Meru National Park is located on the equator, near Mount Kenya and is part of a vast conservation area along the Tana River. The Park achieved worldwide fame with its association to Joy Adamson's “Born Free”. The film chronicled the rehabilitation of Elsa the lioness as she was re-introduced to the Kenyan wilderness. Despite the fact that it's one of Kenya's major national parks, this destination is still overlooked by the majority of tourists.
The Park contains numerous rivers and waterways including the mighty Tana River and varied habitats of swamp, riverine forest, savannah and dry bush. Proximity to Mt. Kenya and the Nyambeni Hills ensures reasonable rainfall in the western half of the park.
Wildlife species include elephant, lion, cheetah, leopard, zebra, some of Kenya's largest herds of buffalo and a variety of antelopes including waterbuck, oryx, lesser kudu, dik-dik, hippos and crocodiles. Abundant Birdlife with over 300 species especially during the northern migration (October-March).
Other attractions includes former home of Joy and George Adamson, scenic views of Mt. Kenya and Adamson’s falls.
Meru National Park is located about 348 Km from Nairobi and covers an area of about 870 sq Km.
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