Meru national park is described as complete wilderness. It was initially gazetted as a national park in 1990, following of the death George Adamson by poachers. The park is located east of Meru, 350 from Nairobi. It covers 340 square meters. The park is one of the most known national parks in Kenya however, it is the least in them. River Tana crosses through Meru national park.

The rainfall in this area is very abundant with 635-762 mm. this rainfall results to growing of tall trees and lush swamps. 13 rivers cross cut through the park. The park is surrounded by small reserves that include; Kora, Rahole, North Kitui and Bisandi,   The park has jungles, rivers, grasslands, swamps, as well as termites created mounds. The park is famous because the film Born free created by George Adamson and Joy Adamson in 1966 and was established in 1968. They also raised Elsa the Lioness. Elsa the lioness is buried in this park and park of Joy Adamson’s ashes were scattered on her gravesite. The park entrance fee for foreigners is usd 70 and for citizens it’s KES 1500 

What to See In Meru National Park.

Wild life; Meru national park is a habitat to all the big 5 animals that include the lions, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes and leopard. It also has other different kinds of animals that include; Grevy’s zebras, Bohor reedbucks, Harte beests, dik-dik, bush backs. The park also has reptiles that include Pythons, Puff adders among others.  Birds; Meru national park is rich with over 300 bird species that include; wattled starling, Somali ostrich, long tailed fiscal, Hartland’s bustard, eastern chanting pigeon, Columba guinea, rameron pigeon, white billed go away bird, secretary bird, red necked falcon, rollers, brown becked woodpecker, hornbills, sunbirds, palm nut vultures. Vegetation; Meru national park is covered with a wide range of vibrant vegetation that is categorized into 5 ; the woodland of 1036m, the termite molds, khaki grassland and they rivers. Few people are comparable with the atmosphere found here. The park has a lot of unspoilt and untampered with areas.

Weather and Climate

 The park is warm and humid throughout the year.  The dry season is between November – April;. The wet season starts from around May up to October being with a lot heavier rains. The park also experiences periodic winds that can bring dust, storms and cooler temperature depending on the direction they are blowing and all this effect is because of being near the Equator.

Adamson’s fall

This is a 50 meters high falls that are found in the Hastings. The Falls were named after the first European to settle around the park and this was George Adamson and his wife Joy Adamson. They were prominent conservationists. The fall can be accessed during nature walk activity

Kora national park

The national park is a park on its own by the George Adamson Bridge separate from Meru national park. It has a ton of different amazing attractions that would be wondering to explore. George and Joy Adamson lived around Kora national park ad when George Adamson died, he was buried on this side of the park.

Activities to Do in Meru National Park

Game Drive; for a national park that has previously faced poaching, the number of unique animals to find is high. The pack some of the most rare animals. Meru national park has wildlife that include; dik-dik antelope, lions, Grey’s zebras, plain zebras, hart beests, cheetahs, bushbucks, buffaloes among other animals. The animals in the river include; crocodiles and hippos.  The park has the big 5 animals present in the park. They cats are more difficult to see in the park due to the thick trees and tall grass cover of the bush land in the park. The park has experienced game rangers to locate them during a game drive.

Bird Watching

The national park is rich with over 300 bird species that include; wattled sterling, Somali ostrich, long tailed fiscal, Hartland’s bustard, eastern chanting goshawk speced pigeon, Columba guinea, rameron pigeon, white billed go away bird, secretary bird, red necked falcon, rollers, brown becked woodpecker, hornbills, masai ostrich, sunbirds, palm nut vultures. These different kinds of birds can be seen on the river, in the forest or in open Savanah. 

Cultural Tours

The generosity of the community has boosted the number of tourists that visit the national park. On the slopes of Nyambene hill to the west of the park, are the Meru people who are predominately agriculturalist with a lot of land having Catha edulis plants and coffee. The people have a rich diversity which is explained to tourists. The cultural encounter includes performing cultural dances and music performance through singing songs for tourists. There is also traditional demonstration of traditional pottery making which is a good experience for the tourists. Nature walks In the park not only do the park rangers shows tourists the giant wildlife but also encourages them to focus even on the smaller details in wild life. This helps them to identify animals like Bohor reedbuck, wallowing buffalos, the elusive caracal and different bird species that are over 300 Fishing Try your chances at fishing because it is really a wonderful experience especially when you catch a fish. Settle down with your rod and put a fishing net in the water s you are served with your favourite cold drink as you are gazing at the birds in the sky singing while watching the quite waters. Try various techniques until you catch some of the catfish, barbus and tilapia that inhabit in the river. You can choose to spend the whole day fishing or just some hours, the choice is yours.

How to Get To Meru National Park

The park can be accessed by both air and road. By Air Scheduled flights can be used to reach the park. They come from Nairobi to either one of these airstrips that include; Mulika, Kina and Elsa Kopje’s airstrip By Road You can reach Meru national park via Njeri-Nanyuki route. One can even use Embu to Ura gate.  When you get interest in going for a safari tour in Meru national park, please contact us so that we can create an itinerary for you.