A lush oasis teeming with rare mammals and over 400 species of birds
Meru
This equatorial region of mixed forests, crisscrossing rivers and open grasslands in the shadow of Mount Kenya supports a breathtaking array of wildlife.
This equatorial region of mixed forests, crisscrossing rivers and open grasslands in the shadow of Mount Kenya supports a breathtaking array of wildlife.
Why Meru?
You may recognise Meru National Park as the setting of Born Free, the popular book by Joy Adamson published in 1960. Lioness heroine Elsa was raised in this idyllic setting and you can follow in her pawprints today. A safari in Meru is a true adventure – the swamps and bushland within this slice of wilderness are teeming with elephants, black rhino, hippos, cheetah, leopard, hundreds of species of birds and, of course, lions.
Immerse yourself in the nature of Meru with open vehicle game drives, or go on a dedicated birdwatching tour. Don’t miss a nature walk to Adamson Falls – a rocky, picturesque waterfall system. With Mount Kenya as the backdrop, Meru National Park is one of the most beautiful parts of this spectacular country.
Immerse yourself in the nature of Meru with open vehicle game drives, or go on a dedicated birdwatching tour. Don’t miss a nature walk to Adamson Falls – a rocky, picturesque waterfall system. With Mount Kenya as the backdrop, Meru National Park is one of the most beautiful parts of this spectacular country.
- Verdant, diverse landscapes with views of Mount Kenya.
- A historic conservation success story.
- Abundant wildlife including leopard and black rhino.
- One of Kenya’s least-visited parks.
- Remote and ultra-private with luxurious accommodations.
- The setting of the Born Free book and movie featuring Elsa the lion.
Best Places to Stay in Meru
Elsa's Kopje
Built atop a granite hill, Elsa’s Kopje is an idyllically situated boutique safari lodge in the Meru National Park. It was opened in 1999 by Virginia McKenna, and the eponymous Elsa is the lioness star of Born Free. The lodge has been credited with single handedly reviving the fortunes of this beautiful national park.
Rhino River Camp
Rhino River Camp offers an authentic tented camp experience in the untouched wilderness of the Meru National Park. Secluded and remote, you’ll enjoy a safari experience undisturbed by other visitors but filled with a diverse range of wildlife sightings. As the name suggests, this is a particularly good choice if you’re keen to see rhino.
Private Journeys Tailored to You
We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.
Who are Journeysmiths?
An experienced team of well-travelled individuals, passionate about crafting journeys that are as exceptional as they are personal, while maximising our positive impact on the places in which we work.
Why Travel With Us?
While the evolution of travel and technology has seen much change at Journeysmiths over the years, our fundamental beliefs about the perfect holiday have not.
Positive Impact Mission
Journeysmiths mission is to inspire and expand peoples horizons through exceptional travel experiences, while preserving the natural world for future generations.
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