Meru National Park
- Viewed - 4026
- Bookmark - 1
Description
Complete Wilderness
The Meru and Kora sister parks are stunningly magnificent, boasting lush jungle, meandering rivers, vibrant swamps, golden grasslands, and towering termite mounds, all beneath the vast expanse of the azure sky. Despite their grandeur, these parks remain relatively undiscovered and untainted, offering a remote and rugged ambiance unmatched by few other destinations. Here, visitors can marvel at the sight of Grevy’s zebras, elephants, bohor reedbucks, hartebeests, pythons, puff adders, cobras, buffalos as well as an impressive array of birdlife comprising over 427 recorded species.
Nestled within an expansive 870 sq. km area, Meru National Park epitomizes remoteness, ruggedness, and pristine beauty. Its unspoiled wilderness and captivating landscapes set it apart as a truly unique destination. Bordering the Bisanadi National Reserve to the northeast and the Kora National Park to the southeast, Meru National Park captivates visitors with its rich history, particularly associated with Joy Adamson’s renowned book “Born Free,” which chronicles her experiences with lions and cheetahs. The story of George and Joy Adamson, immortalized in the film and book, is deeply intertwined with the park’s identity.
Meru’s allure extends beyond its historical significance, offering a wealth of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. The park’s iconic lions, forever linked to the Adamsons’ legacy, are a major draw, while birdwatching enthusiasts are treated to a diverse avian population comprising over 400 species. Wildlife enthusiasts can encounter a plethora of species, including elephants, Grevy’s zebras, lions, cheetahs, leopards, black rhinos, and more.
Attractions & Activities
Visitors can partake in various activities such as game viewing, camping, picnicking, hiking, and swimming near Kinna cottages. Additionally, exploring the rich cultural heritage of the Ameru, Borana, and Tharaka communities in the cultural villages adds another layer of immersion to the Meru experience. Cultural displays at Murera Gate, Bisanadi Gate, and Ura Gate offer insights into the traditions and customs of these indigenous communities.
Must-visit attractions within the park include the Rojeweru Hippo Pool, River Bwatherongi/Kubai Road Hippo Pool, River Tana, Nyambene Ranges viewpoint, Adamson’s Falls and Rapids, Elsa’s Grave, Pippa’s Grave, Mwariama Mau Mau Baobab hideout, Mt. Kenya viewpoint, The Equator, Inselbergs and Anthills, Kopjes, Swamps, and natural springs.
Promo Video
Stay in the Wild. Explore. Create memories
Set in the quietude of nature, KWS offers a modest and wide range of self-catering accommodation options targeting the budget traveler. Whether you are looking to get away from the exhausting grind of life, a break away from the hustle and bustle of the city right into the serenity of bush, or you just long to soak in your senses and reconnect with nature, KWS bandas and guesthouses offer the perfect ambience.
Meru Guest House:
Accommodation; 1 unit, 6pax
Amenities; Fully equipped kitchen, refrigerator and gas cooker. Lighting is by electricity. A house caretaker is available, beddings, mosquito nets, towels and toiletries are available.
Rates:
Citizens and Residents: KES 8, 000
Non-Residents: US$150
Kinna Guest House:
Accommodation; 1 unit, 10Pax
Contains 5 bedrooms and a separate annex for driver. Two of the bedrooms have a double bed each with ensuite bathrooms. Two smaller bedrooms have single beds each. The fifth bedroom has a bathroom shared with the other smaller bedrooms. The annex has its own bathroom.
Amenities; A generator is provided from 6pm to 10pm. Solar lighting is also provided. A fully equipped kitchen greets the visitors.
Rates;
Citizens and Residents: KES 18,000
Non-Residents: US$250
Bwatherongi (Bandas) Cottages
Accommodation; 3units, 2pax per unit
Three of the cottages have single bedroom with two single beds.
Amenities; Bathroom, beddings, mosquito nets, toiletries. No kitchen equipment are provided. Visitors are therefore advised to carry their own and gas burner. An outdoor cooking area is provided. Lighting is by lanterns.
Rates;
Citizens and Residents: KES 3, 600 per room.
Non-Residents: US$80 per unit.
Bwatherongi (Banda) Cottage (Big)
Accommodation; 1unit, 4pax
Amenities; Bathroom, beddings are provided. No kitchen equipment are provided. Visitors are therefore advised to carry their own and gas burner. An outdoor cooking area is provided. Lighting is by lanterns.
Rates;
Citizens and Residents: KES 7, 000
Non-Residents: US$160
Murera (Bandas) Cottages
Accommodation; 6units, 2pax per unit
Each cottage has two bedrooms each. Each bedroom has one double and one single bed. One cottage has one queen bed and a TV in each bedroom.
Amenities; No kitchen equipment are provided and therefore visitors are advised to carry their own. An open kitchen area is available outside. Alternatively, a kitchen is available at the nearby student’s hostel. Electricity is provided.
Rates;
Citizens and Residents: KES 3, 600 per unit per night
Non-Residents: US$80
Murera (Bandas) Cottage (With TV)
Accommodation; 2units, 2pax per unit
Amenities: No kitchen equipment are provided and therefore visitors are advised to carry their own. An open kitchen area is available outside. Alternatively, a kitchen is available at the nearby student’s hostel. Lighting is by electricity.
Rates;
Citizens and Residents: KES 4, 000 per unit
Non-Residents: US$80
Public Campsites;
Bwatherongi
For this category, standard amenities are provided; water, toilet/bathroom and kitchen area. Public campsites do not require prior booking.
Special Campsites;
Island Camp, Kambi Baridi, Golo 1, Golo 2, Fisi, Ndovu, Rojawero, Chuma, Muguga, Kenmare, Mamba, Kithanga, Princess, Makutano and Kanjoo.
For this category, only camping grounds are provided. The visitor has to reserve the special campsite well in advance for exclusive use. Visitors have to bring with them a source of fire and kitchen utensils.
*Reservation of bandas/guesthouses and special campsites is done through the park warden or through KWS headquarters reservations desk; reservations@kws.go.ke
*Prevailing camping rates apply per person per day for both special and public campsites including other park charges.
What to take with you
Whether camping or just visiting for a day trip, visitors are advised to carry with them the following; personal effects, clean drinking water, food, camping equipment if the visitor intends to stay overnight.
Also important are; Camera, binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellant, first aid kit, sunglasses, appropriate hiking/mountaineering gear and reserve car fuel if intending to be in the park longer.
Citizen/Resident:
Adult: KES 300
Child/Student: KES 215
Non-Resident:
Adult: $52
Child/Student: $35
Mode of Payment
MPesa. Visa Card. Direct deposits to KWS bank accounts. Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
Security/Guided tour per guide
• KES 1,720 – up to 4 hours
• KES 3,015 – Over 4 hours
Vehicle Charges per day
• Less than 6 seats KES 300
• 6-12 seats KES 1,030
• 13-24 seats KES 2,585
• 25-44 seats KES 4,050
• 45 seats and above KES 5,000
By road: From Nairobi (348 KM) via Nyeri-Nanyuki-Meru or via Embu all-weather roads.
From Maua to Murera Gate (35 KM) and 348 km from Nairobi.
From Embu via Ura Gate (161 KM) and 290 km from Nairobi
By Air: Main airstrip at Kinna, Mulika next to Meru Mulika Lodge and Mughwongo Airstrip next to Elsa's Kopje Eco-lodge.
Items Reviewed - 1
Mercy
The rates charged at the gate are different from what is indicated here. They charge 3,600 per room and not per Banda.
Working Hours
- Monday Open all day
- Tuesday Open all day
- Wednesday Open all day
- Thursday Open all day
- Friday Open all day
- Saturday Open all day
- Sunday Open all day
Booking Inquiry
Location / Contacts
- Address : Meru National Park, P.O. Box 11, Maua, Kenya
- Phone : +254 786348875
- Mail : merupark@kws.go.ke
- Website : http://www.kws.go.ke/content/meru-national-park
Login with Google
Add Review