Meru National Park in eastern Kenya offers Big 5 safaris with a rhino sanctuary. Wildlife adapted to arid conditions thrive here. Such as bush pigs, elephants, gerenuks, Grevy’s & Burchell’s zebras, and reticulated giraffes. With their distinct pattern. Rarer species also include the lesser kudu, caracal, and aardwolf.
Meru National Park was the setting for Joy Adamson’s book “Born Free”. This is the story of Adamson’s life and research amongst lion and cheetah.
It is approximately 870km² and 300/350km northeast of Nairobi. The best time to visit Meru is between June and October; when it is not as hot as other times.
Meru National Park is an especially wild and beautiful area of Kenya. It has diverse scenery. From woodlands at 3,400ft (1,036m) on the slopes of Nyambeni Mountain Range northeast of Mount Kenya. To the wide open plains with meandering riverbanks dotted with doum palms. Three large rivers border the reserve. The Tana to the south, the Ura to the southwest, and the Rojeweru to the east.
Wildlife includes elephants, cheetahs, leopards, black rhinos, zebras, gazelle, and oryx. Some of the rarer antelope, Lesser Kudu, duiker. And also the more common Dik-Dik; one of Africa’s smallest antelope. Large prides of lion can be seen, and some of Kenya’s largest herds of buffalo. While the rivers abound with hippos and crocodiles.
Meru National Park game drive in the Rhino Sanctuary
Over 300 species of birds have been recorded. Including Red-necked falcon, Heuglins Courser, brown-backed woodpecker, African Finfoot, Pel’s Fishing Owl, kingfishers, rollers, bee-eaters, sunbirds, starlings, and weavers.
Meru National Park sundowner at Elsa’s Kopje
Best Time To Visit Meru National Park
Meru National Park is in equatorial Kenya, therefore, the park experiences rainy and dry seasons. The seasons create variations in wildlife viewing. The long dry season from July to October is probably the best time to visit Meru National Park as there is little to no rainfall so the water is scarce. Therefore, the wildlife is drawn to the little water that remains so they are easier to find.
The short rainy season is in November and December. The rainfall is typically limited to short afternoon and evening showers.
The rains subside in January and February, marking the short dry season. By the end of March, the long rainy season arrives and lasts until late May to parts of June. The heaviest rainfall is in April and May. Typically rains last for a few days at a time but not all day. Most days are overcast with only occasional sunshine. During this time the landscape transforms into a lush setting of grasses, foliage, and watering holes. This makes it more difficult to locate the wildlife so more time is needed. However, the long rainy season is birthing time so best for seeing the young game.
Mount Kenya
Mountain climbing is also a big drawcard to Kenya. Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second-highest in Africa. It stands at 5,199m high. Actually, Mount Kenya is a more difficult climb than its neighbor, Kilimanjaro. In addition, it is not as busy. So if you are fit and want a quieter climb; Mount Kenya is the best choice.
Pristine wilderness. Lakes, tarns, glaciers, and peaks of great beauty. Geological variety, the forest, and mineral springs. Rare and endangered wildlife species, with high altitude adapted game. Unique montane and alpine vegetation with 11 species of endemic plants are a sight.
Wildlife includes buffalo, elephants, black and white colobus and Sykes monkeys, rock and tree hyrax, white tailed mongoose, suni, black fronted duiker, mole rat, bushbucks, waterbuck, and Elands. Animals rarely seen include leopard, bongo, giant forest hog, Suni antelope, Mt. Kenya mole rat, skinks (lizards), montane viper, and a variety of owls. Over 130 bird species have been recorded.
Best Time To Visit Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya can be visited all year. The best times for climbing Mount Kenya from any of the trekking routes are January to March and June to October. But it can be climbed year round. The rainy seasons typically occur in April, May, and November.
