Meru National Park
Wild, uncrowded Big Five country: the home of Elsa the lioness from Born Free.
Meru is one of Kenya's least crowded parks: 870 square kilometres of doum palms, swamps and 13 rivers east of Mount Kenya, gazetted in 1966. Joy and George Adamson raised Elsa the lioness here, and her grave is still in the park. A fenced sanctuary protects black and white rhino, and northern species such as Grevy's zebra and reticulated giraffe share the bush with elephant, lion and leopard.
Meru at a glance
| Distance from Nairobi | About 348 km by road via Meru. Kinna airstrip for flights |
|---|---|
| Size | 870 km², gazetted 1966 |
| Fee | USD 70 per non-resident adult per day, USD 40 African citizens |
| Wildlife | Elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, black and white rhino, Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe |
| Best months | June to October and January to February. April to May rains close roads |
| Stay | 2 to 3 nights |
| Guide price | 3-day private road safari from about USD 970 per person sharing, January to June, budget tier, all-inclusive |
Combine with Samburu and Laikipia for a northern circuit.
Sources
Checked 6 October 2026. Third-party prices are typical market rates; your written quote confirms the exact figure.
Questions
Is Meru National Park a Big Five park?
Yes. It has elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, and black and white rhino in a sanctuary.
How far is Meru from Nairobi?
About 348 km by road, or a flight to Kinna airstrip.
How much is the Meru park fee?
USD 70 per non-resident adult per day in 2026.
Get your quote
Send your dates and group. The reply comes on WhatsApp with the camps, the vehicle and every fee.