Meru National Park

Has great scenery

Amazing experience!

We stayed at Elsa's Kopje, which was an absolutely extraordinary lodge with outstanding guides and spectacular views. As our first stop on a safari honeymoon, it delivered in spades. The wildlife was great, though different than the Mara with not necessarily the same diversity. The birds were incredible!

Everything you could wish for, in a wonderful location

We stayed at Elsa's Kopje for four nights in February 2009. This fabulous lodge is situated high on a giant rocky outcrop that rises above the open savannah. The 9 stone and thatch guest cottages are crafted around the natural features of the hill. Paved paths, lit by lamps at night, lead from each cottage to the comfortable open bar, lounge and dining room. This is by far the best place to enjoy breathtaking views across the savannah. Every need was met by the wonderful friendly staff. This is luxury in the heart of Meru national park. Our game drives didn't leave us at all disappointed. We saw the 'big five' as there is a rhino sanctuary there Activities available include game drives in a 4x4 Land Cruisers. Evening game drives and guided bush walks. Regular sightings include Oryx, Gerenuk, Elephant, Grevy's Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Lesser Kudu, Grant's Gazelle, Leopard, Lion, Cheetah, Rhino and the rare, elusive Greater Kudu. Meru is also famous for its bird life.
The weather averaged about 30 degrees c, which was pleasant. We enjoyed sundowners and beautiful sunsets.
The food was excellent and we could not fault our trip in any way.
Would not hesitate to return.

Wildlife encounters in a less visited park

We had a nice experience in Meru National Park with several unique wildlife encounters with wildlife. The landscape is varied, mostly bushland with several waterholes but also several open fields. Meru offer you a chance to see the Reticulated Giraffe, a subspecies not found in the Lake Nakuru or Masai Mara. We also had a chance to see the close-to-extinct black Rhino. Of course we got to see an abundance of other wildlife as well. On our safari we visited both Meru, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara national park and the three all had their own profile and features and is a great combination. Of these three, Meru was the one with the least visitors.

alone in nature

a really wild park, I loved it

I had a lovely experience: especially after seeing other beautiful parks in Kenya, I feel Meru remained untouched and the best part is there are no minibus crowds. Usually I met none ore one vehicle in my safari drives in the bush, I definitely recommend it if you look for something wild!

A big park in which you have your peace. Wildlife hides sometime in the bushes and trees. It has nice rivers with hipos and Adamson´s Falls at its far corner.

Excellent for quiet, relaxed game drives. Beautiful scenery.

Large game park with excellent roads. Not too many visitors (unlike the Mara) so you have the park to yourself which is very nice. Animals are shy -you have to drive very slowly & carefully when approaching them. When we went in March is was very hot.
A couple of great lodges in the area. Elsa's Kopje is beautiful.

One of the true hidden gems in Kenya

Meru is arguably one of the best Safari destinations in Africa. Sure, Masai Mara is more visually stunning, but the widllife in Meru is equally prolific. Especially if you're a birdy you'll have a field day here. Also, Meru is a lot more quiet in terms of tourist driving around. With luck you'll see one or two other vechicles on a game drive.

Although Meru suffers from the effects of poaching, the quiet and solitude and sense of Kenyan history makes up for it. If you appreciate the story of 'Born Free' you will enjoy Meru National Park.