Reviews of safaris to Meru National Park

"It was simply wonderful to be back in Africa. If you're even slightly thinking about making a trip, take the plunge if you can. Everywhere felt safe (more so than at home) with the coronavirus being treated very seriously and the camps were clearly delighted to be back in operation.

Everyone was beyond welcoming and emphatic that we tell friends and family that Kenya is open for business and welcoming travellers.


At a personal level we were aching to return to the bush having had to reschedule this trip three times. We had been in Ethiopia and Kenya (the Mara conservancies) in February and early March 2020 and got home just as the world went into lockdown and it was a privilege and pleasure to finally return.

There was some additional hassle with paperwork, testing et cetera but once on the ground it felt almost like old times and was totally worth the effort. And in Meru we barely saw another visitor during our stay. Just awesome.

Planning was inevitably very last minute due to travel uncertainty and changing entry requirements but Richard was very patient and did a great job. The entire trip went like clockwork and we couldn't be happier with the arrangements made for us. We have already made plans for another trip in early 2021.

Last minute trips are great :-)" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Kenya safari

"Enjoyed being in two contrasting locations. Amboseli is elephant heaven and I had some wonderful, very close, encounters with ele families and watched a cheetah and her cubs dining on her catch of the day (brilliant guiding by Joseph). After the open plains, Meru was deep bush - so much rain, even the lions had taken to the trees - and different animals to see.

Accommodation in both places was great, especially Elsa's Kopje, with its lovely staff and attention to detail." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 7 on a Kenya safari

"The short rainy season extended right through our trip in January-February (2020), which is ordinarily the height of the short dry season. Interestingly, this is no way dampened (pun intended) our enjoyment of the trip.

I’m interested in photography, and the lush green foliage, moody skies, and sometimes dramatic sunrises/sunsets all enhanced my efforts. The animals were all healthy and happy, with plenty of vegetation for the herbivores and well-fed herbivores for the predators. Luckily, in spite of the presence of rain on each except our last day, we only experienced one 45-minute delay on a single game drive, so we weren’t particularly impacted by the rains, other than by the presence of lots of mud (the camps supplied Wellington boots) and some insects in Meru.

The hard work of the staffs at each of our camps contributed tremendously to our enjoyment of the trip." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Kenya safari

"This was my 14 trip to Africa and my first time with Expert Africa. I do so appreciate the detail that Olivia put into my trip. She did listen to my expectations and desires for the type of safari that I wish to experience. The animal sightings and accommodations were excellent. The guides and camp staff paid attention to details and were very knowledgeable about all aspects of the trip. I appreciate that the camps were involved in community service and took the time to share their knowledge with me during my stay. I also appreciate that the camps were trying to be conscious of not polluting the environment and using solar power throughout camp.

The only suggestion I have is to get rid of the juice boxes and their plastic straws. Juice can be dispensed in glass containers too." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Kenya safari

"Richard was excellent in making ground arrangements. Everything ran smoothly. Excellent pre-trip communication.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No..would recommend." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 15 on a Kenya safari

"We have been travelling to Africa for over 12 years and this was our first trip to Kenya. Our overall experience was good with certain aspects being very good.

The majority of our fellow travellers were safari first timers and combining there holiday with a beach experience either on the coast or the island of Lamu. One of the attractions of a safari experience is meeting people from different parts of the world and sharing experiences and we were not disappointed on this trip." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 10 on a Kenya safari

"We really enjoyed visiting these two contrasting parks, and Meru in particular would definitely be on our wish list for a return visit one day.

It was also an interesting change to stay at two camps with non-communal dining which were slightly larger than those we have visited in the past; both were beautifully located and extremely comfortable although as noted we were relieved neither was full to capacity which I think would have given them quite a different vibe." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 7 on a Kenya safari

"We had a really wonderful holiday, every moment of which was memorable.

We enjoyed all four places we stayed, seeing a wide variety of wildlife and some beautiful landscapes. Everyone we met was warm, friendly and welcoming and we felt very well looked after at every stage of the trip.

Giraffe Manor is an extraordinary place, offering a unique experience that we will never forget, and the three lodges/camps were different enough to give us a sense of constantly seeing something new.

We couldn’t have asked for a better holiday and can’t wait to go again!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Kenya safari

"We have been to several African countries but this was our first time in Kenya and we chose areas to visit slightly off the usual track: Laikipia, Samburu and Meru.
Each was quite different but within relatively easy reach. We travelled to all three by road, only getting on a bush plane from Meru to Nairobi. Each camp too was quite individual in terms of style and atmosphere.
The tented camp Kicheche in Laikipia was our favourite overall but Saruni Samburu and Elsa's Kopje were both excellent experiences and in spectacular positions. Of the three Elsa's probably had the highest age profile.
We scored a number of firsts such as tiny lion cubs, a successful cheetah hunt and bat-eared foxes mating (in broad daylight!). It was a delight to see the animals unique to the area such as reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and Grevy's zebra. It was also a privilege to attend part of the celebrations of a Samburu wedding.
All in all a terrific trip and an introduction to Kenya that will probably be hard to beat." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 16 on a Kenya safari

"Our trip was memorable on every level - Africa is my favourite place and I'll keep going there until I drop

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I have to say that the service and friendliness is outstanding and great value for money. Thank you big time" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Kenya safari