3-Day Meru National Park Safari to Diani Beach | Born Free Wilderness & Rhino Sanctuary Bush-to-Beach Safari
Discover the untamed wilderness where Elsa the lioness roamed free
Travel deep into one of Kenya's most remote and least-visited national parks — Meru, the wild thornbush country immortalised by Joy and George Adamson in the story of Elsa the lioness. Over two full days, explore palm-studded savannah dissected by thirteen permanent rivers, visit the rhino sanctuary where white and black rhinos have been successfully reintroduced, and search for lion, elephant, and lesser kudu in landscapes few other visitors ever see. Your adventure concludes with a scenic overland transfer south to the SGR and a comfortable drop-off at your Diani Beach hotel.
Tour Highlights
Wildlife You'll Encounter
Species commonly sighted on this safari route
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Nairobi to Meru National Park — A2 Highway via Embu (350 km, ~5 hrs)
6:00 am — Pick-up from your Nairobi hotel. Drive north on Thika Superhighway (A2), branch east through Embu town and the lower Mt Kenya slopes. Pass through Chogoria and Meru town to Murera Gate. Arrive by 12:00 pm. Check in among doum palms with Tana River views. Lunch at the lodge. 3:00 pm — Afternoon game drive through the eastern sector — Born Free country where Joy and George Adamson raised Elsa the lioness. Spot elephants, reticulated giraffes, and lesser kudu. Return by 6:30 pm.
Full Day Meru — Rhino Sanctuary & Adamson's Falls
6:00 am — Sunrise drive to the Rhino Sanctuary for black and white rhino sightings in near-solitude. 9:00 am — Return for breakfast. 10:30 am — Drive to Adamson's Falls on the Tana River. Birding: palm-nut vultures, Peter's finfoot, Pel's fishing owl. Picnic lunch by the river. 3:00 pm — Afternoon drive through the doum palm forests. Watch cheetahs on grasslands and hippos in river pools. Return by 6:30 pm.
Morning Game Drive, Born Free Country & Depart for Nairobi (350 km, ~5 hrs)
5:30 am — Final sunrise drive through the remote eastern reaches. Somali ostriches, gerenuks, and lion prides near scattered boulders. Visit Elsa's memorial site. 7:30 am — Quick breakfast and check out. 8:00 am — Depart via Meru town and Embu, driving south through Mt Kenya foothills onto Thika Superhighway. Packed lunch. Arrive at Nairobi Terminus (Syokimau) by 1:30 pm. 3:20 pm — Board the afternoon Madaraka Express SGR to Mombasa (472 km, ~5 hrs, First Class). Arrive Mombasa Terminus by 8:30 pm. Transfer to Diani Beach (40 km, ~1 hr). Arrive at your resort by 9:30 pm.
⟶Madaraka Express SGR Train Schedule
Board the high-speed Madaraka Express from your nearest station to Mombasa — air-conditioned comfort with panoramic views of Tsavo's plains.
| Nairobi Terminus | Emali (Near Amboseli) | Mtito Andei (Tsavo West) | Voi (Tsavo East) | Mombasa Terminus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | 9:27 AM / 9:31 AM | 10:50 AM / 10:51 AM | 12:02 PM / 12:08 PM | 2:00 PM |
Train Option
Board at the nearest station after your safari — Voi (Tsavo East) or Mtito Andei (Tsavo West). Arrive Mombasa by 2:00 PM. First-class tickets included in your package. A C.A.T.S representative meets you at Mombasa Terminus for the transfer to your beach hotel.
Jeep Option to the Coast
Prefer to continue in your private 4×4 Land Cruiser? No problem — at no extra cost. Your guide drives you directly to your Diani Beach hotel, arriving approximately 5:00 PM with wildlife spotting opportunities along the way.
Booking Information
- All prices are per person sharing in a double/twin room
- Single room supplement available on request
- Children under 12 receive discounted rates
- Custom itineraries available — contact us for a personalised quote
- Prices valid for 2025/2026 season — subject to park fee changes
What's Included
- ✓Nairobi hotel pickup in a private 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser
- ✓Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide throughout
- ✓Two nights full-board accommodation at Meru National Park
- ✓One night accommodation in Embu (bed and breakfast)
- ✓One night accommodation in Mombasa (bed and breakfast)
- ✓All game drives as per itinerary including Meru Rhino Sanctuary visit
- ✓Meru National Park entry and conservation fees
- ✓SGR train ticket Nairobi to Mombasa (First Class)
- ✓Diani Beach hotel drop-off
- ✓All meals as indicated in the itinerary
- ✓Bottled drinking water during game drives
- ✓All applicable government taxes and levies
What's Not Included
- ✗International and domestic flights
- ✗Visa fees
- ✗Travel and medical insurance
- ✗Alcoholic and soft drinks
- ✗Tips and gratuities for driver-guide and lodge staff
- ✗Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, souvenirs)
- ✗Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- ✗Diani Beach accommodation and meals after drop-off
Safari Season Guide
Best wildlife viewing. Great Migration in the Mara (Jul–Oct). Dry weather, sparse vegetation makes animals easy to spot.
Calving season in the Serengeti. Good birding. Pleasant weather with occasional showers.
Transition to dry season. Fewer crowds, good rates. Early migration movements begin.
Long rains (Apr–May) and short rains (Nov). Lowest prices. Lush landscapes, excellent birding, newborn animals.
Safari Pricing
Prices per person sharing in double/twin room
| Group Size | Economy | Comfort | Luxury | Superior Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $1,280 | $1,410 | $1,550 | $1,940 |
| 2 Persons | $800 | $880 | $970 | $1,210 |
| 3 Persons | $750 | $830 | $910 | $1,140 |
| 4 Persons | $730 | $800 | $880 | $1,100 |
| 5 Persons | $710 | $780 | $860 | $1,080 |
| 6-7 Persons | $690 | $760 | $830 | $1,040 |
| Single Room Supplement | $110 | $140 | $170 | $210 |
Prices are in USD per person sharing. Exact rates may vary based on specific accommodation choice and availability at time of booking. Contact us for a personalized quote.
Book This Safari
Personalised itinerary, guaranteed departures
Starting from
$950
per person sharing
No booking fees — We respond within 2 hours