Meru National Park
Meru National Park is a Kenyan national park located east of Meru, 350 km (220 mi) from Nairobi. Covering an area of 870 km2 (340 sq mi), it is one best known national parks in Kenya. Rainfall in this area is abundant with 635–762 mm (25.0–30.0 in) in the west of the park and 305–356 mm (12.0–14.0 in) in the east. The rainfall results in tall grass and lush swamps.
The park has a wide range of wild animals including the African bush elephant, lion, African leopard, cheetah, eastern black rhinoceros, southern white rhinoceros, Grévy’s zebra, hippopotamus.
Meru was one of the two areas in which conservationists George Adamson and Joy Adamson raised Elsa the Lioness made famous in the best-selling book and award-winning movie Born Free. Elsa the Lioness is buried in this park and part of Joy’s ashes were scattered on her gravesite.
Park activities
Camping
Game viewing
Scenic
How to get there
Roads: Access from Nairobi (348 kms) is via Nyeri-Nanyuki-Meru or via Embu all-weather roads. Access into the park from Maua to Murera Gate (35 km) and 348 km from Nairobi
The other access is via Embu to Ura Gate (120 km), 290 km from Nairobi
Airstrip: Main airstrip at Kina, Mulika next to Meru Mulika Lodge and Elsa’s Kopje airstrip
Attractions
Former home of Joy and George Adamson and Elsa the lioness
Views of Mt Kenya
Rivers and riverine habitats
Tana river
Adamson’s falls
