Very much like Samburu, this area became famous through Joy Adamson’s novel ‘Born Free’ which was published in 1960 and later became a well known picture movie. The touching story of Elsa the orphaned lion cub who was raised by George and Joy Adamson in an attempt to rehabilitate her is well known. The success of the rehabilitation is brought to life in this park and it is easy to get caught up in the emotion of the tale when you take the time to visit Elsa’s grave.

The story of Elsa isn’t the only lure to this magical park. The traffic here is hardly anything compared to the bustle of the Mara but the key to the Meru National Park is that you get all the same magnificent game (minus the migration) and less people to share it with. Black rhino can be seen milling around which will certainly get your blood pumping and the park also has a great ecosystem that supports lions, cheetah and the elusive leopard.