Meru Holidays

Come to the lesser-visited Meru National Park to enjoy crowd-free wildlife experiences in a blend of majestic Kenyan landscapes. Poached almost to the point of ruin in the 80s, Meru has become a true conservation fairytale. Huge herds of buffalo and tusked elephants now roam the rolling savannahs, which are criss-crossed with rivers fringed by bird-filled forests. Lions stalk their prey in the tall, straw-like grasses and reticulated giraffes with their distinctive white-laced coats pick through the dense bush. Meru’s wildlife may have returned but its visitors haven’t, at least not on a huge scale, which means you’ll experience an African safari of old, with private animal sightings. 

Many who do come to Meru are drawn by its Born Free fame. This is where, in the 50s, wildlife enthusiasts Joy and George Adamson experimented with re-releasing abandoned lion cubs into the wild, including the famous lioness Elsa, a journey that Joy documented in her iconic book. Today, a grave on the banks of the Tana marks Elsa’s final resting place. Lions aren’t the only species to find peace in Meru, the park’s rhino sanctuary is home to around 60 black and white rhinos, who are fiercely protected by fences and armed rangers. Don’t miss the chance to encounter these endangered, unicorn-horned creatures while you still can.