GUIDE ON MERU NATIONAL PARK IN KENYA

A historical African dream vacation awaits you at Meru National Park – home of Joy and George Adamson and their lions. Located east of Mount Kenya, the park covers 336 square miles (870 square kilometers) of hills, grasslands and unique geological features. The park plays a vital role in protecting the vital ecosystem along the Tana River, and the conservation efforts continue beyond the park borders into Kora National Park, Bisanadi, Rahole and Mwingi National Reserves. Meru National Park is a place where diverse habitats emerge just beyond the horizon.

The northwestern section of the park consists of the Nyambeni Hills along with its volcanically-enriched soil and lush vegetation. As you travel east, the terrain transitions to the lowlands with its grayish volcanic remnants scattered across a flat landscape. Noticeable basement rock inselbergs appear at random, the most notable being Leopard Rock and Mughwango. In addition to the Tana River along the southern border, two other rivers form the southwestern and eastern boundaries – the Ura River and Rojeweru River respectively.



Effective wildlife management at Meru Park has made it a safe haven for flora and fauna alike, and to enhance wildlife and habitat protection, portions of the park are designated as road-free wilderness (read more on when is the best time to go to Meru with AfricanMecca). More than 300 species of birds have been recorded in the park, and the Rojeweru River is a favorable place for recording Peter’s finfoot. Rare species include lesser kudu, caracal and aardwolf.

Other herbivores include elands, bush pigs, elephants, bohor reedbucks, gerenuks, Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes, to name only some of the animals that you may see. Hippos comfortably relax in the refreshing waters of 13 spring-fed rivers, and Meru National Park is also home to an 84-square kilometer sanctuary for black and white rhinos. Predatory species include cheetahs, lions, hyenas, leopards, crocodiles and many more!



In addition to the ecological value of the area, the Meru outback is also noted as the inspiring setting for the film “Born Free”. Varied landmarks in the locale, such as Elewana Elsa's Kopje, commemorate the work of Joy and George Adamson. Their work was critical in advancing wildlife protection and changing public perception of the magnificent animals of East Africa. Connect with all the beauty that Meru offers with game drives, nature walks, hiking, biking through villages, fishing, picnicking at Adamson’s Falls and so much more.

AfricanMecca highly recommends that you visit the former home of Joy and George Adamson, as well as the local settlements outside the park for a distinct cultural experience of the Ameru or Ngaa tribal people. Meru Park is a magical place to safari, and we believe that you will be inspired to write your own story of Kenya, her animals and her ever-lasting beauty.