Between June to September
March to May and October to November.
African bush elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah
During the latter part of the 20th century, Meru National Park had fallen prey to poachers and official neglect. However, beginning in 2005 a major rehabilitation program was launched that provided much-needed security and infrastructure upgrades and transformed Meru into one of the jewels of East Africa. Our Meru National Park Safari Tours are breathtaking experiences that leave our guests with memories to last a lifetime.
Meru National Park is considered by many wildlife experts to be one of the most important National Parks in Kenya, yet it remains off the beaten track for many tourists. That is great news for those who wish to avoid some of the bottlenecks that can occur during high season at other parks. Here, it’s just your party, your guide, the spectacular scenery and the wildlife.
Hidden Gem of Kenya Safari
Meru National Park is certainly a gem, and we’re sure you will agree after you spend 3 unforgettable days among the lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, buffalo, gazelles, impala, zebras and other animals in this thriving nature preserve.
You will have the option of staying in our luxurious safari lodge or in our beautiful and richly appointed safari tents. During the day you will venture out in the company of our expert guide in your private 4 x 4 Safari Jeeps on a once-in-lifetime adventure across endless grasslands and along the banks of the Tana River with its vast hippo and crocodile populations.
Whether you wish to see the “Big 5” animals, African crocs and hippos or want to bask in the primaeval landscape with Mount Kenya looming in the background, there is something for everyone on our Meru National Park Safari Tours. That includes more than 420 species of birds, which makes Meru one of the best birding locations in this part of East Africa.
Meru has a hot, arid climate. Temperatures are fairly uniform through the year. Daytime temperatures are around 32°C/90°F, and at night temperatures fall to about 17°C/63°F. The Wet season from November to May is characterized by two periods of rain: the ‘short rains’ peak in November, and the ‘long rains’ peak in April.
General weather summary in April
Feel like
Very warm with a gentle breeze
What to wear
Light clothing t-shirts and pants
Daylight length
12.1 hours
Chance of rain
25%
Amount
137 mm
Wind speed
19.2 kph
Humidity
68%
Sunrise
6:23 AM
Sunset
6:30 PM
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
General weather summary in May
Feel like
Very warm with a gentle breeze
What to wear
Light clothing t-shirts and pants
Daylight length
12.1 hours
Chance of rain
9%
Amount
30 mm
Wind speed
23.6 kph
Humidity
66%
Sunrise
6:19 AM
Sunset
6:27 PM
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
General weather summary in June
Feel like
Very warm and breezy
What to wear
Light cloths, sleeveless shirt and pants
Daylight length
12.1 hours
Chance of rain
6%
Amount
0.69 mm
Wind speed
24.9 kph
Humidity
62%
Sunrise
6:23 AM
Sunset
6:30 PM
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
General weather summary in July
Feel like
Very warm and breezy
What to wear
Light cloths, sleeveless shirt and pants
Daylight length
12.1 hours
Chance of rain
5%
Amount
0.64 mm
Wind speed
26.7 kph
Humidity
60%
Sunrise
6:28 AM
Sunset
6:36 PM
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
General weather summary in August
Feel like
Very warm and breezy
What to wear
Light cloths, sleeveless shirt and pants
Daylight length
12.1 hours
Chance of rain
4%
Amount
0.48 mm
Wind speed
29.0 kph
Humidity
58%
Sunrise
6:27 AM
Sunset
6:34 PM
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
General weather summary in September
Feel like
Very warm and breezy
What to wear
Light cloths, sleeveless shirt and pants
Daylight length
12.1 hours
Chance of rain
3%
Amount
0.37 mm
Wind speed
28.5 kph
Humidity
55%
Sunrise
6:18 AM
Sunset
6:25 PM
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
General weather summary in October
Feel like
Very warm with a gentle breeze
What to wear
Light cloths, sleeveless shirt and pants
Daylight length
12.1 hours
Chance of rain
13%
Amount
44 mm
Wind speed
22.9 kph
Humidity
59%
Sunrise
6:09 AM
Sunset
6:16 PM
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
General weather summary in November
Feel like
Very warm with a gentle breeze
What to wear
Light cloths: sleeveless shirt and pants
Daylight length
12.1 hours
Chance of rain
41%
Amount
163 MM
Wind speed
16.7 kph
Humidity
72%
Sunrise
6:08 AM
Sunset
6:15 PM
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
General weather summary in December
Feel like
Very warm, sticky
What to wear
Light cloths: sleeveless shirt and pants
Daylight length
12.1 hours
Chance of rain
21%
Amount
75 MM
Wind speed
14.5 kph
Humidity
64%
Sunrise
6:18 AM
Sunset
6:25 PM
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
General weather summary in January
Feel like
Very warm, comfortable
What to wear
Light clothing t-shirts and pants
Daylight length
12.1 hours
Chance of rain
7%
Amount
13 mm
Wind speed
15.0 kph
Humidity
53%
Sunrise
6:32 AM
Sunset
6:39 PM
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
General weather summary in February
Feel like
Very warm with a gentle breeze
What to wear
Light clothing t-shirts and pants
Daylight length
12.1 hours
Chance of rain
8%
Amount
13 mm
Wind speed
17.0 kph
Humidity
53%
Sunrise
6:37 AM
Sunset
6:43 PM
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
General weather summary in March
Feel like
Very warm with a gentle breeze
What to wear
Light clothing t-shirts and pants
Daylight length
12.1 hours
Chance of rain
14%
Amount
42 mm
Wind speed
18.1 kph
Humidity
57%
Sunrise
6:32 AM
Sunset
6:38 PM
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
Africa FlashMC has many years of experience producing breathtaking safari tours in Kenya. Few other companies can match our reputation for client satisfaction and outstanding customer service. Make sure you make the most of your time here by booking Meru National Park Safari Tours with Africa Flash.
“Every time I look at a zebra, I can’t figure out whether it’s black with white stripes or white with black stripes, and that frustrates me.”
Kate Bowen
Africa Safari Enthusiast
Best Things to do/Attractions to See in Meru National Park
Meru National Park is famous the world over for its remarkable variety of mammals including critically endangered black and white rhinos. Make sure you see them all, and make sure to partake of the other incredible experiences that are right at your fingertips including:
Birdwatching – Experts have identified more than 300 species of birds inside the park. It truly is a bird watchers paradise. Find the perfect spot to set up with your camera at dawn or dusk and prepare to be amazed.
Fishing n’ Rafting – One of the lesser-known activities that is allowed in Meru is fishing. Try your luck catching barbus or catfish at a variety of sites along the banks of the Tana River. It’s an angling experience to rival any you have ever had.
Aquatic wildlife – Elephants and lions are incredible sights but so too are the parks many enormous hippos. There is no other animal quite like them, although they are not alone in the water. Meru is also home to some of Africa’s largest crocodiles.
Elsa’s grave – Elsa the lion was the subject of the best-selling book and groundbreaking movie “Born Free”. Elsa was an orphaned lion raised by George and Joy Adamson and released back into the wild in the 1960s. Elsa’s grave is in a discreet area of the park marked by a rough stone and plaque.
While you are exploring Meru National Park don’t forget to get some photos of Mount Kenya rising majestically in the distance.
Game Drives
Bird Watching
Nature Walks
Bush Sundowners
Cultural Interactions
Birds Paradise Kenya Safari
View TourWildlife and Birds of Kenya Safari
View TourHidden Gem of Kenya Safari
View TourConserving Kenya Safari
View TourBirds and Beasts of Kenya Safari
View ToursFlash McTours and Travel are proud to offer a range of accommodation options in Meru National park. See below some of our most popular places to stay…
Choose a category to quickly find the help you need
Meru National Park is located roughly 320 km (123.5 mi) northeast of the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, in Meru County. Part of the greater Meru Conservation Area, it covers about 870 sq. km (336 sq. mi). Mount Kenya lies to the southwest.
The best time to visit this part of Kenya is during the dry seasons. These occur from June – September and January – February. The drier conditions make wildlife viewing easier and roads easier to navigate.
FlashMc Tours will transport you in comfort Safari Vehicles to Meru National Park. The drive takes 6-7 hours from Nairobi. Flight Safaris are also available from Nairobi to the park’s airstrip, taking about 1.5 hours.
Yes, as with all of Kenya’s national parks, Meru is well-managed and a safe destination to visit. Practice standard travel safety precautions. Also, be aware that it is home to wild animals that should be treated with caution.
Aside from The Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo), Meru National Park boasts other predators like cheetahs and hyenas. Herbivores, including giraffe, hippo, zebra, and wildebeest feed amid a variety of antelope. Over 400 recorded bird species make Meru a popular birding destination.
Yes, the park is proudly the home of white and black rhino. It is also home to Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and occasional packs of African wild dogs.
Intersected by 13 rivers, the area supports numerous habitats. Rolling hills, grassy plains, rocky outcrops form a patchwork of scenic beauty.
Typical safari activities like birdwatching, bush walks, and game drives are complemented by rhino sanctuary visits, boat trips, and cultural excursions.
Yes. Children are welcome at the camps in the park and special programs are offered, tailored to enchant young minds with the wonders of nature. FlashMc Tours may arrange archery and art lessons, sharing aspects of local tradition.
Yes. Meru National Park is best experienced in the company of an experienced guide, like those employed by FlashMc Tours. Most of the lodges offer guided activities like game drives, walks, and cultural tours.
There is no shortage of photographic opportunities for photographers visiting the park. The pristine wilderness dotted with wildlife and bathed in the warm African light teases the eye at every turn.
Guests wake early, when the wildlife is active, for a game drive. Breakfast is typically served afterwards, after which there is the option to relax or do an activity. An afternoon game drive returns at sunset, before dinner is served.
FlashMc Tours make use of privately owned luxury lodges in Meru National Park featuring cottages and guesthouses.
Public visitor facilities include viewpoints, picnic sites, and visitor centers. The private lodges feature dining rooms, lounges, swimming pools, and gift shops. Wellness treatments are also available.
Meru National Park facilitates conservation initiatives to protect wetlands, elephants, and rhino. These are in addition to anti-poaching and law enforcement, habitat and wildlife monitoring, and community outreach programs.
By simply visiting the park, the income derived from tourist revenue helps fund conservation efforts. This is enhanced by compliance with park regulations, minimizing environmental impact, and supporting both internal and community-based conservation initiatives. Choosing to stay in eco-friendly accommodations, as per FlashMc Tours policy, helps too.
Once threatened with closure, Meru National Park is now a flagship of the viability of sustainable tourism. Intensive ecological rehabilitation, engagement with surrounding communities, and adherence to ecological best practices ensure that the park has a bright and sustainable future.
Yes. The park’s most famous lion, Elsa – of “Born Free” – is buried in the park. Additionally, visits to the Equator Tamaduni Cultural Center provide a fascinating insight into the history and tradition of the local Meru people. FlashMc Tours can arrange visits to traditional villages and community projects in the area.
Meru National Park’s primary significance to local culture today is as a source of community upliftment, through social and conservation programs and employment opportunities. The local population is made up of the Meru, Tharaka, and Igembe communities whose cultures thrive together.
Yes, the park’s Equator Tamaduni Cultural Center is a celebration of Meru culture. Visits to local villages also give visitors the chance to learn more about the area’s cultural heritage.
Due to temperature fluctuations, plan your wardrobe with layers in mind. Clothing should be neutral colored, breathable, and lightweight. Protect yourself from the sun with a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Pack personal medication and a first-aid kit. A good camera and binoculars are important accessories, while bug spray and walking shoes help with comfort. FlashMc Tours provides guests with reusable water bottles.
Meru National Park entry fees are included in the tour package price.
Visitors are to abide by the regulations of the national park throughout their visit. Vehicles may not travel offroad, wildlife must be respected and not harmed or harassed, and local communities should be treated with respect. No littering or excessive noise is allowed.
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Africa FlashMc Tours and Travel is a member of Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO), membership code: No.AS/687. KATO is one of the key tourism trade associations in Kenya, representing the interests of over 400 of the most experienced professional tour operators in Kenya. As a member, our services have been checked and are bound by the Code of Conduct to provide the highest possible quality of service to their clients. The scheme is insured to guarantee your holiday safari in the unlikely event that a bonded KATO member ceases operating.
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