Meru National Park, Kenya

Meru is one of the most overlooked and therefore wildest and most untouched national parks in Kenya.  Meru's story is one of mixed fortune –  established in 1966, poaching became a severe problem in the 1970s and 80s, and the area was acutely threatened.  Luckily, a large injection of millions of pounds from the International Fund for Animal Welfare arrived in the early 2000s, and the area is now thriving.

Meru National Park is 870 square kilometres of thorny bush, woody thickets and open grassland.  There are over 13 rivers which are fringed with riverine forests of doum and raffia palm.  Rainfall is abundant here, meaning the grasses grow tall and the terrain is dotted with swamp and marsh.  As stunning and lush as this vegetation may be, it can admittedly make game a little harder to spot.  Still, wildlife is abundant here, with over 250 recorded bird species living alongside elephant, hippo, lion, cheetah, black rhino and a variety of antelope.

Former home to George and Joy Adamson of Born Free fame, Elsa the hand-reared lion spent part of her life growing up here.  When she eventually died she was buried here, and Joy Adamson's ashes were scattered over Elsa's grave.  This corner of the world is home not only to rugged beauty and beautiful wildlife, but also to so much drama and history.

Photos of Meru National Park

Hotels in (or near to) Meru National Park

We don't have any information on hotels near this park at the moment, but we're working on it! Come back soon to see the updates.