Bwatheronji Campsite, Meru National Park

Established in 1968, Meru National Park is a national treasure. It spans over 870 square kilometers of savannah, interspersed with woodlands and magical riverine forests, featuring an abundance of lush vegetation, including diverse native palms. The park is home to a variety of birdlife, from the small kingfisher to the majestic fish eagle, and semi-aquatic wildlife such as hundreds of hippos and crocodiles. Numerous safe, elevated lookout points have been rehabilitated or erected to enjoy the riverine wonders, and several roads skirt the park's most important waterways. Since the park is not as popular as those in the Samburu, Laikipia, or Mara ecosystems, visitors can enjoy its big cats, herds of elephants, and abundant plains game in a relatively low-traffic environment.

Meru National Park offers several campsites, and Bwatheronji is definitely not the only option. For instance, Rojawero campsite, though lacking amenities, is charmingly set along the palm-lined river of the same name. We recommend Bwatheronji because of the amenities available at this public campsite. Campers can enjoy a swimming pool—definitely refreshing after a hot and dusty game drive—as well as flush toilets, hot showers, and firewood. Additionally, the campsite is centrally located, making it a great base for exploring the park.

It is important to note the historical significance of Meru National Park as the former home of Joy and George Adamson, famed for their work with lions, including Elsa the lioness, and their contributions to establishing vast spaces in Kenya as bastions of biodiversity conservation. In line with this heritage, we recommend visiting Elsa’s Kopje, a lodge on a hill with a storied history, for lunch.