Meru National Park, National park and Tentative World Heritage Site in eastern Kenya.

Meru National Park is a protected area in eastern Kenya with varied landscapes including open plains, woodlands, rivers, and wetlands that provide habitat for numerous species. The terrain is shaped by waterways that create different environments and support diverse wildlife populations.

The park was established in 1966 to protect the region's natural environment. It later gained international attention through conservation efforts connected to a famous lion rehabilitation project that became known worldwide.

The Meru people have inhabited this region for generations and maintain deep knowledge of the land and its rhythms. This connection shapes how locals relate to the wildlife and landscape, visible in the stories guides share during visits.

Visit with experienced guides who lead game drives and walking tours through different parts of the park. Plan time to explore varied habitats slowly, as wildlife viewing and bird spotting work best when you move at a relaxed pace through the landscape.

The park marks the southern limit for Grévy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx and Rainey's grant gazelle, while Kirk's dik-dik and Coke's hartebeest reach their northernmost range in Kenya here. The shy lesser kudu also lives in the park. Elephant numbers fell from about 1,500 in 1973 to 427 in 1987.