MERU NATIONAL PARK
Meru National Park is a Kenyan national park located east of Meru, 350 km (220 mi) from Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. Covering an area of 870 km2 (340 sq. mi), it is one best known national parks in Kenya. Rainfall in this area is abundant with 635–762 mm (25.0–30.0 in) in the west of the park and 305–356 mm (12.0–14.0 in) in the east. The rainfall results in tall grass and lush swamps.
The park has a wide range of wild animals including the African bush elephant, lion, African leopard, cheetah, eastern black rhinoceros, southern white rhinoceros, Grevy’s zebra, hippopotamus. Meru was one of the two areas in which conservationists George Adamson and Joy Adamson raised Elsa the Lioness made famous in the best selling book and award-winning movie Born Free. Elsa the Lioness is buried in this park and part of Joy’s ashes were scattered on her gravesite.
Aside from the scenery and wildlife, tourist attractions in Meru national park include the once home of George and Joy Adamson, Adamson’s Falls, the burial sites of Joy Adamson and Elsa the Lioness, views of Mount Kenya, and the Tana River.
While at Meru national park you can sleep in comfortable lodge such as Leopard Rock lodge, Elsa’s kopje, Irina Guest house, Kirina Cottages among other beautiful lodges. Meru national park can be visited throughout the year but the best season starts from December to March and Mid-June to October in order to enjoy the park’s activities without interruption of rainfall in the area.
Activities in Meru national park
- Game drives: Meru national park is a home of variety of wildlife which can be adventured while using 4x4wheel drive safari vehicle or self-driven and you have to be escorted with professional guides who knows the right movement of wildlife in the jungle.
- Bush Walks: The park has got privately owned compound beatified with carved few paths which will allow you to move comfortably around our pristine environment on foot without any fear of predictors. This paths were created for birders and to travelers who love nature walk in the park. Still this path provides great rewarding of small creatures around the camp, you can still leave the confines of the lodge on foot and get attracted to the nearby farms, country side and villages around.
- Bush Meals: At Meru national park, bush breakfast or bush lunch can be arranged on request. Get thrilled in the middle of African wilderness as you enjoy your delicious meal as well as adventuring wildlife species around.
- Fishing: Meru national park is surrounded with very many water bodies where you can carry out your fishing experience from like Tana River but you are recommended to carry your fishing equipment with you.
- Sundowners: Sundowner is one of best way you can end your day at Meru national park. As you can have cool relaxation with a drink as you get a rewarding view from the small crater of Kilimanjaro which is just a small distance from Rhino River Camp. You still enjoy it on the Nyambeni Hills or you can request an arrangement of a sundowner in other selective spots within the park.
