🗓️ 3-Day Meru Safari Itinerary – “Born Free & Wild”

Day 1: Nairobi → Meru National Park

  • Morning:
    • Depart Nairobi by 7:00 AM via road (approx. 6-hour scenic drive) or optional flight to Mulika airstrip
    • Stopover for a snack or coffee near Mount Kenya viewpoints
  • Afternoon:
    • Arrive at your lodge or tented camp by 1:30 PM
    • Check-in, enjoy lunch, and settle into your wild surroundings
    • Brief rest followed by your first evening game drive
    • Sightings: elephants, lions, hippos, buffalos, and birdlife along the Tana River
  • Evening:
    • Sundowners at a scenic riverbank
    • Return for dinner and a storytelling session about Elsa the lioness and the Born Free legacy
  • Overnight:
    • Stay at Elsa’s Kopje, Rhino River Camp, or equivalent eco-luxury lodge

Day 2: Full Day in Meru National Park

  • Early Morning:
    • Sunrise safari to track elusive predators and rare species (leopards, cheetahs, rhinos)
    • Visit the Rhino Sanctuary for up-close rhino sightings
  • Mid-Morning:
    • Return to lodge for breakfast
    • Visit Elsa’s Grave and Adamson Falls (optional heritage add-on)
  • Afternoon:
    • Leisure time at camp or optional nature walk with armed ranger
    • Birdwatching, photography, or poolside relaxation
  • Evening:
    • Sunset game drive through the savannah and forest belt
    • End the day with bush dinner (if arranged in advance)
  • Overnight:
    • Same lodge or camp

Day 3: Meru → Nairobi

  • Morning:
    • Optional final game drive at sunrise
    • Breakfast and check-out
    • Depart Meru by road or return flight
  • Afternoon:
    • Arrive in Nairobi by late afternoon
    • Optional: drop-off at JKIA or hotel

🏞️ Combo Safari Option: Meru + Samburu OR Mount Kenya

Option A: Meru + Samburu (5 Days)

  • Days 1–2: Meru National Park itinerary
  • Day 3: Drive to Samburu (~3 hrs). Check-in and evening game drive
  • Days 4–5: Explore Samburu’s Special Five and cultural visit to Samburu village
  • Return: Travel back to Nairobi via Nanyuki or optional flight

Option B: Meru + Mount Kenya Safari (5 Days)

  • Days 1–2: Meru itinerary
  • Day 3: Transfer to Mount Kenya region (Timau/Nanyuki)
  • Day 4: Visit Mount Kenya Forest Reserve, hike, birdwatch, or explore Ngare Ndare canopy walk
  • Day 5: Return to Nairobi via Equator stop and local market experience