Meru National Park is one of Kenya’s quietest and most scenic reserves. Rivers, swamps, open grassland and thick bush make a varied landscape, and visitor numbers stay low, so game drives can feel like you have the park to yourself.
What makes Meru special
- Rhino sanctuary: both black and white rhino are protected inside a fenced sanctuary.
- Wildlife variety: elephant, lion, cheetah, leopard, buffalo, reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra.
- Heritage: Meru is the setting of the story of Elsa the lioness, made famous by Joy and George Adamson.
- Peace and quiet: a good choice if you want to avoid crowds.
Best time to visit
The dry months of June to September and December to February offer the easiest game viewing. In the rains the park turns green and remote.
Getting to Meru
A short scheduled flight from Nairobi is the simplest way to reach Meru. It combines well with Samburu and the Masai Mara, as on our 9-Day Luxury Fly-in Kenya Safari.