BEST TIME TO VISIT MERU FOR AN EASTERN KENYA SAFARI

The moderate climate and environmental diversity of Meru National Park make it a premier off-beat destination for first-time and experienced African addict travelers. Average daytime temperatures range from 70 F (21 C) to 80 F (27 C) depending on the period of travel. June to August has the coolest daytime temperatures, and the warmest temperatures occur in January to March. Average nighttime low temperatures range from 53 F (12 C) to 57 F (14 C) with minimal variability of change.

We recommend that you bring a warm fleece or sweater and other items to layer your clothing for warmth since the highlands of Kenya does get cool in the evenings to early mornings. With pleasant year-round day temperatures, Meru National Park offers the utmost Kenyan safari experience no matter when you visit. We do, though, advise our guests that other climatic factors should be considered when deciding the timing of your outdoor trip in Meru Park with AfricanMecca.



As with other locations in equatorial Kenya, the park experiences rainy and dry seasons. These seasons entail variations in wildlife viewing, budgetary requirements and ease of navigation during your safari activities. The long cool-dry season from July to October is widely-recognized as the best time to visit Meru National Park. With little to no new precipitation, seasonal watering holes evaporate and vegetation is sparse.

As a result, animals travel to permanent water sources, such as rivers that not only provide much-needed drinking water, but also nourish the nearby vegetation. These conditions are ideal in the sense that wildlife are gathered along a central river location, giving you a chance to see many species intermingled in a relatively diverse area. The roads and trails are also dry, so traveling to these locations is manageable for your experienced guide.



The long dry season coincides with the migration season in Masai Mara and also summer breaks for American and European families. When combined with the prime wildlife viewing period, this means that you will interact with slightly more visitors than other times of the year though at a minimal scale in Meru.

The short rainy season is in November and December. Rainfall during this period is typically limited to short afternoon and evening showers. In equatorial Kenya, this little amount of moisture evaporates quickly, so the roads and trails should remain moderate to navigate. Visitor levels during this time are lower than the long dry season, with the exception of Christmas and New Year’s when many AfricanMecca guests plan their celebratory holidays in Eastern Africa.

Room rates may be slightly lower during this time except in the festive period, although costs associated with travel, conservancy and park entrance in Meru, logistics and other aspects of your trip remain constant throughout the year. The rains subside in January and February, marking the short dry season in Meru. By end of March, though, the long rainy season arrives and lasts until late May to parts of June.



The heaviest rainfall is in April and May, and you will typically experience rains that last for a few days at a time but not all day. Most days are overcast with only occasional sunshine. Visitor levels decrease significantly during this time, so accommodations (read more on where to stay in Meru Park) lower their room rates while other costs do not change.

Another much more spectacular advantage of planning your wilderness trip to Kenya during this time is that the landscape transforms into a lush setting of grasses, foliage and sparkling watering holes. The animals disperse across the park, so your guide uses his local knowledge and experience to locate the highly-desired species but more time is needed.

Your anticipation grows as you wonder what lies around the next corner. Imagine your delight when you not only find the fauna, but also arrive at the perfect moment – a newborn elephant calf is being nestled by its mother only moments after being born. The long rainy season is when some mammals give birth, especially antelopes, so you are likely to see scenes just like this during your bush safari in Meru National Park.