Meru National Park

Meru Overview

Meru National Park, located in the eastern part of Kenya, approximately 350 kilometers from Nairobi, is a hidden gem among Kenya’s more famous wildlife reserves. Spanning an area of about 870 square kilometers (336 square miles), this park is celebrated for its wild and pristine landscapes that offer a truly authentic safari experience. Established in 1966, Meru National Park gained international fame through the conservation efforts of Joy and George Adamson, most notably with Elsa the lioness, as chronicled in the bestselling book and subsequent film, “Born Free.”

Nestled between the arid plains of the northeast and the lush foothills of Mount Kenya, Meru National Park boasts a diverse range of habitats, from dense riverine woodlands and doum palm groves to wide open grasslands dotted with kopjes. This varied topography supports an impressive array of flora and fauna, making the park a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

Meru is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including large herds of elephant, lion, cheetah, leopard, and some of Kenya’s rare and endemic species such as the Grevy’s zebra and the reticulated giraffe. The park also provides sanctuary to an incredible birdlife diversity, with over 400 bird species recorded, appealing to bird watchers and nature lovers alike.

One of the park’s unique features is its network of perennial rivers and streams, which traverse the park, feeding into the partially seasonal Tana River. These water sources create lush belts of greenery, offering stark contrasts to the more arid zones of the park and providing critical water points for the park’s wildlife.

Meru National Park’s relative remoteness and lower visitor numbers compared to Kenya’s more frequented parks like Masai Mara or Amboseli ensure a serene and intimate wildlife viewing experience. The park’s extensive road network allows for excellent game viewing opportunities, while its history and the remarkable recovery from past poaching pressures highlight the resilience of Kenya’s wilderness. Whether for game drives, bird watching, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the African bush, Meru National Park offers a captivating and less-traveled safari destination.

Park Map

Meru National Park Highlights

Mount Meru

Tanzania's No. 2

Standing majestically at 4,562 meters (14,967 feet) above sea level, Mount Meru is Tanzania’s second-highest peak and an iconic landmark within Meru National Park.

As visitors ascend this dormant stratovolcano, they embark on a thrilling adventure through diverse landscapes, including lush rainforests, heath, and alpine desert zones.

The trek offers unparalleled opportunities to witness rich biodiversity, including endemic flora and fauna such as colobus monkeys, leopards, and rare bird species.

Along the way, climbers navigate challenging terrain, traverse narrow ridges, and conquer steep slopes, all while soaking in panoramic vistas of the surrounding plains and distant Mount Kilimanjaro.

At the summit, adventurers are rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the sunrise over the African savanna, creating unforgettable memories of their journey to the roof of Tanzania.

Wildlife

Birds

Meru National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, offering a diverse array of avian species that inhabit its varied habitats:

African Fish Eagle: With its striking plumage and distinctive call, the African fish eagle is a symbol of the park’s waterways, often seen perched near lakes and rivers.

Secretary Bird: Striding gracefully across the savannah, the secretary bird is a striking sight in Meru, known for its distinctive crest and habit of stomping on prey.

Grey Crowned Crane: With its elegant plumage and regal demeanor, the grey crowned crane is a majestic presence in Meru, often spotted foraging in grassy areas.

Superb Starling: Vibrant and gregarious, the superb starling adds a splash of color to Meru’s woodlands and savannahs, its iridescent plumage catching the sunlight.

Lilac-breasted Roller: Renowned for its dazzling plumage and aerial acrobatics, the lilac-breasted roller is a common sight in Meru, perching on branches and scanning for insects.

Pied Kingfisher: Hovering above the park’s waterways, the pied kingfisher is a skilled hunter, plunging into the shallows to catch fish with its sharp beak.

Yellow-billed Hornbill: Uttering its distinctive cackling call, the yellow-billed hornbill is a ubiquitous presence in Meru, often seen hopping through the trees in search of insects.

Vulturine Guineafowl: Striking and social, the vulturine guineafowl roams the savannahs of Meru in large flocks, its bold plumage and unique appearance making it a sought-after sighting.

White-bellied Go-away-bird: With its melodious call echoing through the trees, the white-bellied go-away-bird is a common inhabitant of Meru’s woodlands, feeding on fruits and leaves.

African Jacana: Known for its large feet and ability to walk on lily pads, the African jacana is a fascinating bird to observe in Meru’s wetland areas, where it forages for insects and small invertebrates.

Predators

Mount Meru National Park harbors a variety of predator species, essential for maintaining the balance of its diverse ecosystem. Here are some of the park’s notable predators:

African Leopard: Stealthy and elusive, the African leopard prowls the forests and grasslands of Mount Meru, preying on smaller mammals like antelope and monkeys with unmatched agility.

Spotted Hyena: With powerful jaws and a keen sense of smell, the spotted hyena scavenges for leftovers but is also a skilled hunter, often seen in packs patrolling the park’s savannahs.

African Wild Dog: Known for their cooperative hunting strategies, African wild dogs roam Mount Meru in tight-knit packs, preying on various ungulates and maintaining ecological balance in the ecosystem.

Lion: Although less common than in other parks, lions still roam Mount Meru’s plains and woodlands, forming prides that hunt larger prey like buffalo and zebra, contributing to the park’s biodiversity.

Serval: Sleek and agile, the serval is a solitary hunter found in Mount Meru’s grasslands and marshes. With keen senses, it stalks small mammals and birds with remarkable precision.