Meru National Park is a national park in Kenya, located east of Meru, 350 km (220 mi) from Nairobi. It covers an area of 870 km² (340 sq mi) and is one of Kenya's most well-known national parks. Rainfall in the park is plentiful, with 635–762 mm (25–30 in) in the western part and 305–356 mm (12–14 in) in the eastern part. This rainfall creates tall grasses and thick swamps.

The park is home to many wild animals, including African bush elephants, lions, African leopards, cheetahs, eastern black rhinoceroses, southern white rhinoceroses, Grévy's zebras, and hippos.

Meru National Park was one of two areas where conservationists George Adamson and Joy Adamson raised Elsa the lioness, who became famous in the bestselling book and award-winning movie Born Free. Elsa the lioness is buried in the park, and part of Joy Adamson's ashes were scattered at her gravesite.

History

Between the years 2000 and 2005, the Kenya Wildlife Service, with help from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), worked to fix Meru National Park, which had been almost destroyed. This effort turned the park into a popular tourist destination in Eastern Africa and stopped poaching in the area. IFAW gave $1.25 million to support this project. This money was used to improve roads, buildings, and other basic needs, as well as to provide tools and vehicles for rangers to protect the park.

Since 2005, the protected area has been part of a Lion Conservation Unit.

Attractions

In addition to the scenery and wildlife, tourist attractions in Kenya include the home where George and Joy Adamson lived, Adamson's Falls, the burial places of Joy Adamson and Elsa the Lioness, views of Mount Kenya, and the Tana River.