Meru National Park

Meru National Park is one of the unspoiled and least visited reserves. Abundant jungle, tall grass and swamps are due to the generous amount of rain that falls annually. Meru straddles the equator with 13 rivers and many streams that flow within its boundaries. The rivers, lined with doum palm trees, tamarind and acacia trees, abound with hippos and crocodiles.

George and Joy Adamson released several hand-reared animals, including the son of the famous lioness Elsa and their cheetah Pippa in Meru National Park. Else was the subject of the book 'Born Free'. The wildlife in the park includes lion, elephant, cheetah, leopard and some of the rarer antelopes. Large prides of lion can be seen and some of Kenya's largest herds of buffalo. Poaching was a big problem in Meru National Park during the 1980's but now the herds are settling down to breed again.

Over 300 species of birds have been recorded in Meru National Park. The banks of the Rojewero River are popular with bird watchers searching for the rarely seen Peter's finfoot, palm-nut vulture and Pel's fishing owl.