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Rhino River Camp
Rhino River Camp
Rhino River Camp
Rhino River Camp
Rhino River Camp
Rhino River Camp
Rhino River Camp
Rhino River Camp
Rhino River Camp

About Rhino River Camp

Opened in 2009, the small Rhino River Camp is tucked in a forested grove on the banks of the Kindani stream.

It lies on a 32-hectare private concession, just outside the boundary of Meru National Park, north-east of Mount Kenya, near one of the gates of the park's secure rhino sanctuary, a must-see during a visit to Meru. The owners have long been involved with conservation in Meru National Park.

The location and forest environment of Rhino River Camp lend the camp a strong, jungle atmosphere, enhanced by the constant background sound of the river's small waterfall. We found the staff friendly, the tents comfortable and loved being surrounded by the lush riverine vegetation. While we haven't booked it a great deal, it was taken over in 2019 by a well known Kenya safari company, who also own Porini Lion Camp and we expect Rhino River's profile to rise considerably as a good option for a mid-range stay in Meru.

Our view

The location and forest environment of Rhino River Camp lend the camp a strong, jungle atmosphere, enhanced by the constant background sound of the river's small waterfall. We found the staff friendly, the tents comfortable and loved being surrounded by the lush riverine vegetation. While we haven't booked it a great deal, it was taken over in 2019 by a well known Kenya safari company, who also own Porini Lion Camp and we expect Rhino River's profile to rise considerably as a good option for a mid-range stay in Meru.

Lyndsey Marris

Lyndsey Marris

Kenya expert

Accommodation

7 tented rooms

Children

Best for 12+

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Private activities

Private activities

Rhino River Camp: Our full report

Opened in 2009, the small Rhino River Camp is tucked in a forested grove on the banks of the Kindani stream.

It lies on a 32-hectare private concession, just outside the boundary of Meru National Park, north-east of Mount Kenya, near one of the gates of the park's secure rhino sanctuary, a must-see during a visit to Meru. The owners have long been involved with conservation in Meru National Park.

Rhino River Camp has quite a contemporary design, with a distinctly African flavour. The central areas consist of an open-plan lounge, with a few steps up to the open-plan dining area. The roofs are made not of the usual woven makuti leaf tiles, but of stretched canvas. The atmosphere is cool under the shade. In the lounge, the bar is of beaten, distressed steel, and the cow-skin barstools done in African-drum style. Soft sofas around low tables, scattered with coffee-table books, look out into the forest, with a swimming pool below.

There are seven, minimalist tented rooms, all of which are set on wooden platforms, and accessed by forest paths and stretches of wooden decking walkway, right on the river's edge. There are three standard double tents, and two further double tents on large decks with a separate day lounge tent located next to the main sleeping tent. Rhino River then has two good options for families; one very large two bedroom, two bathroom tent separated by a canvas zipped partition wall. This is ideal for those travelling with younger children. There is also a second family unit with two tents immediately next to each other on the same platform, but not accessibly internally, these suit families with older children. Because of their close proximity to the river it is possible to hear the sound of running water from the tents, which is typically fine when the river is low but quite noticeable with high water.

Internally each tented room is slightly different, but all have wooden frames and cream-and-caramel-coloured canvas sidewalls and roofs, with exceptionally large mosquito-screen windows giving you very close engagement with the surrounding tropical forest. Inside, they are furnished with nicely made beds, small writing tables and chairs, while out on the deck/verandas, folding wooden chairs make a nice spot to sit and watch the river below. Each tent has different accent colours, such as forest green or a deep red. There are standing fans for the hotter months, and power sockets in all tents.

The bathrooms are well thought out, with flush toilets, bidets, unscreened showers, washbasins of beaten steel and designer toiletries.

A pool is a nice touch to cool yourself down during the hotter months and is surrounded by lush riverine vegetation with towering raffia palms. From here we found you could more easily view the Sykes monkeys in the treetops or admire the beautifully colourful butterfly population.

Early-morning and late-afternoon game drives in the camp's 4WD vehicle are the main activities at Rhino River Camp. Meru's wildlife-viewing is improving all the time, with sightings of all the 'Big Five', plus cheetahs and numerous savannah species, not uncommon during a stay at the camp. Number one on most people's lists, is a visit to the rhino sanctuary, where close-up sightings of white rhinos are virtually guaranteed, although black rhinos are much more elusive and rarely seen.

You can also do guided bush walks in the immediate environs of the camp – good for birdlife, and smaller wildlife. Longer escorted hikes lead to an extinct volcanic crater, Kilima Jero, just 2km south-west of camp, or Kiolu River falls, in a rocky amphitheatre, 5km from camp. The crater rim of Kilima Jero is a popular spot for sundowners.

Massage (US$65/hour), course fishing (free equipment loan), and village visits (free) are also available. And the camp has some mountain bikes for use by guests, who often use them to visit the local village and school.

Geographics

Location
Meru National Park, Kenya
Ideal length of stay
2-3 nights
Directions
There are scheduled flights from Nairobi to Meru NP’s main Kinna airstrip. From there, it’s a further 12km, or 45 minutes, to Rhino River Camp.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
Meals at Rhino River Camp are homely and hearty. While not fine dining, we enjoyed the food here and found that the portions were well sized and nicely presented. The camp’s garden provides many of the vegetables and salads served.

At breakfast, there’s a choice of cereals, yoghurts and fruits, with hot items such as eggs, sausages and bacon cooked to order.

Depending on camp occupancy Lunch is served is either served as a buffet or a set menu depending on how full the camp is. When we last stayed we started with a simple green salad, followed by breaded tilapia fish served with potato wedges and fresh vegetables. Desert was banoffee pie.

Dinner is a usually a set three-course menu. We had a butternut squash soup, steak with a peppercorn sauce and finished with a panna cotta.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Further dining info, including room service
Room service is possible. Bush breakfasts and bush lunches (but not bush dinners) are regularly organized at no extra cost.
Drinks included
All drinks are included with the exceptions of champagne and other specially imported wines and spirits.

Children

Attitude towards children
The camp welcomes children.
Property’s age restrictions
None
Special activities & services
Babysitting can be arranged through housekeeping staff, though no professional childcare staff are available. Children’s meals can be arranged.
Equipment
Cots are available, but not highchairs. Extra beds can be added for children.
Generally recommended for children
Cots available. No highchairs.
Rhino River Camp is not ideal for small children. The camp is very forested, with various drop-offs, and little ones would need constant supervision. However it is a good option for families with slightly older children.

Communications

Power supply notes
Rhino River Lode is currently mains power however there are plans to bring in solar in the near future.
Communications
Cellphone reception available. There's WiFi in the main areas and guests can use the camp computer if necessary.
TV & radio
No
Water supply notes
Flush toilet and plumbed, powerful shower.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
First-aid kit on site and links to flying doctors. The closest doctor is in Kilili village, 3km away.
Dangerous animals
High Risk
Security measures
There are gate security men and camp askaris, plua a Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) ranger station just down the road.
Fire safety
Fire extinguishers are positioned in main areas.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Private activities

    Private activities

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
Full laundry service included, excluding underwear. Garments are machine washed and line-dried.
Money
Main safe in the office. No currency exchange service.
Accepted payment on location
Payments may be made in cash (US dollars, euros, pounds sterling or Kenyan shillings) or by credit card.

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Rhino River Camp's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Rhino River Camp.


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When to go to Meru National Park

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Rhino River Camp in Meru National Park


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Kenya in January

Clear, hot days and warm nights make this high season a popular time for safaris and it’s also good for diving and snorkelling as water clarity is excellent and gets better as the dry season progresses. Most lodges and tented camps treat January after the New Year week is over, as mid-season, making it a good compromise in terms of value for money with reasonably reliable, dry weather and some greenery left in the landscape.

Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in January, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the weather and seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.

  • On average, January is the second driest month of the year
  • Elephants dig waterholes in the dry riverbed in the Samburu reserve.
  • Wildebeest and many antelope have their calving season, to February.
  • Migrant birds are seen in huge numbers, especially in the Rift Valley.
  • Sea water clarity around the coral reefs generally good.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in January

Kenya in February

With the short dry season well established, the grass grazed down and wildlife gathering close to water points, this is still a good time for a safari. Good water clarity in the Indian Ocean's coastal waters makes for excellent diving and snorkelling conditions.

Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in February, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the weather and seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.

  • On average, February is the driest month of the year.
  • It’s sometimes possible to swim with whale sharks at Diani Beach.
  • Migrant birds are still seen everywhere, especially near water.
  • This is usually peak calving season for wildebeest and many antelopes.
  • This month is often the hottest of the year, especially on the coast.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in February

Kenya in March

Hot, increasingly humid weather – with good diving and snorkelling conditions at the start of the month – gives way to rains and lower accommodation costs. Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in March, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and predicting the seasons since the beginning of this century has been difficult.

March is the month when – traditionally – intensely hot conditions build up until a cloudburst finally happens at the end of the month or in early April, to relieve the humidity. As ever, regional variations across the country can greatly impact on visitors' experiences.

  • Sea-water clarity is best for diving before the long rains start.
  • Visitor numbers are low, though the Easter holidays can be busier.
  • Night skies can be scintillatingly clear in early March.
  • Cropped down savannah grasses can make it easier to see the wildlife.
  • Temperartures climb high, especially at lower elevations.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in March

Kenya in April

April sees the full onset of the southeast monsoon wind or kusi, which heralds the long rains. Temperatures drop soon after the rains are established and you’ll often have facilities largely to yourself in this more affordable low season, sometimes known as the "green season". The bush quickly springs to life, with greenery sprouting almost before your eyes. While you're likely to get a fair number of heavy showers, the breaks in the rain can yield sparklingly clear conditions.

With the dust settled and bright sun piercing the clouds, conditions can be sublime for photography, especially first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon with another storm brewing. You may be lucky, or you may find conditions very wet and muddy.

  • A wet month, the coast often gets more than 300mm (12in) of rain.
  • Sunny spells can provide great light for photography.
  • Buffalo and zebra calving season often happens in this month.
  • Baby crocodiles hatch, for example on Central Island in Lake Turkana.
  • Palearctic migrant birds gather to fly north to breeding grounds.

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in April

Kenya in May

While game viewing can be trickier as vegetation runs riot, between the cloudbursts the colours and light are great for photography at this time of year. Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in May, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and while it's reasonable to expect heavy rains in many parts during this month, especially on the coast, the rains don't always come evenly or in some areas come at all.

In an El Niño year, the so-called long rains that normally are established across much of the country by May can be meagre, to the despair of farmers. On the other hand in a La Niña year, the long rains can bring floods. On the coast, the monsoon winds make the climate much more predictable, with heavy rains common throughout this month.

  • Frogs breed in the ponds in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest near Watamu.
  • Wildebeest, impala and other grazers are in rut (the breeding season).
  • Kilimanjaro looks its best as heavy rain falls as snow on the summit.
  • There's a sharp peek of rainfall on the coast with many rainy days.
  • Accommodation prices are uniformly low, while some camps close.

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in May

Kenya in June

The rains give way to cloudy, cooler weather, often making for comfortable conditions by the end of the month, especially in the highlands. Starting from mid-June or the beginning of July and running until the end of October, this is the high season, and accordingly has higher accommodation rates and – at least until early September – higher numbers of visitors.

While the early part of June can often be rainy on the coast, it can be a great time to go on safari, with fresh greenery, many young animals and good photographic conditions with clear air.

  • The Taru Desert, inland from the coast, is carpeted with flowers.
  • The Lake Turkana Cultural Festival is held in Loiyangalani.
  • Madaraka Day (commemorating self rule) is 1 June.
  • The annual Lewa marathon runs a course through the wildlife.
  • The Diani Rules "sports" event rips up the rulebook at Diani Beach.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in June

Kenya in July

Kenya’s “winter" season sets in (winter is a misnomer but locals feel the change), and the highlands can be rather grey. Skies are often cloudy and the days can be surprisingly cool, with an average daytime high in many highland safari areas of 15-20°C and night-time temperatures dropping below 10°C in Nairobi and the highlands. Lower parts of the country and the coast are usually warm and dry, typically reaching highs of around 25°C with lows in the high teens.

As this is the start of the high season, coinciding with the usual arrival of the wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara, July is a busy month. Ask your Expert Africa specialist to advise on how to avoid the crowds, which is not that difficult to do.

  • The wildebeest migration usually reaches the Maasai Mara in July.
  • Simbi Lake (Kisumu) and Crater Lake (Naivasha) can attract flamingoes.
  • Watersports start to pick up and some surfing is possible at Malindi.
  • Afternoon thunderstorms are a common feature in the Maasai Mara.
  • The sea can be choppy along the coast, making diving difficult.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in July

Kenya in August

The Great Migration fills the plains of the Maasai Mara, and school’s out, so the park roads are full of tourists – ask your Expert Africa specialist for advice on crowd avoidance tactics. Choose a private conservancy rather than a public national park or national reserve for quieter conditions.

Like July, August is generally mild and relatively dry in the safari areas, but it can be very chilly in the highlands, even in the middle of the day, and hail occasionally falls above altitudes of around 2,400m (8,000ft). Nairobi can be disappointingly overcast, with low cloud.

  • Apart from Christmas holidays, this is the busiest month of the year.
  • Late August sees peak wildebeest drama at the Mara River crossings.
  • Coastal winds are good for kite- and wind-surfing.
  • Few mosquitoes are around at this generally dry time of year.
  • The annual Camel Derby takes place in the Samburu capital, Maralal.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in August

Kenya in September

The skies clearing of cloud signals the start of hot, dry weather with little chance of rain – and, after the first few days of the month, far fewer visitors – making the latter part of September a good time for a quieter safari. While early September is often good for dramatic migration crossings along the Mara River, you might consider deliberately postponing your trip until later in the month, when the migration can still be very impressive and visitor numbers fewer.

If tourist surges are somewhat predictable, however, the patterns of the wildebeest migration are more volatile, and like all of Expert Africa's climate and weather assessments, they are based on accumulated years of experience rather than guaranteed certainty.

  • This is still high season, with prices to match.
  • Many river crossings take place on the Mara river in both directions.
  • Natural bush fires flush out insects and small animals for predators.
  • The Rift Valley Music Festival takes place by Lake Naivasha.
  • With school holidays over by early September, late-month is quieter.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Kenya in October

Still hot, mostly dry and not too busy, this is many people’s preferred month for a safari, and it’s also good for diving and snorkelling. The wildebeest and zebra herds of the great migration are often still to be seen, though in dwindling numbers. The swamps of Amboseli attract thirsty wildlife including large herds of elephants.

While we wouldn't expect much rain across most of the country this month, the climate has become so unpredictable that you can never say never, and the possibiity of the short rains – usually associated with November to mid-December, starting early, can't be discounted.

  • This month sees the tail end of the great migration in the Mara.
  • Palearctic migrant birds start to arrive, staying until March.
  • Turtle nests hatch at Watamu, until November.
  • Amboseli elephants focus on the swamps for their daily water.
  • The Indian Ocean monsoon winds turn from southeast to northeast.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Kenya in November

The northeast monsoon wind or kaskazi heralds the start of the “short rains", usually some time in the second half of the month. From November to mid-December, this is the low season, and accordingly has lower accommodation rates and lower visitor numbers. Across most of the country you can expect warm, somewhat cloudy weather, with occasional heavy showers and localised flooding.

Expert Africa bases its description of the climate in November, like the other months of the year, on the records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable: some years the short rains don't come at all, or don't reach every part of the country. In an El Niño year, the November short rains can be very heavy, but in a La Niña year, they can fail completely.

  • Swimming with dolphins in Lamu can be done from now until April.
  • Birders gather at Ngulia in Tsavo West to ring Palearctic migrants.
  • The Lamu Cultural Festival takes over the town and Lamu Creek.
  • Agricultural shows often take place regional market towns.
  • This is low season, so camps can be great value, with special offers.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Kenya in December

In a typical December, the rains usually finish by middle of the month, leaving the landscape looking its best, under clear blue skies, and heralding the start of the second peak tourist season from around 20 December to the first week of January. Our assessment of the likely weather in December, like the other months of the year, is based on climate records, and it's fair to say that the seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.

Christmas can sometimes be wet, but most years the rains have finished a week or two earlier, with the festive season ushering in the perfect combination of clear skies and sunshine by day and starry nights.

  • Christmas and New Year are busy, with the lodges and camps full.
  • Rates are highest after 24 Dec, with supplements on public holidays.
  • Republic Day and Independence day are celebrated on 12 December.
  • Good kite- and wind-surfing restarts, with strong northeasterly winds.
  • Mango season begins, providing excitement for primates and elephants.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in December

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