(1) Accommodation is by advance confirmed reservation. The first night rate, excluding extras, is required as deposit. If multiple Guest Tents are booked in a single reservation, then each Guest Tent’s first night rate will be charged. Our payments service provider will collect the deposit on our behalf, debit guest’s credit card and notify the guest accordingly. The full booking balance is due on the day of arrival.

(2) We do not accept any payments in cash (in whatever denomination). All payments are “Cashless” – by direct Bank transfer, M-PESA or Payments Online on this secure website via major credit cards.

(3) Change of Reservation dates is possible depending on availability.

(4) The Reservation deposit will be refunded according to the cancellation conditions. The booking can be cancelled up to 2 days before arrival and any deposit/prepayment refunded. In the event of cancellation the day before, or on the day of expected arrival, or of no show, or of booking reduction (early departure), the full cost of the booking is charged.

(5) Consideration will be given for prolonging the stay if there is availability.

(6) Terms and Conditions Apply for the period 21 December – 3 January (Festive Season). During that period, the booking can be cancelled up to 14 days before arrival and any deposit/prepayment refunded. In the event of cancellation less than 14 days before the date of expected arrival, or of no show, or of booking reduction (early departure), the full cost of the booking is charged.

NOTE: In light of the disruptions caused by the evolving COVID-19 pandemic to the travel, hospitality and tourism sectors, we encourage guests who have booked with us to reschedule their bookings instead of cancelling.

iKWETA Safari Camp Gate is open to guests from 06:00 hours. The Camp closes for the night at 23:00 hours.

Guests are not allowed entry into iKWETA Safari Camp after the Gate closes at 23:00 hours, except in exceptional circumstances.

Check-in: After 14:00 hours.
Check-out: Before 11:00 hours.
A surcharge may be imposed for early check-in and late check-out. Please contact us for possible early check-in or late check-out.

Meru National Park is famous for its varied eco-systems and picturesque landscapes. [From atop Gatwe (“Skull” Hill) near iKWETA Safari Camp, one can enjoy panoramic views of the entire protected Meru Conservation Area – a region of 5,000 sq km which includes Meru National Park, Kora National Park, Bisinadi, Mwingi and Rahole National Reserves and the Nyambene Hills [Nyambene Forest and Water Tower. See details at Game Drives and Beyond].

The Nyambene Hills are a formidable water catchment area on the Park’s western boundary. It is the source of the 14 permanent rivers running through the Park and which give life and great vibrancy to an otherwise semi-arid region.

The mosaic of different habitats and diverse vegetation types in the Park are mirrored by a diversity of wildlife (with 500 species recorded), including substantive populations of large mammals such as the Big 5 – elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard – and rare species such as the caracal, lesser kudu, aardwolf, over 400 species of birds and over 720 plant species.

Meru National Park, like most of Kenya’s other parks and game reserves, is part of the country’s arid and semi-arid zone with an irregular rainfall regime. Average daytime temperatures can range between 25°C and 30°C, depending on the elevation, and can drop to between 22°C and 24°C at night. Annual rainfall is higher in the western part of the Park (635-762mm) and much lower in the eastern sector (305-356mm).

The wet season is October to May; the dry season from July to September. The pattern of precipitation is nominally bi-modal, with the “short rains” from October to December, and the “long rains” from March-May, and a dry spell in between. Nevertheless, local trends are notable, and climate change and the region’s susceptibility to drought combine to make the pattern highly variable.

WET SEASON – October to May

The short rains might start in October or November, continue with some intensity during December and decline during January, and none experienced in February. Temperatures tend to build up before the rains and drop immediately after. Average afternoon temperatures can rise to 32°C. Evenings and early mornings are cooler with temperatures around 18°C. 

In the dry spell before the onset of the long rains, average temperatures can rise to 34°C. 

The long rains might start in mid-March and continue through May, with April being the wettest month. During the wet season, driving through some of the roads in the Park can be challenging without a 4×4 (4-Wheel-Drive) vehicle.

DRY SEASON – June to September

This season is hot, sunny and dry, with hardly any rains; humidity is very low. Afternoons are hot, with temperatures reaching 31°C. Evenings and early mornings are cooler, with temperatures of around 16°C. It gets hotter heading towards October – with temperatures hoovering around 33°C – before the onset of the short rains provide much relief.

Meru National Park is a year-round destination. Wildlife (including The Big 5) is abundant throughout the year. Scenery is always spectacular. iKWETA Safari Camp is open 365-days-a-year.

The road network in Meru National Park is excellent even for a salon car. During the wet season a 4×4 vehicle (4WDrive) is preferable. The Rhino sanctuary includes a large wetlands zone.

There are two major road access routes to iKWETA Safari Camp and Meru National Park – through the Murera Gate (the main entrance) and through the Ura Gate (during dry weather) – both offering visitors spectacular vistas through the Mount Kenya region.

En-route to and on their departure from iKWETA Safari Camp guests can enjoy game drives through Meru National Park if they take the Ura Gate, especially if they are coming from or heading to Nairobi via Embu. [Guest can use Google Maps for directions. Directional maps (sketches) through the Ura Gate also available on request at Reception/Front Desk.]

1. ACCESS VIA MURERA GATE

A. By Public Transportation

Arrive in Maua town by public transport. Transfer to iKWETA Safari Camp can be arranged. Travel by Matatu or “Piki Piki” (motor-cycle taxi) is also possible.

Maua is well served by public transportation from Nairobi and Meru town. Buses and Matatu shuttles depart at all times of the day from the neighbourhood of downtown Nairobi popularly known as “Tea Room”, off Accra Road. Take direct shuttle to Maua or transfer at Meru town.

B. By Private or Tour Company Vehicle

Arrive in Meru town, proceed onwards in the direction of Maua and Meru National Park, Murera Gate.

There are two alternative routes to Meru town along the Mount Kenya ringroad:

From the south, around the east side of Mount Kenya via Embu – take the A2 Highway from Nairobi to Makutano/Nyeri/Embu junction, then turn right on the B6 Highway to Embu and onwards to Meru town. Drive through Meru town up to Makutano – junction of B6 and C91 Highways – and turn right on the C91 in the direction Maua.

From the north-west, around the west and north side of Mount Kenya via Nyeri and Nanyuki – take the A2 Highway from Nairobi to Marwa/Nyeri/Nanyuki junction, a few kilometers after Karatina town.
Turn right at Marwa and proceed on the A2 onwards through Nanyuki in the direction Isiolo/Meru.

At the junction of the A2 and B6 Highways (after the descent on the steep Subuiga Hill), veer right to take the B6 Highway to Meru.
Drive through Meru Forest up to Makutano in the outskirts of Meru town. At Makutano – junction of B6 and C91 Highways – turn left on the C91 in the direction Maua.

Drive along the C91 through a number of market centres until after MAILI TATU. After some speed bumps, veer to the left for the turnoff to Meru National Park. [Straight ahead is Maua town, about 2 km away.]

[The turnoff to Meru National Park comes up quickly – and is often confusing to travellers since the signage is to the right and you have to turn left… The location is popularly known as “Farm”.]

The road to Meru National Park, Murera Gate, is tarmarked most of the way. Part of the road is being rehabilitated.

Drive through some market centres for about 7 km until the V-junction on the road [“Kwa Njilu”]. Veer to the right for Meru National Park and iKWETA Safari Camp. There is signage.

APPROXIMATE DISTANCES:
Makutano/Meru – “Farm”/Maua/Meru National Park Road Junction: 48 km;
“Farm”/Maua/Meru National Park Road Junction – “Kwa Njilu” V-Junction: 7 km;
“Kwa Njilu” V-Junction – iKWETA Safari Camp: 15 km;
iKWETA Safari Camp – Meru National Park, Murera Gate: 2 Km.

2. ACCESS VIA URA GATE (during dry weather)

A. By Public Transportation [Service not available at present]

B. By Private or Tour Company Vehicle

From Nairobi, take the A2 Highway in the direction Nyeri.

Drive for about 87 km to Makutano – junction of the A2/B6 Highways. Turn right to take the B6 Highway in the direction Embu-Meru.

Drive through Embu town to Ena market, junction of B6/C92 Highways. Turn right on the C92 Highway in the direction Ishiara-Mitunguu. You will see the signage for Meru National Park, Ura Gate. [The road is tarmarked up to Chiakariga.]

Drive along the C92 through a number of market centres until Kathwana market, headquarters of Tharaka-Nithi County.
About 3 km after Kathwana (past the TOTAL petrol station), get off the C92 Highway on the right, in the direction Chiakariga market. There is signage for Meru National Park, just before you enter Chiakariga market.

APPROXIMATE DISTANCES:

Embu/Meru/Ena (B6 & C92) Junction – Chiakariga (Turnoff to Meru National Park, Ura Gate): 64 km;
Chiakariga – Ura Gate: 52 km;
Ura Gate – Murera Gate: 48 km;
Murera Gate – iKWETA Safari Camp: 2 km.y

AIRKENYA has scheduled flights to Meru National Park (Kinna Airstrip). Guests are picked up by their tour company vehicle or by local guide/driver (by arrangement and at cost to guest).

Children of all ages are allowed.
Children aged 2 years and under can stay for free.
Children from 3 to 10 years old can stay for USD 44.00 per child per night.
Children from 11 to 17 years old can stay for USD 76.00 per child per night.

One of the guest Tents at iKWETA Safari Camp is wheelchair accessible. Two Zebras Dining and nearby guest toilets are accessible as well. The Camp is on a flat terrain.

iKWETA Safari Camp can cater to vegetarians and vegans. Guests should advise in advance of any lactose intolerance, peanut allergies, diabetic needs, celiac disease (gluten-free), or any other dietary restrictions.

iKWETA Safari Camp is flexible with meal times and provides personalized meal service, as requested.

Free Internet connection is available throughout iKWETA Safari Camp – in the Guest Tents, and in the Common Areas (around the Swimming Pool, Guest Lounge, and in the Indoor, Verandah and Outdoor Dining Areas) – via Wi-Fi running on the available Safaricom 4-G cellular network. The service is usually stable, with high-speed connections peaking at 40Mbps.

The service is an amenity to enhance guest experience. It is especially intended to provide guests with basic communications during their stay – for access to email, browsing the Web, uploading or downloading a few photos, limited telephony over the Internet, etc.  In view of the prevailing cost of cellular bandwidth, guest connections are metred, and guests are provided a limited data bundle in accordance with the number of nights they are staying.

Guests are expected to adhere to Acceptable Internet Use Policies, which include respecting our fair use policy and Terms of Use, and not using the iKWETA network for any unlawful purposes, as defined by Kenya laws. 

Our fair use policy and Terms of Use include, apportioning the bandwidth via Guest Credentials, limiting access to one device at a time per registered guest, and restricting the streaming of videos or music or uploading or downloading of an inordinate number of photos as this could quickly consume the available bandwidth, thus inconveniencing other guests.

By using the iKWETA network to connect to the Internet guest agrees to iKWETA Safari Camp fair use policy and Terms of Use.

iKWETA Safari Camp laundry policy is based on conserving water, ever more so since we are located in a semi-arid region where water is a scarce resource.

We encourage our long-staying guests to accept bedsheet changes every third night, and to re-use their bath and hand towels at least twice before laundering.

Successful implementation of this policy of course requires a cooperative effort from both the guests and our staff. In the majority of cases guests are cooperative.

Guests who wish to use our Camp’s Laundry Service can complete the Laundry Request Form found in the desk drawer. 

We do not have have air-conditioning or fans in iKWETA Safari Camp guest Tents.

The eco-friendly design of floor-to-ceiling-netting on three sides of each Guest Tent, and the window-to-ceiling-netting in the en-suite bathroom, facilitates cross-ventilation of fresh air during the day and cool freshness at night.

All iKWETA Safari Camp guest Tents are fully-equipped with heavy-duty mosquito netting which protects Tent doors and windows. Also, Tents have safe mosquito diffusers. As precaution, guests are advised to have their personal mosquito repellents.

iKWETA Safari Camp water supply is from our own private, safe, and protected, 200m-deep borehole, certified by WRA [Water Resources Authority], the Government agency mandated to regulate and control the use of water resources.

Water is pumped into storage tanks twice daily from where it is distributed to various points around the Camp.

Our installed water storage capacity is more than adequate for all our Camp’s needs for at least a week in the event of temporary water supply interruption.

As regards sanitation, we have installed several septic tanks and soak-away pits in accordance with NEMA [National Environment Management Authority] requirements and other existing legislation. Evacuation of the septic tanks is by NEMA-licensed operators.

Waste material is sorted into different containers – paper and plastics, metal cans, glass bottles – and delivered to the County Dumpsite by a licensed service provider.

There is no car wash service at iKWETA Safari Camp. We are situated in a water-scarce area and it is our policy not to provide this service since it would be contrary to our water conservation efforts.

Car wash facilities are available for a modest charge at Kiutine market, 4 km from the Camp.

Kenya has strict anti-smoking laws. Tobacco Control Act (2007) states that “no person shall smoke in restaurants, hotels, bars or other eating place; except in designated smoking areas”. 

All iKWETA Safari Camp guest Tents are smoke-free. Smoking is absolutely forbidden inside the guest Tents. Smoking is allowed only in the designated outdoor areas, including on the veranda of the guest Tents, by the Swimming Pool, and in the Central Area adjacent to Two Zebras Dining, using the provided ash trays. 

Any guest contravening the smoking law and iKWETA Safari Camp smoking policy makes himself/herself liable to lawful action under the Tobacco Control Act. Also, he/she may be surcharged a cleaning fee equivalent to one night’s stay and asked to leave iKWETA Safari Camp without refund.

To maintain serene surroundings and especially a quiet and sleep-conducive environment, iKWETA Safari Camp has zero tolerance policy to noise, drunkenness and any rowdy behaviours.

A warning will be issued to offending guest(s) if there is any complaint. If there is a second complaint, the offending guest(s) will be asked to leave iKWETA Safari Camp with no refund.

No illegal substances are permitted at iKWETA Safari Camp. A violation will result in immediate expulsion from the Camp and possible involvement of law enforcement.

Guests shall be held liable for any loss of or damage to property of iKWETA Safari Camp incurred by them. Guests will be surcharged for the loss of Guest Tent keys. The establishment reserves the right to charge Guest’s account commensurate to the cost of such loss or damage.

Types of lost and found incidents include:

(1) Mislaid property – the owner has unintentionally left the items behind.
(2) Lost property – the owner has unintentionally left the items behind, then forgotten them.
(3) Abandoned property – the items were intentionally left behind by the owner. 

NOTE: iKWETA Safari Camp will maintain a record for lost and found items and of the efforts by Management and staff to contact and return the items to the owners.

Valuable items, such as luggage, will be kept only for 24 hours and disposed of thereafter for safety and security reasons. iKWETA Safari Camp will not be held responsible for any missing or damaged items inside the luggage.

Non-valuable items will be kept for 1-2 days. Non-valuable items include items in paper or plastic bags.

Perishable items will be disposed of immediately after guest has checked out. Perishable items include food and food items.

(1) Pets are not allowed. Only registered guide dogs may be permitted by prior arrangement.

(2) Guests may not bring their own pillows, bed sheets, duvets or other items of bedding.

(3) Guests are not allowed to bring their own electrical appliances and/or equipment for heating and/or cooking purposes.

(4) Parties or events are not allowed in the guest Tents.

(5) Any person visiting a staying guest must register with their Kenya ID or national passport.

(6) Any person sleeping over must register with their Kenya ID or national passport and the lead guest will be charged for the night(s) (at the appropriate tariff, for example, as Double).

Tipping is entirely up to the guest… It is also often a sensitive issue – for the guest and the staff receiving the tip.  Guest is welcome to ask the Camp owners or the Camp Manager for advice.

iKWETA has an anonymous tipping box for all staff, situated by the steps near the Reception/Guest Lounge area. The tipping box is opened periodically and the proceeds divided equally among all the staff.

Some guests prefer to tip directly – and that’s also fine. But guests should recall that all iKWETA staff – from receptionists to housekeepers to groundsmen; from cooks to waiters to watchmen – contribute to making their stay enjoyable…

iKWETA Safari Camp exercises all reasonable care in providing its staff and its guests a safe and secure environment.

Guests are expected to observe, abide by, conform to and be bound by all applicable Kenyan laws, rules and regulations in force from time to time, including any public health guidelines.

Although iKWETA Safari Camp is a safe and secure environment, guests are advised to take care of their personal belongings as the Camp does not assume any responsibility for any lost items. Each guest Tent is equipped with a large safe box suitable for storing electronic devices, small personal valuables, etc. Inquiries at Reception/Front Desk.