Meru National Park
Meru Safari Park
“A complete wilderness”
Located east of Meru County is the quieter Meru National Park, covering an area of 870 sq.km. Meru National Park is where Elsa the lioness was released into the wild. Additionally, the park is largely set in the wilderness yet strikingly beautiful, and features about 13 rivers which in turn supports a wide range of wildlife and diverse habitats. In addition, it’s a bird watchers paradise as several rare bird species are found here.
Best known through the film Born Free, Meru National Park rises on the broad northeastern slopes of Mount Kenya(second highest mountain in Africa), in the country’s Central Highlands, and also borders Bisanadi National Reserve to the north east and Kora National Park to the south east.
Meru was the home of Elsa the Lioness, an orphaned cub that conservationists George Adamson and Joy Adamson had rescued, raised and later released into the wild. The award-winning movie “Born Free” is based on the Adamsons’ lives and research on lions and cheetahs. This is an old story worth revisiting. Down in the park’s south, Elsa the Lioness is buried in this park and part of Joy’s ashes were scattered on her gravesite.
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Meru Park, Landscape & Scenery
Much of Meru National Park is flat or gently undulating, whereas huge areas are thickly covered in a base of tall grass savanna, which makes game-viewing quite challenging shortly after the main rainy seasons in late May and November. It covers habitats that range from lush green vegetation on rich volcanic soils to semi-arid scrublands and open plains.
As you discover the park on game drives for the first time, it’s hard not to fall in love with the scenery; the Park comprises 870 sq. km of expansive grasslands, fantastic koppies and views, fertile bush and acacia woodland, largely attracting all five members of the Big Five safari animals. In addition, the park’s beautiful rivers and streams attract plentiful hippo, crocodile and freshwater turtle; – a jungle-like environment that features tall doum palms, commiphora trees and venerable baobab trees that are scattered across the horizon.
The Best Tourist Attractions In Meru Park
What are the popular landmarks in Meru National Park? On your safari to Meru Park; apart from the inviting scenery and game drives which will bring you up-close to wildlife, and a series of bird species; – there is more to it.
1. Meru Rhino Sanctuary
Meru Rhino Sanctuary; this came into existence after the Kenyan government responded decisively and drove out the poachers and restored strong security. Meru Rhino Sanctuary remains one of Meru’s successful rhino sanctuary, and as a result, we can now see both black and white rhino as well as healthy herds of reedbuck. This secure area covers an area of 80km², and is within the park beside the western boundary near the main gate. We highly recommend a trip to the rhino sanctuary where you can enjoy rhino sightings, and be able to take pictures at close range.
2. Adamson’s Falls and Rapids
Adamson’s Falls and Rapids; both Tana River and Adamson’s Falls are some of the key features of Meru National Park. Just next to Tana River, Adamson’s Falls is a series of fast rapids cascading across rugged rocky terrain where the broad Tana River flows through a district of hard rock. The cascading waterfall is most commonly visited as a full-day trip.
In addition to the Adamson’s Falls, the swamps in the northern part of the park are also a major feature: the most permanent – Mulika, Mururi and Bwatherongi – make particularly good targets for game drives during the dry season, when they can be full of buffalo and big herds of elephants. Mururi swamp and part of Bwatherongi swamp are inside the rhino sanctuary.
3. Elsa’s Grave
Elsa’s Grave: Meru National Park is the location where the famous George and Joy Adamson raised the lioness named Elsa. After the release of the 1966 film ‘Born Free’ which memorialized the story of the raised orphan lioness named “Elsa” by animal conservationist Joy Adamson. Elsa was eventually released into Meru National Park to live wild, and her final resting place is marked by a small gravesite on the park’s southern boundary among the often abstract shaped weathered granite blocks that have been formed by the waters.
4. Tana River
Tana River; the Tana River combined with the Rojerwero and Ura Rivers are the permanent rivers that flow through Meru. Additionally, each of these rivers are lined with a lush riverine forest, raphia palms, baobab trees and red soil provide a striking background for the park’s many animals. Bear in mind that most of the 13 Rivers that intersect Meru Park originate from the vast Tana River. These waterways are fed by springs on Nyambeni Mountains, the river winds down the sloping foothills, splitting into smaller rivers at the other end of the park. River Tana spans over 1000km, and is the longest river in Kenya.
Top 5 Things To Do In Meru Park
Discover some of the best things to do in Meru National Park. The setting and climate of the Laikipia region allows for quality wildlife viewing all-round the year; from scheduled game drives, sundowners, hiking, bush meals, and guided nature walks. Away from the beautiful rocky Koppies, and landscape setting; let’s have a look at the noteworthy activities that Meru Park offers.
1. Game Viewing In Meru National Park
Wildlife is varied and plentiful, making guided game drives the main activity in Meru National Park. As the park is not packed with tourists, it provides a very authentic safari experience, an opportunity to enjoy the wildlife; – including birds and scenery, in the company of an expert guide.
2. Guided Walks In Meru National Park
Bush walks in Meru National Park allows you to take the time to leave the 4X4 safari vehicle behind and enjoy the small things – nature trails, the nearby farms, or simply the villages.
You can leave the confines of the lodge and enjoy a climb up to the very top of Mughwango Hill, enjoying a 360 degree view from snow-capped Mt Kenya in the west. Bear in mind some of these nature walks are within the lodge’s compound, with carved paths which will allow you to walk comfortably around the pristine environment on foot.
3. Bush Meals & Sundowners In Meru National Park
Bush breakfasts provides the rare chance to enjoy a full breakfast, in the middle of the expansive Meru plains, surrounded by wildlife. Ask us early, to arrange for a bush breakfast or a bush lunch.
Sundowners are the ideal way to end your day; as a safari tradition, after a day of safari drives in the park; stop, watch the golden sunset; traditionally with a gin and tonic in hand. Take a moment to sit back, enjoy the sinking sunset views, as you enjoy a drink with a view from a vantage point.
4. River Fishing In Meru National Park
The fishing is fun, with plentiful catfish, tilapia and barbell. Share your prey with herons, monitor lizards and spectacular kingfishers. Take your rod, and enjoy a morning or afternoon fishing in one of the many palm lined river banks of Meru National Park.
5. Birdwatching In Meru National Park
As you discover the park on exciting game drives, great rewards await keen bird watchers as the bird life is exceptionally diverse. With more than 427 species of birds recorded, Meru happily provides a good birding safari experience.
Animals & Wildlife In Meru Park
History aside, the park is home to the Big5 (lion, rhino, leopard, Cape buffalo and African elephant); in addition to loads of other species including the, cheetahs, black rhinoceros, white rhinoceros, Grévy’s zebra, giraffe, zebra, oryx, kudu and gazelles. Watch out for the leopards along the Rojewero River. Additionally, the park’s fine-looking rivers and streams attract plentiful hippos, Nile crocodiles and freshwater turtle, mostly along the Tana and Rojewero Rivers.
Meru Rhino Sanctuary – this 80km² rhino sanctuary is home to over 40 white rhino, and 20 black rhino and several babies.
Meru Park’s classic bush landscapes supports a healthy population of birdlife, with highlights like ostriches, numerous raptors, Pel’s fishing owl, spectacular sunbirds and starlings, and rare types such as the giant kingfisher.
Birds & Birdlife In Meru National Park
More than 427 bird species have been recorded in Meru National Park, labeling the park as an excellent birding destination. Discover Meru’s birdlife; from vulturine guineafowl, the Somali ostrich, Boran cisticola; – which you’ll see as you move around on game drives. Look out for red-necked falcons, the noisy yellow-necked spurfowl, and the shy African finfoot among others.
Popular Birds In Meru National Park
Eastern chanting goshawk, Hartlaub’s bustard, Long-tailed fiscal, Somali ostrich, and Wattled starling
List Of Birds In Meru National Park
African finfoot, Bat hawk, Black-faced sandgrouse, Boran cisticola, Buff-crested bustard, Golden palm weaver (E), Golden-breasted starling, Grant’s wood-hoopoe, Hinde’s pied babbler (E), Martial eagle, Northern pied babbler, Palm-nut vulture, Pel’s fishing-owl, Rufous chatterer, Saddle-billed stork, Somali bee-eater, Somali ostrich, Taita fiscal, Vulturine guineafowl, Yellow-necked spurfowl and many more
Best Time To Visit Meru National Park
Though Meru National Park can be visited throughout the year, wildlife watching is best viewed in the dry months from June to October and again from January to March; during this time there is little to no rainfall, and climate conditions in the park are favorable for wildlife watching. The animals can be spotted around the nearby water holes as they quench their thirst. Now this is a good time to plan a trip to Meru, the Dry season June to October.
Meru’s wet safari seasons comprise November and April, and during this time is when animals spread out and migrate deep inside the park. During this time the grass also tends to be very high, making spotting animals more involving.
The Weather & Climate At Meru National Park
Together with other top Kenya safari parks, while planning safaris to Meru National Park and the whole of Nairobi, in general be prepared to for a hot, dry climate. As for Meru Park, most of the dry season months; June to October sees very little rainfall, although come October, this changes as the rainfall gears up welcoming the wet season from late November and in between May.
Given that Meru Park experiences a hot, arid climate, expect the temperatures to be equally uniform through the year. Additionally, being near the equator, the temperatures at Meru warrants a consistent daytime temperatures ranging at 29°C/84°F, and in turn cold nights is the case here when temperatures slightly fall. Meru’s wet season usually starts around May, late October and November, bringing with it a higher humidity and short afternoon showers which happens unexpectedly, although the rain does not last for long. As well, during this time temperatures remain fairly high.
Dry Season In Meru National Park – June to October
Visiting Meru National Park In June, July, August, September, October; this is a period mostly characterized by hot, sunny and dry climate. Additionally, it’s a period that sees plenty of blue-sky days with temperatures averaging at about 28°C/86°F. Noticeably, the evenings and early mornings are cooler and at times cold; – we recommend that you carry with you warm clothes for the morning game drives. Therefore in summary, the weather is very pleasant in the Dry season.
Visiting Meru National Park In November & December – the rain might start in early November, and you might feel the temperatures building up before the rains and will drop immediately after. But still, the conditions are sunny with the occasional showers. Temperatures climb to around 24°C/75°F in the afternoon, but the beginning and end of the day is cold with temperatures hovering around 11°C/52°F.
Visiting Meru National Park In January & February – These months, before the rains break, are the driest and warmest in the safari calendar. Temperatures climb to 28°C/77°F and push higher. Morning and night times are usually cold, be aware of the chill factor in the early morning when the temperature only crawls up to 12°C/54°F.
Wet Season In Meru National Park –March to May
Visiting Meru National Park In March – the rains come knocking. March or April sees the beginning of the rains, although it is rare for March to see much rain. Expect temperatures in the afternoon to reach around 25°C/77°F.
Visiting Meru National Park In April – The wettest month, but it doesn’t rain for long stretches very often.
Visiting Meru National Park In May – the rains will gradually decline in May, in preparation for the start of the dry season from June.
Safari Tours To Meru National Park
Want to visit Meru National Park? This is one of the most rewarding safari destinations in Northern Kenya that you can easily add on a safari package to Masai Mara. Being close to Nairobi, you can easily start off with short Nairobi daytrip tours then proceed to Meru Park making it easy to visit in a short time frame, and combine it with other parks as well.
You have plenty of choices to pick from, Meru Park midrange safaris to Meru National Park luxury safaris depending on your travel style.
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