Discover Meru District

Meru National Park is located in Meru County and covers 870 square kilometres. Visitors to the park can observe wildlife, camp, picnic and hike. Swimming is possible in the pool next to the Bwatherongi (Kinna) Cottages. The national park therefore combines wildlife viewing with a range of ways to enjoy the outdoors.

Activities in Meru National Park

For planning, it helps to distinguish between the options by their nature. Wildlife viewing focuses on the animals; hiking adds activity to your stay. Camping and picnicking offer other ways to spend time outdoors, while the swimming pool adds swimming to the range of options. This lets you weigh up whether you would like to focus mainly on wildlife viewing, hiking or another outdoor activity.

Conservation history

Meru National Park is also associated with the conservation history of George and Joy Adamson and the lioness Elsa. The couple rescued Elsa, raised her and successfully returned her to the wild. This story adds a historical connection to the park’s nature themes. For travellers interested in conservation as well as outdoor activities, it offers a distinct point of interest.

Cultural heritage in the wider Meru area

In the wider Meru travel area, the cultural heritage of the Meru community offers another perspective on the region. This includes traditional sacred sites, which are preserved by the Nchuri-Ncheke elders. The connection between the sites and their preservation by the elders gives this heritage a tangible community dimension. While activities in the national park focus on nature and wildlife, here the traditions of the Meru community take centre stage. This adds a cultural focus to your trip planning alongside the park’s nature experiences.

The privately managed Lewa Downs ranch also attracts tourists and competitive events in the wider Meru travel area. Events include cross-country races, the Rhino Charge and a marathon. This brings sport into focus as another regional interest, alongside nature and culture. This differs from the activities in Meru National Park: Lewa Downs is the venue for the competitive events, giving the sporting theme a concrete focus. If sporting events are among your interests, this regional connection complements the nature and cultural perspectives when planning your trip.

Find hotels to suit your trip

When looking for a hotel in Meru District, you can start with the purpose of your trip. Wildlife viewing and activities in Meru National Park, the cultural heritage of the Meru community, and competitive events in the wider travel area represent different areas of focus. A stay centred on wildlife viewing calls for different planning from a trip where cultural heritage or competitions are equally important. You can then check which hotel location best suits your itinerary.

For the overarching travel overview: Eastern.