Meru National Park sits in a remote corner of Kenya where verdant rivers meet wild plains and conservation efforts have restored species once lost. A handful of camps and lodges offer a range of experiences that allow visitors to immerse themselves in this rugged and lesser-known landscape.
Elsa’s Kopje
This lodge is perched on Mughwango Hill with sweeping views across the park and the foothills of Mount Kenya. With just nine bespoke cottages designed to hug the rocky terrain, each room offers indoor-outdoor space and thoughtful design. Elsa’s Kopje was founded at the original site where George and Joy Adamson raised the lioness Elsa, and it played a key role in financing the rebirth of Meru. Today, it serves as a base for exploring the park’s rhino sanctuary. Activities include bush meals, game drives, guided walks, and sundowners by the infinity pool.
Rhino River Camp
Tucked beside the Kindani River on the park’s western edge, this camp blends privacy with eco-friendly design. Raised canvas cottages overlook the flowing water, with quiet decks perfect for reflection or reading. Guests enjoy tranquil pools, regional cuisine, and peaceful evenings beneath dense treetops. Game drives into Meru reveal large herds and lesser-seen species, with hosts offering tailored advice about wildlife and the local ecosystem.
Leopard Rock Lodge
Situated along the Murera River, this lodge features fifteen spacious stone cottages, each with a private terrace facing the bush and river. The design combines natural materials with modern comfort. A central pool includes a bar island and an underwater viewing window into a crocodile-inhabited stretch of river. Spa treatments, game drives, and river-front dining beneath acacia trees round out the experience.
Ikweta Safari Camp and Ikweta Country Inn
Close to Murera Gate, these mid-range options offer a balance of comfort and accessibility. Ikweta Safari Camp features ten thatched tents with en suite bathrooms and private verandahs, alongside a communal pool, lounge, and bar. The nearby Country Inn offers guest rooms with garden views and onsite dining, ideal for families or groups seeking safari convenience at moderate cost.
Offbeat Meru Camp
Located just outside the park in Bisanadi Reserve, this intimate camp offers six canvas tents overlooking the Bisanadi River. Informal lounges, a small library, and nightly campfires provide a relaxed atmosphere. Game viewing across the riverine forest is a daily rhythm, appealing to travelers who value simplicity and closeness to nature.
Each property reflects a different connection to Meru’s landscape, wildlife, and history. Elsa’s Kopje brings a legacy of conservation. Rhino River Camp offers serenity by the river. Leopard Rock blends wildlife with leisure. Ikweta provides accessible comfort. Offbeat Meru emphasizes rustic immersion. Together, they offer a rich picture of what staying in Meru can feel like.