Meru National Park is unique in the fact that very few places offer a more genuine wilderness ambiance than the remote and rugged Meru and Kora National Parks. Little visited, utterly unspoilt and the most geographically diverse parks in Kenya, they are the favorites of safari professionals and wildlife experts alike.The fact that they are brilliantly painted on a magnificent scale, these two parks feature luxuriant jungle, coursing rivers, verdant swamp, khaki grasslands, gaunt termite cathedrals and an ever-evolving dance between clouds and sky.

A Classic Savanna Landscape

A fine example of the classic savanna landscape, Meru’s character is defined by the rivers that form its perimeters: the mighty Tana to the south, the Ura to the south-west and Rojeweru to the east. The park is also scored by 14 permanent streams which drain off the nearby Nyameni Hills.

The Northern Plains

If you love wildlife viewing, then this is the place for you. The Northern Plains are home to elephant, lion and cheetah. Both species of zebra, Grant’s and Thompson’s gazelle, impala, beisa oryx, hartebeest and reticulated giraffes can also be seen.

The Southern Plains

The dense woodlands shelter gerenuk, common eland, Kirk’s dik-dik and the warthog. They also make an ideal habitat for one of the park’s highlights, the leser kudu.

Kora National Park

Meru’s sister park, the adjoining Kora National Park, is famous as the former home of naturalist George Adamson. A vast area of acacia bush land from whose alluvial plains raise stark granite kopjes and low hills, it is bordered to the south-east by the Mwitamisyi River, which supports an abundance of lizards, snakes and crocodiles.

Where To Stay

Lodges: Elsa’s Kopje, Leopard Rock Lodge, Rhino River Camp

Self-catering: Murera Bandas, Murera Guest House, Bwatherongo (Kina) Bandas

Camping: Public campsite: 22km from Murera Gate, this site lies in a stretch of open ground beside a wooden stream. Lavatories and showers are provided.

Special campsites: various ‘special’ campsites are seasonally located along the rivers. These sites must be booked in advance on an exclusive use.
Meru National Park Fact File

Area: 870 sq km
Distance from Nairobi: 348 km
Climate: Semi-arid with irregular rainfalls. Wet seasons are April – June and November – December.
Wildlife: Grevy’s zebra, elephant, eland, bush, pig, waterbuck, cheetah, leopard, reticulated giraffe, hippo, bohor reedbuck, hartebeest, python, puff adder and cobra.
Roads: All-weather roads