Overview
Discover a different side of Kenya on this 5-day Aberdare and Meru Wilderness Safari, combining the unique wildlife-viewing experience of The Ark Lodge with the diverse landscapes and rich wildlife of Meru National Park.
Begin your journey in the forested highlands of Aberdare, where The Ark overlooks a floodlit waterhole that attracts elephants, buffaloes and other wildlife. Continue north to Meru National Park for three nights of wildlife exploration, scenic game drives and opportunities to discover Kenya’s remarkable conservation heritage.
Associated with the story of Elsa the lioness and the conservation work of George and Joy Adamson, Meru offers a rewarding safari experience for travellers interested in wildlife, nature and destinations beyond Kenya’s more familiar tourist routes.
This safari is ideal for repeat visitors to Kenya, couples, wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking a quieter, less conventional safari experience.
Highlights
- Discover Kenya’s Royal Safari History
- Stay at The Ark Lodge
- Discover Meru National Park
- Private Guided Game Drives
- Discover Elsa’s Legacy
- Go Beyond the Usual Safari Circuit
Itinerary
After breakfast, depart Nairobi and travel north through Kenya’s scenic central highlands towards the Aberdare region. Enjoy views of the countryside and agricultural landscapes along the way.
Arrive at Aberdare Country Club around lunchtime, where you will have lunch before transferring to your selected tree lodge.
For guests staying at The Ark Lodge, the afternoon transfer takes you into Aberdare National Park, where the lodge overlooks a floodlit waterhole and salt lick. Settle into the lodge and enjoy wildlife viewing from its observation decks as elephants, buffalo and other forest animals visit the waterhole. After dinner, keep watch for nocturnal wildlife, with the possibility of being alerted when special animals appear.
For guests choosing Treetops, the experience offers a different appeal: an atmospheric forest lodge with a fascinating connection to Kenya’s royal history. Princess Elizabeth was staying at the original Treetops Hotel in 1952 when she became Queen following the death of her father, King George VI.
Accommodation: The Ark Lodge or Treetops, subject to availability and confirmation
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Activities: Scenic drive, tree-lodge experience and wildlife viewing
After breakfast, depart the Aberdare region and travel north towards Meru National Park, one of Kenya’s less-visited wildlife destinations. Enjoy scenic views of the central highlands and Mount Kenya region as you journey towards the wild landscapes of Meru.
Arrive at your selected lodge or camp around lunchtime or in the early afternoon, depending on the journey and road conditions. After check-in and lunch, relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
If time permits, head out on an afternoon game drive to begin exploring Meru’s diverse habitats. Look out for elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes and other wildlife as your professional safari guide introduces you to the park.
Return to camp in the evening for dinner and overnight, ready for a full day of wildlife exploration tomorrow.
Accommodation: iKWETA Safari Camp (Midrange), Rhino River Camp (Luxury) or Elsa’s Kopje (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Activities: Morning and afternoon game drives
Wake up to the sounds of the African wilderness and enjoy an early breakfast before setting out on a morning game drive in Meru National Park.
Explore the park’s diverse landscapes, from open grasslands and riverine forests to wooded savannahs. With your professional safari guide, look out for elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and other wildlife. Meru is also known for its rich birdlife and its relatively unspoilt wilderness, offering a rewarding safari away from Kenya’s busier wildlife destinations.
Return to your lodge for lunch and some time to relax. In the afternoon, head out for another game drive, exploring different areas of the park and searching for wildlife as the landscape takes on the golden colours of the late afternoon.
Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay, surrounded by the tranquillity of the African wilderness.
Accommodation: iKWETA Safari Camp (Midrange), Rhino River Camp (Luxury) or Elsa’s Kopje (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Activities: Morning and afternoon game drives
After breakfast, set out on another exciting game drive in Meru National Park. Explore different sections of the park with your professional safari guide, searching for wildlife across its open plains, riverine forests and rugged landscapes.
Meru is particularly significant in conservation history as the home of Elsa the lioness, whose story inspired the celebrated book and film Born Free. The story brought international attention to wildlife conservation in Kenya and remains an important part of the park’s heritage.
Return to your lodge for lunch and a relaxing afternoon. Depending on your interests and the lodge’s arrangements, you may enjoy time at camp or head out for another game drive to discover more of Meru’s wildlife.
As evening approaches, return to your lodge for dinner and your final night in this remarkable wilderness.
Accommodation: iKWETA Safari Camp (Midrange), Rhino River Camp (Luxury) or Elsa’s Kopje (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Activities: Morning game drive, leisure time and optional afternoon game drive
Enjoy breakfast at your lodge, taking in the peaceful surroundings of Meru one last time. Depending on your departure schedule, you may have time for a short morning game drive before beginning your journey back to Nairobi.
Depart Meru and travel through Kenya’s scenic countryside, passing through the central highlands on your way to the capital. Enjoy the changing landscapes along the route as your safari adventure comes to an end.
Arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon or early evening, depending on road and traffic conditions. You will be dropped off at your hotel or Airport, marking the end of your 5-Day Aberdare & Meru Wilderness Safari.
Meals: Breakfast (and lunch, if included in the confirmed package)
Activities: Optional morning game drive, scenic drive to Nairobi
Safari ends: Nairobi
Included/Excluded
Package Includes
- Private transport in a 4x4 safari Land Cruiser.
- Services of an English-speaking driver-guide.
- Four nights' accommodation as specified in the itinerary.
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
- Park entry fees for Aberdare National Park and Meru National Park.
- Game drives in Meru National Park as specified.
- Drinking water during the safari.
Package Excludes
- International flights to and from your home country.
- Additional accommodation before the start or after the end of the safari.
- Travel insurance, including medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation or interruption, and loss of or damage to personal belongings. Guests are responsible for arranging adequate travel insurance before departure.
- Visa fees and other travel documentation costs, where applicable.
- Tips and gratuities. As a guideline, we suggest approximately US$10 per person per day for the safari driver-guide. Tips for lodge and camp staff are at guests' discretion.
- Personal expenses, including souvenirs, laundry, telephone calls and other items not specified in the itinerary.
- Drinks and beverages not included in the accommodation meal plan.
- Optional activities and excursions not specified in the itinerary.
- Any additional park visits, activities or services not expressly included in the safari package.
- Any meals, accommodation or services not specifically mentioned under inclusions.
- Any other items or services not expressly stated as included in the safari package.
