"The former stomping ground of Joy and George Adamson of Born Free fame, this oft-neglected national parks will be highly rewarding to those who value a wilderness experience over wall-to-wall wildlife viewing. Extending over 870km2 of lush savannah and jungle-lined streams, it supports all the Big Five, along with a number of localised mammal and bird species associated with the semi-arid plains to its north. ”
- Philip Briggs
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PLAN MY JOURNEYMeru National Park
Barely grazing the consciousness of the package safari industry, yet rewarding its few visitors with decent game-viewing in a refreshingly untrammelled atmosphere, Meru is one of Africa’s best-kept safari secrets. Set in the rain-shadow of Mount Kenya, it is traversed by 13 fast-flowing perennial streams that empty into the Tana – Kenya’s largest river – on its southern boundary. Much of the park comprises lush grassland and acacia savanna, but it owes its sense of place to the ribbons of jungle that line its waterways. The Rojewero River is particularly rewarding, with its hippo pools, babbling rapids and rich birdlife set below spindly doum palms that provide refuge to monkeys and baboons.
Animal sightings here retain a sense of exclusivity rare in more popular reserves. And while wildlife tends to be a bit shy, the Big Five are all present. Large herds of buffalo and elephant are common, and black and white rhinos are likely to be seen in the fenced-off drive-through sanctuary that runs south from the main entrance gate. Large predator sightings are more hit-and-miss, but this is compensated a wealth of northern specials such as the handsome reticulated giraffe, striking Beisa oryx, and iridescent cobalt-chested vulturine guineafowl.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
DRY SEASON
Migratory birds will also be present, offering great bird watching opportunities. A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in late March.
After the ‘short rains’ wildlife tends to be less concentrated, and the vegetation will be thicker – making game viewing sightings trickier. On the other hand, the colours of the park are a lot more impressive after the rains, and the large volume of insets draw in migratory birds who will be in their full breeding colours.
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (333 to 763m or 1,093 to 2,503ft) moderate these a fraction to an average midday high of 32°C/91°F throughout the year. Despite the high temperatures, Meru does have an arid climate with quite low humidity levels through most of the year, this does make things a lot more comfortable than one might expect.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
DRY SEASON
Migratory birds will also be present, offering great bird watching opportunities. A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in late March.
After the ‘short rains’ wildlife tends to be less concentrated, and the vegetation will be thicker – making game viewing sightings trickier. On the other hand, the colours of the park are a lot more impressive after the rains, and the large volume of insets draw in migratory birds who will be in their full breeding colours.
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (333 to 763m or 1,093 to 2,503ft) moderate these a fraction to an average midday high of 32°C/91°F throughout the year. Despite the high temperatures, Meru does have an arid climate with quite low humidity levels through most of the year, this does make things a lot more comfortable than one might expect.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. As a consequence of the rainfall roads can be hard to navigate and wildlife a little harder to spot. Elephants also tend to move out of the park during the peak of the wet season.
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (333 to 763m or 1,093 to 2,503ft) moderate these a fraction to an average midday high of 32°C/91°F throughout the year. Despite the high temperatures, Meru does have an arid climate with quite low humidity levels through most of the year, this does make things a lot more comfortable than one might expect.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. As a consequence of the rainfall roads can be hard to navigate and wildlife a little harder to spot. Elephants also tend to move out of the park during the peak of the wet season.
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (333 to 763m or 1,093 to 2,503ft) moderate these a fraction to an average midday high of 32°C/91°F throughout the year. Despite the high temperatures, Meru does have an arid climate with quite low humidity levels through most of the year, this does make things a lot more comfortable than one might expect.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. As a consequence of the rainfall roads can be hard to navigate and wildlife a little harder to spot. Elephants also tend to move out of the park during the peak of the wet season.
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (333 to 763m or 1,093 to 2,503ft) moderate these a fraction to an average midday high of 32°C/91°F throughout the year. Despite the high temperatures, Meru does have an arid climate with quite low humidity levels through most of the year, this does make things a lot more comfortable than one might expect.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Also, one of the cooler periods, which makes midday temperatures a little more pleasant.
As the land begins to dry up the wildlife will become more concentrated around remaining water sources, making it that bit easier to spot!
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (333 to 763m or 1,093 to 2,503ft) moderate these a fraction to an average midday high of 32°C/91°F throughout the year. Despite the high temperatures, Meru does have an arid climate with quite low humidity levels through most of the year, this does make things a lot more comfortable than one might expect.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Also, one of the cooler periods, which makes midday temperatures a little more pleasant.
As the land begins to dry up the wildlife will become more concentrated around remaining water sources, making it that bit easier to spot!
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (333 to 763m or 1,093 to 2,503ft) moderate these a fraction to an average midday high of 32°C/91°F throughout the year. Despite the high temperatures, Meru does have an arid climate with quite low humidity levels through most of the year, this does make things a lot more comfortable than one might expect.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Temperatures will be on the rise until the ‘short rains’ arrive in October.
As the land continues to dry the wildlife will become more concentrated around remaining water sources, significantly improving the odds of good sightings. Vegetation will also be much thinner towards the end of the dry season, which will again improve the odds of having some great sightings!
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (333 to 763m or 1,093 to 2,503ft) moderate these a fraction to an average midday high of 32°C/91°F throughout the year. Despite the high temperatures, Meru does have an arid climate with quite low humidity levels through most of the year, this does make things a lot more comfortable than one might expect.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Temperatures will be on the rise until the ‘short rains’ arrive in October.
As the land continues to dry the wildlife will become more concentrated around remaining water sources, significantly improving the odds of good sightings. Vegetation will also be much thinner towards the end of the dry season, which will again improve the odds of having some great sightings!
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (333 to 763m or 1,093 to 2,503ft) moderate these a fraction to an average midday high of 32°C/91°F throughout the year. Despite the high temperatures, Meru does have an arid climate with quite low humidity levels through most of the year, this does make things a lot more comfortable than one might expect.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
WET SEASON
A rather unpredictable time of the year with heavy showers or thunderstorms, but usually with sunshine in between. The vegetation will become thicker – making game viewing sightings trickier.
Migratory birds will start arriving, offering potentially great bird watching opportunities.
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (333 to 763m or 1,093 to 2,503ft) moderate these a fraction to an average midday high of 32°C/91°F throughout the year. Despite the high temperatures, Meru does have an arid climate with quite low humidity levels through most of the year, this does make things a lot more comfortable than one might expect.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
WET SEASON
A rather unpredictable time of the year with heavy showers or thunderstorms, but usually with sunshine in between. The vegetation will become thicker – making game viewing sightings trickier.
Migratory birds will start arriving, offering potentially great bird watching opportunities.
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (333 to 763m or 1,093 to 2,503ft) moderate these a fraction to an average midday high of 32°C/91°F throughout the year. Despite the high temperatures, Meru does have an arid climate with quite low humidity levels through most of the year, this does make things a lot more comfortable than one might expect.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
DRY SEASON
Migratory birds will also be present, offering great bird watching opportunities. A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in late March.
After the ‘short rains’ wildlife tends to be less concentrated, and the vegetation will be thicker – making game viewing sightings trickier. On the other hand, the colours of the park are a lot more impressive after the rains, and the large volume of insets draw in migratory birds who will be in their full breeding colours.
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (333 to 763m or 1,093 to 2,503ft) moderate these a fraction to an average midday high of 32°C/91°F throughout the year. Despite the high temperatures, Meru does have an arid climate with quite low humidity levels through most of the year, this does make things a lot more comfortable than one might expect.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
Experiences
Explore Meru National Park Properties
Elsa’s Kopje
Elsa’s Kopje
Elsa’s Kopje is a beautifully designed boutique hotel in a secluded expanse of Meru National Park. It is named after the lioness raised by George and Joy Adamson and made famous in the film, Born Free. Offering a true feeling of ..
What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
