If you remember Elsa, the lion of Born Free fame, you'll want to visit Kenya's Meru National Park: It was Elsa's home. Located 135 mi/215 km northeast of Nairobi, the park isn't on many itineraries, so you're not likely to encounter swarms of safari vehicles when you go on game drives.
Meru has interesting and varied terrain: savannas, nine rivers that flow year-round, swamps and a small rain forest. The park also straddles the equator. Wildlife there includes lions, leopards, cheetahs, lesser kudu, oryx and elephants. This is not an easy park to get to so we suggest you fly there. There are a couple of top-notch luxury camps in Meru that provide an intimate safari experience without the crowds.
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