Meru National Park

Meru National Park is one of Kenya's most scenically beautiful and ecologically rich wildlife areas, yet remains remarkably uncrowded and little-known compared to the Masai Mara — making it arguably the country's finest 'secret' safari destination. Covering 870 square kilometres in central Kenya northeast of Mount Kenya, Meru encompasses an extraordinary diversity of habitats — dense riverine forest, open savannah, swamps, doum palm woodland, and the crystal-clear rivers of the Tana, Rojewero, and Murera systems — that support an exceptional concentration of wildlife. The park was immortalised by Joy Adamson's beloved book and film 'Born Free', which documented the remarkable story of Elsa the lioness being raised and returned to the wild here. The Adamsons' legacy permeates the park, with Elsa's grave lying within the park boundaries. Meru was devastated by severe poaching in the 1980s and 1990s but has undergone a remarkable conservation renaissance, with elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and cheetah all returning in significant numbers. Today Meru represents one of Africa's great conservation success stories and offers visitors an extraordinarily authentic, uncrowded bush experience. Elsa's Kopje luxury lodge, perched on dramatic rocky outcrops with panoramic views, is one of Kenya's most celebrated safari properties.