Meru National Park
Meru National Park (also referred to as Meru) is considered by many to be one of the most stunning and diverse wildlife landscapes in Kenya, a hidden gem among Kenya’s well-known park safari experiences. Meru Park is one of the best places for a true safari experience, avoiding the crowds, and experiencing one of the most beautiful parks in Kenya, located in eastern Kenya, northeast of Mount Kenya.
Meru also offers a combination of wonderful flora/fauna, breathtaking scenery, and rich cultural history, making the national park an ideal Kenya safari destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers who are looking to get outside of the usual safari travel routes
Meru National Park is located approximately 350 km northeast of Nairobi (the capital of Kenya) and covers an area of roughly 870km² before accounting for adjacent parks and wildlife reserves in the broader ecosystem context (Kora National Park and Bisanadi National Reserve).
History of the Park
Meru National Park is inextricably linked with George and Joy Adamson’s story, the pair of conservationists who raised and released the world-renowned lioness Elsa. Marked by the book and film Born Free, this couple is credited with attracting interest in the park globally. Incredibly, poaching began to severely impact the wildlife populations of Meru in the 1980s and early 1990s, which led to a dramatic reduction in the amount of wildlife found in Meru.
Landscapes
The landscapes of Meru National Park are remarkably diverse. The park encompasses rolling savannah grasslands, riverine forests, palm groves, and swamps. The Tana River runs through Meru National Park along with several small rivers (e.g., the Rojewero and Ura), and these water sources offer a green belt of varied landscape that cuts through the dry plains of Meru. The range of water creates an extensive quantity of vegetation and offers a visual contrast for a variety of flora and fauna.
The climate is usually hot and dry, characteristic of the lowlands of Kenya, though the rivers come as a relief and support the ecosystems in the park. During the dry seasons of June to September and December to February, when one can find wildlife more easily along rivers and waterholes, is the best time to visit.
The Meru National Park wildlife.
Meru boasts a great variety of wildlife. Compared to some other more renowned parks in Kenya, Meru is not as busy ,and this means that the visitors have a personalised look into the safari.
The Big Five
Meru National Park is among the limited number of parks in Kenya where tourists can see all the members of the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos. The rhino sanctuary in the park has had special success in protecting not only the black rhinos but also the white rhinos, giving the visitor an opportunity to view these endangered animals in rare form.
Other Mammals
Other than the Big Five, Meru is full of other species. Giraffes, zebras, elands, hartebeests and other species of antelopes have been widely noticed grazing the savannah. The rivers are home to hippos and crocodiles, and on the open plains are cheetahs and hyenas. There are also unique species that can be found here, like the lesser kudu, Grevy zebra, and gerenuk (the long-necked antelope), which makes Meru different to other parks.
Birdlife
Meru National Park is a Heaven to Birdwatchers, and over 400 species have been recorded. These are kingfishers, bee-eaters, ostriches, herons, eagles and weaver birds. Water birds find shelter in the riverine habitats, and raptors and ground birds in the savannah.
Meru National Park activities.
Game Drives
The most common activity in Meru is the game drives. Visitors will be assured of a lifetime wildlife experience, whether it is on a morning safari to see predators in their natural habitat or at night to enjoy the sunset on the savannah.
Guided Nature Walks
To get a more interactive experience, visitors can walk through the park with armed rangers on a guided Kenya tour. These walks also provide the chance to get acquainted with the finer aspects of the ecosystem, including insects and plants, animal footprints and bird songs.
Rhino Sanctuary Visits
Visiting the rhino sanctuary is one of the things to do in Meru, as it is a safe place that protects black and white rhinos. In this case, the visitors will get to know the conservation activities and have chances to see these astonishing creatures in their natural environment.
Cultural Experiences
Meru is close to settlements of the Meru and Borana. Tourists have the opportunity to integrate their safari with cultural tours of local villages where they get to study the traditional way of life, music, dance and crafts.
Fishing and Picnics
Its rivers, such as the Rojewero River, are good fishing areas. Picnics are restricted in some parts of the park, and this provides the visitor with picturesque locations where picnics can be enjoyed in the midst of wildlife and nature.
Accommodation Options
Meru National Park provides accommodation facilities that are both affordable and luxurious.
Luxury Lodges: These have luxurious facilities, such as swimming pools, fine dining and instructed activities. The Kopje, named after the legendary lioness, was one of the most well-known lodges in the park.
Mid-range Camps and Lodges: Mid-range lodges and tented camps are comfortable and are not too expensive, have en-suite facilities and good service.
Budget Campsites: Public and special campsites in the park are available to the more adventurous traveller, giving them/a more in touch with nature experience.
Why Visit Meru National Park?
Meru National Park is the place where one can get a rare safari experience in comparison to more popular parks, such as the Maasai Mara or Amboseli. It is not overcrowded, and therefore sightseeing takes place without much noise from excessive safari cars. It also has more diverse landscapes, which include savannah, rivers and forests. Also, it has a historical connection with the Born Free tale that provides an emotional and cultural flavour to a visit.
Meru is a rewarding place to visit when one wants to experience authenticity, tranquillity and biodiversity. It enables you not only to get in close contact with nature but also to observe rare species, and also takes part in continuous conservation efforts at the same time, enjoying a real experience of the wilderness.
How to get there
If travelling by road, it will take approximately 6-7 hours to Nairobi or Wilson Airport. It is a pleasant drive, passing through many incredible sites, including beautiful scenic landscapes, rolling farmland, small towns, local markets, and many sights and sounds of the countryside.
Alternatively, if looking for ease, you can book a scheduled flight out of Nairobi Wilson Airport that has land airstrips located within and near the park. The flights are about an hour, and although the park is further north and takes about an hour to get to the destination, you will still experience the beautiful landscapes of travelling over Kenya, regardless.
