Meru is one of Kenya’s best-kept secrets — a lush, remote park of palm-lined rivers, doum palms and open savanna, made famous as the home of Elsa the lioness in Born Free. Once devastated by poaching and now fully recovered, it offers the Big Five (with a dedicated rhino sanctuary), abundant game and a real sense of wilderness, all with a fraction of the visitors of Kenya’s headline parks.
Ratings
Wildlife Density: ★★★★☆ Infrastructure: ★★★☆☆ Photography: ★★★★☆
Adventure: ★★★☆☆ Exclusivity: ★★★★☆ Value for Money: ★★★★☆ Scenery: ★★★★☆
Location: Eastern Kenya; near Meru town & Maua
Key wildlife: Elephant, lion, leopard, black & white rhino (sanctuary), buffalo, Grevy’s zebra
Best for: Uncrowded safari, Born Free heritage, scenery, repeat visitors
Best time: June–October & December–February (dry)
More about this park will be added here over time.
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