đ Overview
Meru National Park is located in central Kenya, approximately 350 kilometers north of Nairobi, on the northeastern slopes of Mount Kenya. Covering over 870 square kilometers, it’s one of Kenya’s most diverse and scenic national parks â yet remains one of its least visited, making it a true hidden gem for those seeking an authentic, crowd-free safari experience.
đ Landscape & Geography
Meru’s landscape is a stunning tapestry of contrasts â from lush, forested hills in the west to open, semi-arid plains in the east. The park is bisected by 13 rivers and streams, including the famous Tana River and Rojewero River, which flow through dense riverine forests and open grasslands.
Key landscape features include:
- Lush riverine forests â dense, green, and teeming with life
- Open savanna grasslands â perfect for game viewing
- Rocky outcrops and hills â offering panoramic views
- Swamps and wetlands â home to hippos and crocodiles
- Semi-arid plains â stretching toward the Tana River delta
đ Visitor Experience
Visitors to Meru can enjoy:
- Game drives â morning and evening drives through diverse habitats
- Walking safaris â guided bush walks along rivers and forests
- Bird watching â over 300 species in diverse habitats
- Photography â dramatic landscapes, rare wildlife, and golden light
- Cultural visits â to nearby Meru communities and markets
- Fishing â on the Tana River (with permits)
đ Historical Significance
“Meru is where Elsa the lioness roamed free â and where the spirit of Born Free lives on in every sunrise and every lion’s roar.”