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If Meru National Park were elsewhere in Kenya, it would be filled with visitors, and yet you may have it all to yourself. It’s a beautiful park and one of Kenya’s little-known gems. All of the Big Five are here, and all three big cats are a possibility. Down in the park’s south, you can even see the grave of Elsa the lioness, star of the movie ‘Born Free’. The park also has a rhino sanctuary where sightings are possible.
Best Time to Visit
Meru National Park can be visited throughout the year, but wildlife viewing is best in the Dry season from June to October. Seeing wildlife is usually more difficult during the long rains (March to May) and the short rains (November to December), when animals (including elephants) disperse and migrate out of the park. During this time the grass also tends to be very high, making spotting animals more difficult.
June to October –Dry Season
November to May –Wet Season
Scenery
As you drive into the park for the first time, it’s hard not to fall in love with the dramatic scenery: distant hills rise from the horizon with tall doum palms silhouetted against the sky. The Rojewero and Tana Rivers are lined with lush vegetation, and the palms, baobab trees, and red soil provide a striking background for the park’s many animals.
Activities
Guided game drives are the main activities in Meru National Park. These are an opportunity to enjoy the wildlife (including birds) and scenery, and to learn about them from an expert guide. The only place where you’re allowed out of your vehicle in the park is at one of the campsites, or at the viewing platforms overlooking the Rojewero River.
From: $204 to $1,223 pp/day
From: June to October (Little to no rainfall)
From: December to March and July to October (Not busy)
From: 870km² / 336mi²
Meru National Park offers good overall wildlife viewing and is home to the Big Five. Elephants are particularly common and relaxed. Big cat sightings aren’t guaranteed but all three are possible. There is a chance of spotting a white or black rhino in the drive-in rhino sanctuary, although the vegetation is extremely thick, making black rhino less likely. Hippos and Nile crocodiles are common along the Tana and Rojewero Rivers.
Wildlife Highlights
Meru is developing a reputation for lion and leopard sightings (look for the latter draped along a branch close to the rivers). Meru is also known for its northern Kenyan specials, which are specially adapted to arid conditions. The reticulated giraffe is distinguishable by its dramatic pattern. This is one of few places to encounter the shy lesser kudu, the impressive-looking Beisa oryx, and the gerenuk with its elongated neck.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing in Meru is best during the Dry season (June to October) when animals gather around predictable water sources. Spotting animals is usually more difficult during the long rains (March to May) and short rains (November to December) when the grass tends to be very high. In the rainy season, elephants and some other species move out of the park.
Meru National Park has a hot, arid climate. Temperatures are fairly uniform throughout the year. Daytime temperatures are around 29°C/84°F, and at night temperatures fall to about 19°C/66°F. The Wet season from November to May is characterized by two periods of rain: the short rains peak in November, and the long rains peak in April.
Dry Season –June to October
It is hot, sunny and dry. It seldom rains and humidity is very low. The temperature peaks in October, but the first rains break the heat and bring relief.
Wet Season –November to May
The Wet season is divided into three parts: the short rains from November to December; the long rains from March to May; and a dry period in between. Aside from April and November, rainfall figures aren’t very high.
Your entry point to Kenya will most likely be Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), 15km/9 mi southeast of the capital city Nairobi.
Meru National Park is 355km/220 mi northeast of Nairobi (a drive of 6 to 8 hours*) and 60km/37 mi east of Meru town (a drive of 1 hour*). Many people visit Meru by 4WD on an organized safari while visiting several other parks. The distance from Samburu National Reserve is about 150km/90 mi and the driving time is around 2½ hours*. Ol Pejeta Conservancy and the conservancies of Laikipia can also be easily combined with Meru.
*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.
Airlines & Ticket Prices
Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), and what tickets would cost.
Domestic Flights
There are daily scheduled flights from Nairobi to one of two airstrips inside the park. It is also possible to organize a private charter from any other park, or from the town of Nanyuki. Charter flights between parks are usually booked by tour operators as part of the tour package.
Scheduled flights to Meru National Park can be booked with AirKenya. They leave from Wilson Airport (WIL), 6km/4 mi south of Nairobi, as well as Lewa Downs, Loisaba, Nanyuki, Samburu, and the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Passport, Visa & Other Entry Requirements
Please check our Getting There – Kenya page to learn more about passports, visas, COVID-19, and other entry requirements.
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