+44 (0)1625 591 112

At a glance

  • A beautiful, wild and untamed national park
  • Made famous by the conservationists George and Joy Adamson, who released Elsa the lioness back into the wild here
  • Great game viewing with increasingly frequent sightings of all the Big Five
  • Meru's acclaimed rhino sanctuary is one of the best places to see black and white rhinos in their natural habitat
  • Exceptional birding with over 420 recorded species, including the rare Pel’s Fishing Owl

Overview

Rugged and untamed, Meru National Park is where George and Joy Adamson famously raised the lion cub Elsa, an experience immortalised on page and screen in the classic Born Free. Located north-east of Nairobi and to the east of Mount Kenya, the park covers 870 square kilometres and crosses the equator. Its striking scenery includes a heady mix of savannah and woodland, with belts of tropical riverine forests woven together by a network of rivers, creating the perfect sanctuary for a rich mix of wildlife.

When to visit

  • January
    27ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    10ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    55mm
    Average Rainfall
    January is the height of the summer season and falls into the 'short dry season'. It's an excellent time to visit, with warm temperatures and short grasses making for excellent game viewing, with opportunities to spot newborn and infant animals. Birdwatching is spectacular with many migratory species present. Although days are hot, evenings and early mornings can be cool, so layers are recommended.
  • February
    27ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    10ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    42mm
    Average Rainfall
    February is well into the short dry season with hot, clear days and just the odd shower. It's an excellent time to visit, with warm temperatures and short grasses making for excellent game viewing, with opportunities to spot newborn and infant animals. Birdwatching is spectacular with many migratory species present. Although days are hot, evenings and early mornings can be cool, so layers are recommended.
  • March
    28ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    11ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    95mm
    Average Rainfall
    For most of March, days are warm and dry, however Kenya is approaching the 'long rains' so more rainfall should be expected. March is a good time to visit, with warm temperatures and short grasses making for excellent game viewing, with opportunities to spot newborn and infant animals. Birdwatching is spectacular with many migratory species present. Although days are hot, evenings and early mornings can be cool, so layers are recommended.
  • April
    27ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    11ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    123mm
    Average Rainfall
    April heralds the start of the green season and the beginning of the 'long rains', which bring an explosion of greenery and a drop in temperatures. Days are still warm but evenings are cool, so layers are recommended. The increased rainfall results in more water sources, which combined with thicker vegetation makes wildlife viewing more challenging. However, with careful planning this is still an excellent time to visit: the landscape is lush and bright and there is hardly anyone else around. It's an especially good time for photography, thanks to the vivid colours, dramatic skies and excellent air clarity.
  • May
    27ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    11ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    120mm
    Average Rainfall
    May is characterised by the long rains, when vegetation thickens and tracks into the park become muddy. Days are warm and wet and evenings are cool, often requiring layers. The increased rainfall results in more water sources, which combined with thicker vegetation makes wildlife viewing more challenging. However, with careful planning this is still an excellent time to visit: the landscape is lush and bright and there is hardly anyone else around. It's an especially good time for photography, thanks to the vivid colours, dramatic skies and excellent air clarity.
  • June
    26ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    10ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    20mm
    Average Rainfall
    Dry weather for the most part returns to Kenya in June, though there may still be some light showers. Days are clear and sunny with low humidity and evenings can be cool, so layers are recommended. The grasses and vegetation are still verdant after the rains making some wildlife viewing a bit more difficult, However, as water sources start to dissipate animals begin to congregate around rivers and water holes, making them easier to spot.
  • July
    26ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    10ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    20mm
    Average Rainfall
    Winter continues through July with warm dry days and very little rain. Nights and early mornings can be very chilly though, especially when you take the wind chill in an open safari vehicle into account, so plenty of layers are recommended. Shrinking water sources and thinning vegetation make wildlife viewing easier.
  • August
    27ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    10ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    25mm
    Average Rainfall
    August is the last month of winter in Kenya. Days are pleasantly warm with very little rain. Nights and early mornings can be very chilly though, especially when you take the wind chill in an open safari vehicle into account, so plenty of layers are recommended. Shrinking water sources and thinning vegetation make wildlife viewing easier.
  • September
    28ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    10ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    30mm
    Average Rainfall
    Temperatures start to increase as Kenya moves out of its winter. Days are warm and clear with little chance of rain. Nights and early mornings can be very chilly though, especially when you take the wind chill in an open safari vehicle into account, so plenty of layers are recommended. The dry conditions and limited water sources make for excellent game viewing.
  • October
    28ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    11ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    35mm
    Average Rainfall
    October is the last month of the dry season before the short rains start in November. Temperatures are on the rise and days are warm and clear with little chance of rain. Nights and early mornings can be very chilly though, especially when you take the wind chill in an open safari vehicle into account, so plenty of layers are recommended. The dry conditions and limited water sources make for excellent game viewing and there are even fewer visitors, making for a more private safari experience. Many migrant bird species start to arrive from Europe at this time.
  • November
    28ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    11ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    105mm
    Average Rainfall
    November sees the start of the short rains, bringing with it a return to green and lush landscapes. Wildlife viewing becomes a bit more challenging with the thickening of vegetation and more surface water, though the increased number of newborn animals around is a definite bonus. Days are hot with cooler evenings and mornings. The birdlife is brilliant with many migrant species present.
  • December
    28ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    17ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    80mm
    Average Rainfall
    By December the short rains have ended for the most part and the country tends to be sunny and dry, with lush landscapes following the short rains in November. Days are hot and humid, with early mornings and evenings slightly cooler. Wildlife viewing is a bit challenging due to the thicker vegetation. The birdlife is brilliant with many migrant species present.

Accommodation

View all