3 Days Meru National Park Wilderness Safari
Trip Highlights
Detailed Itinerary Breakdown
Day 1: Nairobi to Meru National Park & Afternoon River Trail Safari
6:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Scenic Overland Drive past Mount Kenya
Depart early from your Nairobi hotel or airport pickup. Enjoy a scenic overland drive through the central Kenya highlands, traveling via Nanyuki and Timau along the picturesque eastern slopes of Mount Kenya before descending into the wilderness of Meru County.
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Lodge Check-in & Lunch
Arrive at your wilderness lodge or tented safari camp in time for check-in. Settle into your room, enjoy a freshly prepared full-board meal, and relax during the warm midday hours.
3:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Late Afternoon River Trail Safari
Embark on your afternoon game drive along the banks of the Rojewero River. Spot elephant herds bathing in the water, pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and rare northern species like reticulated giraffes and Grevy's zebras under the golden afternoon light.
6:30 PM Onward: Campfire & Evening Dinner
Return to camp at dusk for a relaxing hot shower, followed by a delicious dinner in the main restaurant and drinks around the central campfire under the starry night sky.
Day 2: Full Day Meru Game Exploration, Elsa's Camp & Rhino Sanctuary
6:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Dawn Predator Tracking Safari
Set off on an early morning game drive across open savannah glades when temperatures are cool and predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs are actively hunting.
9:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Elsa's Kopje & Joy Adamson Heritage Visit
Explore the historic legacy of Joy and George Adamson made famous by the book and movie *Born Free*. Visit the site of Elsa the Lioness's camp, enjoying panoramic viewpoints over the surrounding wilderness plains.
12:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Midday Pool & Relaxation Lunch
Head back to the lodge for a hot buffet lunch. Take advantage of the afternoon break to swim, read, or relax on your private veranda.
2:30 PM – 6:30 PM: Guided Meru Rhino Sanctuary Tour
Spend the late afternoon tracking endangered White and Black Rhinos inside the heavily guarded 84-square-kilometer fenced Meru Rhino Sanctuary. Experience close encounters with these majestic creatures alongside expert rangers.
6:30 PM Onward: Dinner & Overnight Stay
Return to your lodge for dinner and rest for your final night in the wild.
Day 3: Early Morning River Trail, Breakfast & Return Transit to Nairobi
6:00 AM – 8:30 AM: Morning River Trail Birding & Safari
Enjoy a final early morning game drive along the Tana River trails, catching bird species like the Peter's Finfoot and Pel's Fishing Owl along with early morning wildlife activity.
8:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Hearty Breakfast & Check-Out
Return to the lodge for a full breakfast, finish packing your luggage, and complete the check-out process.
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Scenic Return Drive to Nairobi
Begin the return journey back to Nairobi, stopping along the highway or in Nanyuki for lunch. Arrive back in Nairobi in the late afternoon with direct drop-off at your hotel or the airport.
Package Inclusions & Exclusions
| Included | Excluded |
|---|---|
|
✓ 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser / Van Transport with Pop-Up Roof Hatch ✓ KPSGA-Certified Professional English-Speaking Driver-Guide ✓ 2 Nights Accommodation at a Wilderness Lodge or Safari Camp ✓ Full-Board Meal Plan (Day 1: Lunch & Dinner | Day 2: All Meals | Day 3: Breakfast) ✓ Unlimited Game Viewing Drives across Meru National Park ✓ Meru Rhino Sanctuary Tour & River Trail Visits ✓ Bottled Mineral Water Onboard Vehicles During All Transfers & Drives |
✗ KWS Meru National Park Entry Fees (approx. $70 USD foreign adults / KSH 860 East African citizens per day) ✗ Optional Adamson's / Elsa's heritage site contributions ✗ En-Route Lunch on Day 3 during the Return Journey to Nairobi ✗ International flights, visa/eTA fees, and airport transfer surcharges ✗ Driver-Guide Tips, Lodge Staff Gratuities & Souvenir Purchases ✗ Personal Travel, Medical & Interruption Insurance |
