We have been living and working in African tourism for over two decades.
Every journey is tailored with your specific wishes in mind
No off-the-shelf packages or cookie-cutter itineraries. Unique family safaris.
Each trip funds grassroots conservation and girls education projects
You pay no more for the privilege, we support causes close to our hearts.
