Meru was always popular with old safari-hands in the know, but became even more of a magnet for wildlife safaris after its association with the Adamsons and the film Born Free.

Meru is where George and Joy Adamson raised the famous lion cub Elsa, and where her grave can now be found. More than 300 miles of savannah is laced with rivers and riverine forests, combining to provide the perfect habitat for elephant, buffalo, rhino and lion. There are also species particular to northern Kenya to look out for, such as gerenuk and reticulated giraffe. Combining a stay here with a stop in the Aberdares is a perfect tailor-made option.