Kenya’s hidden gem: Meru National Park

Mount Kenya region

Welcome to one of the largest and most beautiful National Parks of Kenya. Meru National Park is a vast and varied ecosystem, situated to the east of Mount Kenya. It does not often get included into the trip itineraries, whilst it is definitely worth a long and thorough exploration. Meru National Park is a perfect destination for a curious wildlife enthusiast with passion for calm landscapes, long game drives, the story of Lioness Elsa of Born Free, encounters with Big Five and watching beautiful birds.

  • Meru National Park was one of the two areas where Joy and George Adamson raised the lioness Elsa. The grave of Elsa is located on the National Park’s territory: at the Park’s southern end, off the northern bank of Ura River.
  • This is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 400 bird species recorded.
  • Established as a National Park in 1966 and governed by Kenya Wildlife Service.
  • Home of African bush elephant, hippo, Grevy’s zebra, leopard, cheetah, eastern black rhino, southern white rhino and many others.
Waterways, home to many wild inhabitants, define many game drive routes here
Grasslands and doum palms of Meru National Park
Roads are comfortable even for a full day game drive
Waterbuck, zebra, lesser kudu, hartebeest share generous grasslands

There are two roads to Meru National Park from Nairobi:

  • Via Nyeri and Nanyuki. This travel option is perfect for those who wish to visit Aberdare area, Mount Kenya and game reserves nearby (we recommend Ol Pejeta game reserve), and Samburu National Park. You will experience a drive with increasing altitudes, stunning scenery and many encounters with developing rural Kenya.
  • Via Embu to Meru. A busier road with local traffic, more suitable for experienced drivers familiar with the area.

Ikweta Safari Camp

We recommend Ikweta Safari Camp: the home of affordable safari luxury, just 2 km away from the Murera Gate of Meru National Park. Their tents are large, beautifully decorated with local crafts and well equipped with carefully maintained facilities. At Ikweta Safari Camp you will also find an excellent swimming pool, well supplied restaurant and a great setting for a romantic dinner under the star studded sky.

Planning your trip to Meru National Park

Empakaai Cultural Safari team is always here to help you plan and organise your trip to Meru National Park, or create a tailor made trip including this exciting hidden gem of Kenyan wildlife.

Treat your body, mind and senses with wild nature of Meru National Park… and a stunning sunset!

Visit our Instagram @empakaai_cultural_safari for more impressions from Meru National Park. Write to us: empakaai.cultural.safari@gmail.com

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