Meru National Park: An Overview
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-hr period.
Hours of Operation
The gates to Meru National Park open 6am to 6pm daily.
By Road
The drive to Meru National Park from Nairobi is approximately 220 miles from Nairobi, 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, a journey covering 216 miles.
Weather & Climate
The weather is mild in Meru National Park, with temperatures averaging up to 90 F throughout the year. The wettest month is in November, with the dry, cool season of June, July and August offering the best game viewing experiences. The hottest month is March, with May the month with the most sunshine.
Avoiding Crowds
Consider travelling to the Meru National Park between just before or after the peak, cool and dry season comprising late June, July, August and into early September. October and early November are great times to visit the Meru National Park to avoid the crowds, with fewer vehicles traversing the savannah. May and early June offer sunshine, cooler temperatures, and fewer visitors.
Value for Money
Accommodation options vary from comfortable camps pricing at USD270 per person per night to luxury lodges with a price tag between USD750 to, USD1400 per person sharing per night. This Meru National Park offers a truly unspoilt safari experience with fewer people and vehicles in the park, thus making it a value for money safari destination.
Popular Wildlife Sightings in the Meru National Park
Meru National Park is home to the “Big Five” which comprise lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino as well as a myriad of plains game including giraffe, kudu and dik-dik. Game drives afford visitors the chance to witness cheetahs sleeping under a tree, perhaps a Somali ostrich grazing or the common zebra drinking at a water hole. With over 420 bird species to be found in the Meru National Park, ornithologists will be thrilled with the sightings during their safari.
The Terrain
The terrain of the Meru National Park comprises a combination of vast grasslands, wide savannahs, thick forested areas with the Tana, Rojeweru, and Ura Rivers and many streams running through the landscape. There is a real rugged and wild feel to the park, with a large number of anthills spaced among trees and shrubs, and a mountainous backdrop.
Game Drives
Game drives are usually conducted in closed 4×4 vehicles and would take place early morning or late afternoon, which are peak game viewing times. Qualified guides will share the magic of the bush with guests as you search for elephants, leopards and hyena, and watch quietly as plains game drink from nearby water holes. Certain lodges offer night drives within the Meru National Park, operated by the lodge’s open 4×4 game vehicle.
Guided Walking Safaris
Guests can enjoy an escorted walking safari in Meru National Park with qualified guides sharing the smaller details of the wilderness, explaining flora and fauna while keeping an eye out for larger wildlife possibly roaming nearby. Enjoy the freedom of wandering on foot as you breathe in the smells and take in the sights of the bush. This is a unique Kenya safari experience and connects you to the landscape in ways not possible from a vehicle.