Welcome

Rhino River Camp

60 acres of exclusive forest luxury on the backdrop of legendary Elsa’s hunting grounds

Tucked away in lush indigenous forest, Rhino River camp is situated along Kindani River and offers a full luxury experience with pool, spa room service and even a library! It’s a great place to adventure the northern wildlife species only seen in this part Africa and to visit Meru National Park with famous lion Elsa’s resting place on the banks of the Ura river.
Location: Meru
Type: Tented Safari Camp
No. of Tents 3 river guest suites (2 with zen area), 2 river family rooms, 2 forest tents
Check-out Time 10:00 a.m. with afternoon departure options at extra cost
Spoken Languages English, Swahili
Special Interests
Flora, Big 5, Birding, Wilderness Experience, Home of Elsa the famous Lioness and Born Free, Hiking, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife

Rhino River Camp is situated east of Mount Kenya in Meru National Park which is over 5,000 square kilometers and part of the second largest conservation area in East Africa after the two Tsavos. Rhino River Camp is a collection of five beautiful tents built out of sumptuous caramel canvas and sustainable wood, raised on platforms above the Kindani River along with two forest tents located in the indigenous forest. The Camp has a large central area with a bar, lounge and a library with views over the river and forest.

Situated in sixty acres of privately owned wilderness, Rhino River Camp offers the chance to connect with nature and delight in the senses of the bush. Meru National Park hosts a large population of black and white rhino, elephant, hippo, buffalo, lion, cheetah and leopard. Activities include game drives, bush walks, hiking, mountain biking and fishing. Guests can also take the opportunity to visit the local villages and learn about the culture of the Meru people and their traditions.

Whether it’s spotting the big game or delicate bird species that only the Kenyan wilderness can offer, or letting all those little stresses melt away with a dip in the pool or a therapeutic massage, a stay at Rhino River Camp can fill every moment with pure enjoyment.

Amenities

Facilities & Activities

Activities

  • Shared day game drives
  • Picnic breakfast (at extra cost except for ground packages)
  • Bush lunches (at extra cost except for ground packages)
  • Guided nature walks
  • Bird walks
  • Safari weddings
  • Sundowners
  • Star gazing
  • Fishing
  • Visit of Elsa’s resting place
  • Young visitors below the age of 8 years are welcome

Camp facilities

  • 24 hours security
  • Low eco-foot-print
  • Phone charging in central location
  • Phone charging in all tents/ rooms
  • Complimentary limited laundry service
  • WiFi area in lounge
  • Airstrip/ airport transfers from/to Kinna airstrip at extra cost except for ground packages
  • Pool
  • Dedicated dining tent
  • Dedicated lounge area
  • Board games
  • Library
  • Credit card payments accepted

Room facilities

  • Ensuite bathroom with flushing toilet
  • Showers with running hot water
  • Running hot water
  • Room SPA services/ massages
  • Baby cot (subject to availability, please note requirement when booking)
  • Writing desk

Location

Meru

The Meru Conservation Area with its many endemic species and unique landscapes spotted with unexpected doum palm trees is today one of the most biodiverse areas in the country. This is the result of a conservation success story that started 20 years ago. The Meru National Park has a chequered history and fared terribly during the late 1980’s when poaching became rife and the entire white rhino population which had been introduced into the park was annihilated. The Kenyan government responded decisively and drove out the poachers and restored strong security/

Although tourist numbers are still down on the pre-poaching era, wildlife numbers are encouragingly on the increase. The Kenyan Wildlife Service relocated elephants from the Laikipia plateau to Meru in 2001. This success led to the relocation of a number of other species during that decade and you can now see both black and white rhino as well as healthy herds of reedbuck. Today, the Meru Conservation area offers a game rich wilderness experience away from the crowds with many bird and plant species that are endemic to the area.

Biodiversity

Meru Ecosystem

The park has 13 rivers and a myriad of mountain streams that feed into the Tana river. Hundreds of bird species have made the park their home – among them the Pel’s Fishing Owl which can be heard hunting at night by the river and the rare Peter’s Finfoot. Being extremely secretive these duck-like birds are usually spotted hugging the tree-sheltered water’s edge. Keen birdwatchers should also keep their eyes peeled for the relatively rare Palm-Nut Vulture which feeds on a mixture of carrion and, not surprisingly, palm nuts.

Mammals inhabiting the park include leopard, cheetah, elephant, lion, both Grevy’s and plains zebra, hartebeest, hippo, reticulated giraffe and some decent sized herds of buffalo. The big cats can sometimes be difficult to spot due to areas of tall grass cover and dense bushland.

DATES FROM DATES TO PER PERSON SHARING| 2 NT PACKAGE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT| PACKAGE ONE CHILD 8-11 YEARS SHARING| PACKAGE ONE CHILD 12-16 YEARS SHARING| PACKAGE PER PERSON| EXTRA NIGHT
RIVER VIEW TENTS
01-Feb-24 28-Feb-24 1413 USD 221 USD 917 USD 1026 USD 489 USD
01-Mar-24 31-May-24 1234 USD 211 USD 810 USD 919 USD 400 USD
01-Jun-24 30-Jun-24 1413 USD 221 USD 917 USD 1026 USD 489 USD
01-Jul-24 21-Jul-24 1698 USD 368 USD 1088 USD 1197 USD 631 USD
22-Jul-24 30-Sep-24 1834 USD 421 USD 1170 USD 1279 USD 700 USD
01-Oct-24 31-Oct-24 1445 USD 221 USD 936 USD 1045 USD 505 USD
01-Nov-24 19-Dec-24 1403 USD 211 USD 911 USD 1020 USD 484 USD
FOREST VIEW TENTS
03-Jan-24 31-Jan-24 1256 USD 211 USD 823 USD 931 USD 410 USD
01-Feb-24 28-Feb-24 1298 USD 221 USD 848 USD 957 USD 431 USD
01-Mar-24 31-May-24 1119 USD 211 USD 740 USD 849 USD 342 USD
01-Jun-24 30-Jun-24 1298 USD 221 USD 848 USD 957 USD 431 USD
01-Jul-24 21-Jul-24 1582 USD 368 USD 1018 USD 1127 USD 573 USD
22-Jul-24 30-Sep-24 1708 USD 421 USD 1094 USD 1203 USD 637 USD
01-Oct-24 31-Oct-24 1340 USD 221 USD 873 USD 982 USD 452 USD
01-Nov-24 19-Dec-24 1287 USD 211 USD 842 USD 950 USD 426 USD

Prices include:

Return Flights Nairobi, Wilson – Meru – Nairobi, Wilson, Return Meru Airstrip Transfers, 2 Nights Full Board Accommodation, Soft Drinks, Beer, House Wines, Gin & Tonic, Game Drives, Picnic Breakfast And Lunch, Sundowners In Camp, Fishing Rods At Camp, Bird Walks Around The Camp Grounds.

Prices Exclude: Nairobi Transfers,  Exclusive Vehicle Use During Game Drives

Camp inquiry

    Alison M
    Porini Rhino Camp

    I stayed 3 nights at Porini Rhino Camp, and I was amazed at the beautiful camp and location. The tents were very spacious and clean, the food was tasty – especially the donuts at afternoon tea – the best! The waterhole and hide was a real bonus – one evening a black rhino at the waterhole, othertimes a good hundred plus buffalo, zebra and giraffe. The game drives were excellent, I did not realise how many black & white rhino could be seen there, plus elephants, lions, and all the general game. I would certainly recommend the camp and go back in the future – thank you.

    Tracy
    Porini Rhino Camp

    This was our second camp on this trip & the journey to get here went like clockwork. All camp staff were super friendly & couldn’t do enough for you. Tents were clean, well equipped & very comfortable, even a hot water bottle in your bed at night, which was very welcomed at this time of year. Food was delicious, & sundowners just wonderful!! This camp has a fantastic hide & waterhole, where all species come to drink & wallow, including rhinos. Great place, thank you Gamewatchers!

    Graeme R
    Porini Rhino Camp

    We were collected off the airstrip and crossed the equator to a friendly welcome at Porini Rhino Camp. Our ‘tent’ (No 4) was like a spacious hotel room and very comfortable, with views of elephants, giraffes, zebra & waterbuck approaching the waterhole. Edwin & David hosted every need and the food was beautifully prepared & presented. Our guides ( Wilson & Emmanuel) were expert spotters and found birds & animals we would have missed. No wi-fi so do your messaging before you get there. Thank you for a memorable stay!

    Sarah1958
    Porini Rhino Camp

    Rhino Camp was outstanding. Accomodations and meals were top notch and Robert and John, our driver and spotter, were astep above in finding the animals and making the game drives a pleasure. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a model for how Camps should be structured. Not crowded by jeeps from other camps and more than enough animals and scenery to make each day a pleasant adventure.

    mip831
    Porini Rhino Camp

    Our experience at Porini Rhino Camp was superb. The accommodations were comfortable, the food was delicious, and the game drives were spectacular. The camp staff was consistently courteous and helpful. Our driver and guide, Hezzy and Jonn, were fun and knowledgeable. The wildlife viewings we experienced during our drives and at the camp watering hole exceeded our expectations. We would highly recommend this camp to everyone.

    Mike W
    Porini Rhino Camp

    The things to see at Porini Rhino Camp are vast and amazing. From the specially placed viewing area of the watering hole right in the camp to the huge local conservancy with its grand plains and vistas with the myriad of wildlife one would certainly be amiss if they missed visiting this camp whilst in the area. The guides and crew are so hospitable and helpful it’s difficult to realize you’re actually out “In the Bush” in the wilds of Africa. Thanks to everyone @ Rhino Camp that made our stay truly memorable.

    Conservation & Responsible Tourism

    Protecting Habitats for Biodiversity

    Porini Camps has been spearheading Community based Wildlife Conservation for the past 25 years in Kenya. We run a range of conservation activities promoting community development and biodiversity in the areas we operate in, the latest being our biodiversity credit program in cooperation with Harvard University, MA, USA.