Meru National Park

Meru National Park is one of the least visited and therefore one of the least spoiled of Kenya’s national parks. The equator bisects the park whose 1810 sq km landscape is mainly given over to bushland but with grasslands in the west. Thick forests grow along the park’s many watercourses.

The park has 13 rivers and a myriad of mountain streams that feed into the Tana river. Hundreds of bird species have made the park their home – among them the Pel’s Fishing Owl which can be heard hunting at night by the river and the rare Peter’s Finfoot. Being extremely secretive these duck-like birds are usually spotted hugging the tree-sheltered water’s edge. Keen birdwatchers should also keep their eyes peeled for the relatively rare Palm-Nut Vulture which feeds on a mixture of carrion and, not surprisingly, palm nuts.

Mammals inhabiting the park include leopard, cheetah, elephant, lion, both Grevy’s and plains zebra, hartebeest, hippo, reticulated giraffe and some decent sized herds of buffalo. The big cats can sometimes be difficult to spot due to areas of tall grass cover and dense bushland.

The Meru National Park has a chequered history and fared terribly during the late 1980’s when poaching became rife and the entire white rhino population which had been introduced into the park was annihilated. The Kenyan government responded decisively and drove out the poachers and restored strong security. Although tourist numbers are still down on the pre-poaching era, wildlife numbers are encouragingly on the increase. The Kenyan Wildlife Service relocated elephants from the Laikipia plateau to Meru in 2001. This success led to the relocation of a number of other species during that decade and you can now see both black and white rhino as well as healthy herds of reedbuck.

Meru became more famous after the worldwide release of the 1966 film ‘Born Free’ which charted the story of a hand-reared orphan lioness named “Elsa” by animal conservationist Joy Adamson. (George, Joy’s husband, had been forced into shooting Elsa’s mother after she attacked him). When Elsa eventually died, Joy buried her and is herself buried at the same site – Adamson’s Falls – next to the Tana river. A small plaque marks the grave among the often abstract shaped weathered granite blocks that have been formed by the waters.

A Taste of Meru

Meru National Park Accommodation

Elsa’s Kopje

Talk to a Specialist

Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.

Rick McIntyre

Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.

You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014.

Rachel Chambers

Rachel Chambers

Rachel resides on the vibrant West Coast of Canada, specifically on Vancouver Island. She has a profound love for travel, having explored nearly 30 countries. However, it was a solo journey to Africa that truly ignited her passion. Upon stepping foot in Botswana for the first time, Rachel was captivated and knew she needed to explore more of the continent. Since then, she has ventured solo to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya, where she traveled with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps.

It was during these experiences that Rachel realized her desire to be a part of the Gamewatchers team.

You can contact Rae at rae@gamewatchers.com or WattsApp +1-250-588-9112

Julie Roggow

Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.

Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014.

Sally Wanjau

Hello, I am Sally Wanjau, and I have been travelling to Kenya on safari since the 1980’s which led to me living and working there for several years. Married to a Kenyan, it is a place that I now call home. I currently live in the UK with my husband. For a number of years, I ran my own safari business as an agent working closely with Gamewatchers Safaris creating unique and tailor-made holidays for my clients, and in 2017 I joined Gamewatchers Safaris full-time as one of their dedicated team of Safari Advisers.

Having travelled extensively throughout East, South and Southern Africa, I remain passionate about Kenya, my love of which is fed by my many fantastic wildlife experiences at the Porini Camps.

You can contact me at sallywanjau@gamewatchers.com or call me at +44 7546 433 250

Wayne Hammond

Hello, I'm Wayne Hammond, and I'm fortunate to have embarked on over 30 incredible journeys to the enchanting continent of Africa. It's a place that has captured my heart time and time again. My travels have taken me to Kenya, which I've had the pleasure of visiting far more times than I can recall, as well as to Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Rwanda, Uganda, South Africa, and Mozambique. Among my cherished bush haunts, I hold dear the Masai Mara in Kenya, the mesmerizing Mana Pools in Zimbabwe, and the wondrous South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. I'm not just a passionate traveler but also an avid amateur wildlife photographer and an occasional travel writer.

If you're ready to embark on your own African adventure, don't hesitate to reach out to me at wayne@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +44 7986 978 985.

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Andrea Landaeta

Hola, I’m Andrea and my love affair with the captivating world of safaris began during my teenage years when I embarked on my very first safari in Kenya. There, amidst the awe-inspiring wildlife and expansive plains, I found my true passion. Over the years, Kenya has called me back time and time again, leading me to explore its myriad camps, conservancies, and renowned parks. More recently, I've had the privilege of staying at all the Porini Camps, where the spotlight shines on wildlife conservation—a cause close to my heart as I traverse the globe. While Kenya holds a special place in my wanderlust-filled heart, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have also woven their magic into my soul. If you're eager to embark on your own safari adventure or share your passion for conservation, please feel free to contact me at andrea@gamewatchers.com

Let's connect and embark on a journey through Africa's wild wonders together.

Pranay Chandra

Hello, I’m Pranay Chandra, a veteran of the Indian Armed Forces whose profound passion for nature and wildlife led me to the world of wildlife photography. My lens has captured the essence of the wild, earning recognition in esteemed competitions like the Sanctuary Asia annual wildlife awards and the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Beyond photography, I’ve dedicated myself to conservation efforts, collaborating with Ecological Task Forces and supporting WWF India’s training initiatives in tiger reserves. In the realm of education, I’ve partnered with CEC, New Delhi, to create informative video programs on Human-Wildlife Conflicts. I’ve ventured to Kenya, embracing the splendours of Africa while staying at Porini camps and other renowned lodges.

You can connect with me via email at pranay@gamewatchers.com or by phone at +91 801 788 5256

Kristy Thomson

Kristy Thomson Hello, I’m Kristy, your Australian-based Safari Advisor with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps. My background in ecology and conservation management, combined with a deep passion for nature and the great outdoors, led me to Kenya where I instantly fell in love with its spectacular wildlife and warm-hearted people. Having spent significant time at our Porini Camps and explored other camps we offer, I bring intricate knowledge to help craft your ultimate wildlife safari adventure. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of the savannah or the serenity of the wilderness, I’m here to make your safari dreams a reality. Feel free to reach out to me on the Gold Coast, Australia, at kristy@gamewatchers.com or call +61 419 175 672