Meru National Park - Discovering Kenya

Travelling to Meru National Park

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Meru National Park, a pretty good destination in Kenya (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Meru National Park and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Meru National Park, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Kenya, here's everything to know about Meru National Park for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Meru National Park

Meru National Park is located in northern Kenya, covering an area of 870 square kilometers. It's known for its diverse wildlife including big cats such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas, as well as elephants, giraffes, buffalos, zebras, and over 427 species of birds. The park is also famous for its landscapes, such as the Tana River, Adamson's Falls, and the Nyambene Hills. Visitors can enjoy game drives, guided walks, bird watching, and cultural experiences with the local communities. The best time to visit Meru National Park is during the dry season between June and September.

What to visit in Meru National Park

Sure, here are some of the popular tourist attractions in Meru National Park and a brief description for each: 1. Elsa's Kopje: Elsa's Kopje is a stunning rocky outcrop in Meru National Park and one of the most iconic sights in the park. It was named after the lioness Elsa, from the book and movie "Born Free".
2. Rojewero River: This river flows through Meru National Park and is home to a wide variety of bird species, as well as hippos, crocodiles, and other aquatic wildlife.
3. Meru Rhino Sanctuary: This sanctuary is a protected area within Meru National Park and serves as a sanctuary for both black and white rhinos.
4. Adamson's Falls: Adamson's Falls is a series of cascading waterfalls that are a popular sightseeing spot in Meru National Park.
5. Game Drives: Meru National Park offers visitors the opportunity to take a game drive through the park to see animals such as elephants, buffalo, giraffes, lions, and leopards.
6. Bird Watching: Meru National Park is home to over 400 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
7. Tana River: The Tana River runs through Meru National Park and offers visitors the chance to go on a scenic boat ride or to try their hand at fishing.
8. Bwatherongi Swamp: This swamp is a unique ecosystem within Meru National Park that provides a habitat for various wildlife species.
9. Cathedral Peak: This towering peak is one of the highest points in Meru National Park and offers visitors breathtaking views of the park and surrounding landscape.
Overall, Meru National Park is a wonderful destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, with many diverse attractions and activities to enjoy.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Kenya, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.

When to go on holiday to Meru National Park

The best time to visit Meru National Park in Kenya is during the dry season which lasts from June to September, and January to February. During this time, the roads are in good condition and the animals are easy to spot as they gather around the limited water sources. However, if you're interested in birdwatching, the wet season from October to December and March to May is the best time as the park is lush and green, attracting a variety of bird species. The wet season also offers you the chance to experience migratory bird species that visit the park.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Meru National Park

To get to Meru National Park in Kenya, you have a few options: 1. By air: You can take a flight from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to Meru's Kinna airstrip, which is located within the park. From there, you can take a game drive or arrange for transportation to your lodge.
2. By road: You can also drive from Nairobi, which takes about 5-6 hours. The road is mostly tarmac, with some sections of dirt road. You can also hire a private car or take a shuttle bus from Nairobi to Meru.
Once you arrive at Meru National Park, you can explore the beautiful landscape, spot wildlife such as lions, elephants, zebras, and more, and experience the local culture. Enjoy your trip!
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Meru National Park, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Meru National Park

Meru National Park in Kenya is known for its unique cuisine, which is influenced by the local Kikuyu, Meru, and Borana communities. Some of the typical foods you might enjoy in Meru National Park are: 1. Mukimo - This is a classic dish in Meru culture. It is a combination of mashed potatoes, beans, and maize, and it's often served with beef or vegetables.
2. Nyama Choma - This refers to barbecued meat, which is a popular meal in Kenya. It is mostly served with ugali and kachumbari (a tomato and onion salad).
3. Githeri - This dish consists of boiled beans and maize, which is sautéed with onions and potatoes and served as a stew.
4. Irio - This is another classic dish in Meru culture. It is made with mashed peas, potatoes, and corn, which is cooked with onions and served with roasted meat.
5. Chapati - This is a type of flatbread that is similar to naan bread. It is made with flour, water, and salt, and cooked on a griddle. It is a common accompaniment to other dishes.
6. Pilau - This is a fragrant rice dish that is cooked with aromatic spices such as cumin, cardamom, and cloves. It is often served with meat or vegetables.
7. Kenyan stew - This is a hearty stew made with beef or chicken, vegetables, and spices. It is cooked slowly over low heat and is served with chapati or ugali.
You can find general info about typical foods in Kenya here.

Is Meru National Park an expensive destination for tourists?

Compared to some other national parks in Kenya, Meru National Park can be a bit more expensive due to its location and the fact that it is further from major cities. However, prices can vary depending on the time of year and the type of accommodations and activities you choose. Some other factors that can impact the cost of a trip to Meru National Park include: - Accommodation: There are a range of options available, from camping to luxury lodges, and prices can vary accordingly.
- Activities: The cost of activities like game drives and guided walks can add up, but they are generally worth the expense for the experience and access they provide.
- Transportation: If you are renting a car or hiring a driver/guide, this can also be a significant expense.
Overall, it's worth doing some research and planning ahead to ensure that your trip to Meru National Park fits within your budget.

Where to find accomodation in Meru National Park

Meru National Park is located in Kenya's Eastern Province. The town of Meru is the closest one to the park entrance, and it's a great place to base yourself for exploring the park. Other nearby options for accommodation include Maua, Embu, and Nanyuki. These towns offer a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences, including lodges, campsites, and guesthouses. It's important to note that some of the lodges inside the park may offer more exclusive and intimate wildlife experiences.
You can check hotel prices at Meru National Park here:
Booking.com

Is Meru National Park a safe destination for tourists?

Meru National Park in Kenya is generally safe for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is always important to exercise caution and take necessary safety measures. This includes traveling with a reputable tour company or guide, being aware of the wildlife and their behavior, avoiding walking alone at night, and staying updated on current news and events in the area. It is always a good idea to consult with local authorities or a travel advisor for any specific safety concerns.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Kenya here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Meru National Park.

What type of travelers will enjoy Meru National Park the most?

Meru National Park in Kenya offers a vast array of activities and attractions that can cater to a wide range of traveler types. The park is ideal for: - Nature lovers: Individuals who appreciate the beauty of wildlife, ecosystems, flora, and fauna at Meru National Park will find it fulfilling to visit the park.
- Families: Meru National Park provides a child-friendly atmosphere with several outdoor activities suitable for everyone, including nature walks, camping, and game drives.
- Adventure travelers: Thrill-seekers who are interested in activities such as mountain climbing and hiking will have a great time exploring the park.
- Couples: Meru National Park provides a serene and tranquil environment that is perfect for romantic getaways, making it ideal for couples.
Overall, with its vast array of attractions and facilities suitable for all types of travelers, Meru National Park has something for everyone.

How to get around Meru National Park

The best way to move around Meru National Park in Kenya is to use a safari vehicle. This can be arranged through a local tour operator or hotel. The safari vehicles are designed for game drives and are able to navigate the rough terrain of the park. Other options include using a motorcycle or bicycle, although these are not recommended for game viewing due to safety reasons. Walking is also not allowed inside the park.

What to see around Meru National Park

Certainly! Here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Meru National Park in Kenya: 1. Ol Pejeta Conservancy: This conservancy is located about 2 hours’ drive from Meru National Park. The conservancy has a variety of activities and attractions including game drives, bird watching, chimpanzee sanctuary, and rhino sanctuary.
2. Mount Kenya National Park: This national park is about an hour and a half’s drive from Meru National Park. It is home to Mount Kenya, the highest mountain in Kenya. Activities here include hiking, trekking, and wildlife viewing.
3. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy: This conservancy is about 3 hours’ drive from Meru National Park. It is home to some of the rarest wildlife species in Kenya, including the black rhinoceros and the Grevy's zebra. Activities here include game drives, bush walks, and visits to local villages.
4. Samburu National Reserve: This national reserve is about 2 hours’ drive from Meru National Park. It is located in the semi-arid region of northern Kenya and is home to a diversity of wildlife species including the reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk.
5. Aberdare National Park: This national park is about a 3-hour drive from Meru National Park. It is located in the central highlands of Kenya and is known for its waterfalls, mountain ranges, and diverse wildlife such as elephants, buffalos, and leopards.
For every travel information about Kenya you can click here.

Wild Trips is the Wikipedia of travel and this page was partly created with the help of AI: in the unfortunate case you find an error, please write to us to correct it... Thank you!
Follow us on Facebook if you like wild trips around the world and beautiful itineraries in Italy: https://www.facebook.com/wildtrips.