Meru National Park

Location

Meru National Park lies east of the town of Meru in the county of the same name. It is approximately 220 miles northeast of Nairobi.

Size

The size of Meru National Park is 340 square miles.

History

Interest in establishing the Meru National Park peaked between 2000 and 2005. With funds donated by the International Fund for Animal Welfare, Meru National Park has been restored to the wonderful game park it is today. The park has been part of the “Lion Conservation Unit” since 2005.

Entrance Fees & Permits

The cost to enter the Meru National Park is USD52 per adult and USD35 per child under 12 years old, valid for a 24-hour period.

Hours of Operation

The gates to Meru National Park open from 6am to 6pm daily.

How to Get There

By Road

The drive to Meru National Park from Nairobi is approximately 220 miles, a six-hour drive northeast along the Nairobi Highway/A2 and the Nairobi-Meru Highway/B6. There are two entry gates, the main Murera Gate and Ura Gate.

By Air

A flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport will take approximately 65 minutes, covering a journey of 216 miles.

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

The weather is mild in Meru National Park, with temperatures averaging up to 90°F throughout the year. The wettest month is November, with the dry, cool season of June, July, and August offering the best game viewing experiences. The hottest month is March, while May offers the most sunshine.

Avoiding Crowds

Consider travelling to the Meru National Park just before or after the peak, cool and dry season—late June through early September. October and early November are also great times to visit with fewer vehicles on the savannah. May and early June offer sunshine, cooler temperatures, and fewer visitors.

Value for Money

Accommodation options vary from comfortable camps priced at USD270 per person per night to luxury lodges with rates between USD750 and USD1400 per person sharing per night. Meru National Park offers a truly unspoilt safari experience with fewer people and vehicles in the park, making it a value-for-money safari destination with Adventure In The Wild Safaris.

Wildlife and Landscape

Popular Wildlife Sightings in Meru National Park

Meru National Park is home to the “Big Five”: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino, as well as a myriad of plains game including giraffe, kudu, and dik-dik. Game drives offer visitors the chance to witness cheetahs resting under a tree, Somali ostriches grazing, or common zebras drinking at waterholes. With over 420 bird species recorded in the park, birdwatchers will be delighted with the rich avifauna sightings.

The Terrain

The terrain of Meru National Park is a diverse mix of vast grasslands, open savannahs, and dense forested zones. The Tana, Rojeweru, and Ura Rivers, along with many streams, meander through the park, creating lush areas. The landscape features a rugged, wild character, dotted with anthills, shrubs, and a backdrop of mountains that enhances its dramatic appeal.