National Park
Meru National Park
Complete Wilderness
Overview
About Meru National Park
Meru National Park offers a lower-density wilderness safari across diverse eastern Kenyan habitats. Wildlife viewing, a rhino sanctuary, birding and night-sky experiences are complemented by famous conservation heritage linked to George and Joy Adamson, Elsa the lioness and Pippa the cheetah.
Attractions
What makes this protected area special
Rhino sanctuary
Elsa’s and Pippa’s graves
Mwariama Mau Mau baobab hideout
The Equator
Rich birdlife
Low-density wilderness safari
Experience
Activities & wildlife
Things to do
- Game drives
- Birdwatching
- Photography
- Conservation-history visits
- Nature walks where arranged
- Stargazing
Wildlife & biodiversity
- Rhino
- Elephant
- Lion
- Giraffe
- Buffalo
- Birdlife
Stay nearby
Accommodation
Use the current KWS source page and Courtesywide Adventures hotel inventory to confirm in-park and nearby accommodation; availability and operating status can change.
Conservation story
Park history
The park is internationally associated with the Born Free conservation story and forms part of the broader Meru–Kora landscape.
Plan your journey
How to get there
By road
KWS lists all-weather road access from Nairobi via Nyeri–Nanyuki–Meru or via Embu; additional approaches use Murera and Ura gates.
By air
Kinna, Mulika and Mughwongo airstrips serve the park.
Before you go
Visitor tips
Carry drinking water, sun protection, a camera or binoculars, and a basic first-aid kit.
Use clothing and footwear suited to the terrain and expected weather.
Confirm road, weather and gate conditions with KWS before departure.
Opening/entry times and activity hours can vary by protected area and season. Confirm current KWS gate or facility hours before travel.
Single-use plastics are not permitted in Kenya's protected areas. Travel with reusable alternatives.
Responsible travel
Safety guidelines
- 1
Respect wildlife space and always give animals right of way.
- 2
Do not carry or use prohibited single-use plastics inside protected areas.
- 3
Follow normal road rules; avoid hooting and never drive under the influence of alcohol.
- 4
Observe the official gate opening and closing times unless you are an authorised overnight guest.
- 5
Drive and move quietly so wildlife is not startled or disturbed.
- 6
Keep unnecessary noise, phones and sound devices to a minimum around wildlife.
- 7
Remain in your vehicle except at places specifically designated as safe for visitors to alight.
- 8
Observe the posted park speed limit; KWS commonly limits game-viewing roads to 40 km/h.
- 9
Stay on authorised roads, tracks and trails and do not drive off-road.
- 10
Keep a safe viewing distance from wildlife and follow ranger instructions.
- 11
Never feed wild animals or interfere with their natural behaviour.
- 12
Carry your litter out and leave campsites, picnic sites and viewing areas clean.
- 13
When camping, never leave a fire unattended and extinguish it completely before leaving.
- 14
Protected-area visits are undertaken subject to KWS rules, conditions and current safety guidance.
Conservation fees
Park entry rates
| Visitor category | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| East Africa CitizenKES | KES 800 | KES 500 |
| Kenya ResidentKES | KES 1,100 | KES 675 |
| Africa CitizenUSD | USD 40 | USD 20 |
| Non-ResidentUSD | USD 70 | USD 40 |
Effective from 2025-10-01
Rates captured from the official KWS Conservation Fees 2025 schedule, effective 1 October 2025. Verify the latest KWS conservation fees before publishing a final client quotation or invoice.
View official fee sourceUseful answers
Meru National Park FAQs
What is Meru National Park best known for?
Meru National Park is especially known for Rhino sanctuary, Elsa’s and Pippa’s graves, Mwariama Mau Mau baobab hideout, The Equator. The exact experience varies by season and current park conditions.
How do I get to Meru National Park?
Road: KWS lists all-weather road access from Nairobi via Nyeri–Nanyuki–Meru or via Embu; additional approaches use Murera and Ura gates. Air: Kinna, Mulika and Mughwongo airstrips serve the park. Confirm the latest road, gate, airstrip or marine access guidance with KWS before departure.
What are the current entry fees for Meru National Park?
The KWS 2025 fee schedule lists East African citizen adults from KES 800 and non-resident adults from USD 70 for this fee category. Child, resident and African-citizen rates are stored in this record. Always verify current KWS fees before issuing a final quotation.
What should I carry when visiting Meru National Park?
Carry drinking water, suitable clothing and footwear, sun protection, a camera/binoculars where useful, and any personal medication. Follow KWS safety rules and avoid single-use plastics in protected areas.
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