How to get to Meru National Park: To get to Meru National Park Kenya, you can drive or fly:
Driving:
To get to Meru National Park by car, you can take a route from Nairobi through either Nyeri-Nanyuki -Meru or Embu. The drive usually takes between 6 to 8 hours. Alternatively, if you’re coming from Maua, you can head to Maua gate or if you’re starting in Embu, you can drive to Ura gate.
Flying
If you prefer to fly, there are two airstrips within the park, where you can land: Kina or Elsa’s Kopje. You can catch a flight from Nairobi to these airstrips, or you could arrange a private charter flight from Nayuki or other nearby locations. Air Kenya has scheduled flights that take off from Wilson Airport WIL, located just 6 km south of Nairobi. It is also possible to organize a private charter from any other park linking Meru National Park and also an alternative option is to fly to Nanyuki Airstrip on scheduled daily flights from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport the biggest Transport hub in Nairobi and then take a private charter from Nanyuki to Meru.
Meru National Park is one of the best safari destinations in Kenya that tourists should consider a must-visit. The park covers an area of approximately 870 square kilometers and was created in 1968 and it is one of the very few untapped destinations. While on the Meru National Park safaris, visitors have plenty of opportunities to explore and experience. The park’s famously known for its dates back to Joy Adamson and her husband George Adamson era- they reared an orphaned lioness known as Elsa.
Things to do while on a Kenya safari in Meru National Park
Game drives
Game drive is one of the main highlights of the Kenya safaris in Meru National Park. game drives in the park are done on a 4×4 wheel vehicle. the par is home to a wide range of wildlife species such as Elephants, Grevy’s zebra, cheetah, leopard, hippo, buffalo, Hippos, greater and lesser kudu, Nile crocodiles, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, gerenuk, Grevy’s and common zebra, reticulated giraffe among other. During your drive safari, you will have the chance to spot these creatures roaming from their natural habitat.
Fishing tours
Fishing is a must-try activity when you visit Meru National Park. You can enjoy the thrill of catching a variety of fish, including catfish, tilapia, and barbell. It’s a great way to connect with nature and have some fun during your safari.
Visiting the Adamson Falls and Elsa the Lioness’s grave
Visit Adamson Falls and the final resting place of Elsa the Lioness at Meru National Park. This park became well-known due to the book “Born Free” by Joy Adamson. When you take a tour, you can stop by where Elsa is buried. This experience will give you a better understanding of the park’s history, and you can enjoy a unique walk through its untouched natural beauty, featuring a stunning and wild landscape.
Birding
Meru National Park is one of the best birding destinations in Kenya, the park is home to over 400 species of birds, making it a birder’s paradise. while on your birding tours, you will have the chance to spot bird species such as brown-backed woodpeckers, hornbills, palm nut vultures, secretary bird, red-necked falcon, rollers, long-tailed fiscal, Somali ostrich, Hartland’s bustard, Eastern chanting pigeon, Columba guinea, Remeron pigeon, wattled starling among others.
Explore the Meru Rhino Sanctuary
A fantastic activity at Meru National Park is visiting the Meru Rhino Sanctuary. This sanctuary is home to more than 80 black and white rhinos, making it a special spot for wildlife lovers. During your visit, you’ll get the chance to learn a lot about how rhinos behave and the efforts being made to protect them. Seeing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat really highlights why the Park is considered one of the best places to experience the “big five” of Africa.
Cultural experience
Visiting Meru National Park for a cultural experience is truly special. You can interact with local communities, like the Tharaka people, who live nearby. They share their traditions and ways of life, giving you a valuable glimpse into their culture. This experience adds a unique touch to your safari and helps you appreciate the diverse lifestyles of the people in the area.
When to visit Meru National Park Kenya
A visit to Meru National Park Kenya is possible at any time of the year, month, or day. But, the dry season from June, July, and August to September offers the best time or favorable conditions for wildlife or game viewing. Huge wildlife crowds are often recorded or spotted in most of the water holes during these drier months of the year.
If you’re a birdwatching enthusiast, the rainy seasons in March, April, May, and then October and November are great as well. These months are perfect for seeing various bird species, including both local and migratory birds. No matter when you choose to visit, the Park welcomes visitors all year round.
Where to stay
The park has got variety of accommodation facilities that cater to every need and preference of visitors. The accommodation facilities here range from budget, to midrange, and luxury. Such facilities include Leopard Rock Lodge, Rhino River Camp, Off Beat Campsite, Meru Mulika Lodge, Elsa’s Kopje Lodge, KINNA Guesthouse, Ikweta Safari Camp, Bwatherongi Bandas, Murera Bandas, and campsites such as Kampi Baridi, Rojoweru, Mugunga, Kanjoo, and Ken Mare among others.
