Overview

Why visit Meru National Park?

Meru is one of Kenya’s most rewarding lesser-visited parks. It combines a full Big Five safari, a successful rhino sanctuary and a varied network of rivers and habitats, yet receives far fewer visitors than the Mara or Amboseli.

Before You Go

A quick, practical view

Why travellers choose it

Highlights

✓Big Five present
✓Excellent rhino sanctuary
✓Very low crowd levels
✓Beautiful varied scenery and strong birding

Good to know

Considerations

•Predators can be less predictable to find
•Animals may be less habituated to vehicles
•Fewer accommodation choices than major parks

01

Wildlife

What you can see

Elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino are all present, with rhino sightings especially likely inside the sanctuary. Cheetah and dry-country species may also be encountered.

02

Scenery & Habitat

The landscape

Meru mixes open plains, doum palms, riverine forest, wooded country and numerous seasonal and permanent watercourses.

03

Experiences

Things to do

Game drives, birding, rhino sanctuary visits and stops linked to the Born Free story are the main experiences.

Plan Around The Seasons

When to visit Meru National Park

Best Time To Visit

When to go

June to October is the driest and most straightforward period for wildlife viewing and road conditions.

Weather & Climate

What conditions feel like

Meru is warmer and lower than Kenya’s central highlands. The park becomes lush during the rainy seasons and noticeably drier through the middle of the year.

Getting There

How Meru National Park fits into your route

Meru is reached by road from Nairobi and Mount Kenya country or by light aircraft to local airstrips. It combines well with Laikipia and Samburu.

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Meru National Park