Meru National Park covers 870 sq. km and is famous as the former home of Joy and George Adamson of Born Free fame. Once overlooked, it is making a strong comeback as one of Kenya’s most rewarding wildlife destinations. Managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the park has been successfully restocked with wildlife and today offers diverse habitats, rich scenery, and an authentic wilderness experience.
Bordered by several protected areas, including Bisanadi and Mwingi National Reserves, Kora National Park, and Rahole National Reserve, Meru forms part of an important conservation landscape in northern Kenya.
The park features 13 rivers and countless mountain-fed streams, feeding lush vegetation and sustaining wildlife. Its landscapes vary dramatically, from open savannah plains and volcanic soils to riverine forests of doum and raffia palms, making it one of Kenya’s most scenic and ecologically diverse national parks.
Major Attractions
- The historic home of Joy and George Adamson and Elsa the lioness
- Views of Mount Kenya on the horizon
- Thirteen rivers and riverine habitats, including the Tana River
- Adamson’s Falls, a picturesque waterfall
- Wildlife: elephants, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, cheetah, leopard, eland, hartebeest, buffalo, bush pigs, hippos, and more
- Birdlife: over 427 recorded species, from raptors to waterbirds
- Vegetation: thorny bushland in the north, wooded grasslands in the west, open grasslands across the plains, and riverine forests along waterways
Getting There
- By Road: From Nairobi (approx. 348 km), access is via Nyeri–Nanyuki–Meru or Embu through all-weather roads.
- By Air: The main airstrips are Kinna, Mulika (near Meru Mulika Lodge), and Elsa’s Kopje Airstrip.
Other Park Details
- Climate: Wet seasons occur in April–June and November–December. Rainfall ranges from 635–762 mm in the west to 305–356 mm in the east.
- Park Entry Fees: Check the official Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) website for the latest rates.
