Update: Offbeat Meru Camp is closed as of 2016. We do not yet know if there are any plans to re-open the camp.
Offbeat Meru Camp is a semi-permanent camp located just outside Meru National Park in the Bisanadi Nature Reserve, where it is among the only camps. Like its better-known sister camp, Offbeat Mara, Offbeat Meru is a simple bush camp, where the emphasis is on great game-viewing rather than luxury pampering. It features just six simple Meru-style tents, a comfortable lounge and mess area, and a small pool.
The Offbeat camps are targeted towards the safari enthusiast, and are located in remote, out of the way regions so as to avoid the crowds. We often recommend the Offbeat Camps to those who have visited East Africa before, seen the highlights, and are simply looking for a quiet, unpretentious safari camp, where they can escape the crowds and enjoy reliably good game-viewing with competent guides.
The Offbeat Safaris camps are also a great chance to explore areas of Kenya that might otherwise be easily overlooked, such as the remote Mara North Conservancy (Offbeat Mara Camp), the Laikipia Plateau (Sosian Lodge), or, in the case of Offbeat Meru, the underappreciated Meru National Park, a reserve which has improved greatly in the last decade or so (having in the past suffered from poaching, Meru NP now houses all of the 'big 5', including rhino).
Offbeat Meru is located within a private concession, meaning that National Park rules and restrictions do not apply—guests here can enjoy activities such as night game drive, guided walking safaris, and bush meals. The camp staff can also arrange for fly fishing expeditions.
Accommodation
There are just six guest tents at Offbeat Meru (three twin and three double), all fairly spacious and comfortably furnished (we found the wrought iron beds to be a nice, suitably rustic touch!) They feature solar powered-lighting and en-suite facilities including bucket shower and flush loo.
Dining
Meals are shared around the communal dining table in the mess tent. "Car bonnet breakfasts", served in the bush during morning game activities, are a special highlight!
Facilities
- Swimming pool
- Dining area
- Lounge
Activities
- Game drives
- Guided walking safaris
- Sundowners
- Fly-fishing
Child Policy
Children of all ages are welcome at Offbeat Meru. The tents can accommodate an extra bed, making them suitable for small families.
Environmental Policy
As a lightweight semi-permanent camp powered by solar, Offbeat Meru maintains a very low carbon footprint.
