| Kenya Safari Destinations |
Meru National Park
Kenya
Meru is an explorer’s paradise. The least visited of Kenya’s larger parks and reserves, this remote region is a lush green Eden. From the parks southern boundary, seemingly endless series of streams branch out from the Tana River bringing life to the land.
Meru’s thick forests, tall grass and stands of Doum Palm are surrounded by rolling hills and stark Kopjes. This is the wild country where the world famous lioness Elsa, of Born Free fame, was returned to the wild in the 1950’s.
This isolated unspoilt wilderness lets the visitor have the freedom to explore the park at a relaxed pace without encountering other people. Game tracking can be challenging but very rewarding. Lion are often seen on high rocky outposts, and large herds of Buffalo and Elephant can also be found. Other species include Reticulated Giraffe, Oryx, Lesser Kudu and Eland.
The thick riverine forest is perfect for birding, with species. Further along the Tana river from Meru, there is access to the smaller Kora National Park, and three reserves Bisanadi, North Kitui, and Rahole. This entire area is sparsely populated and wild, a place that rewards the visitor with untold natural riches. Meru is an untouched treasure awaiting discovery.
What to do in Meru
Wildlife Safari - The thick jungle of vegetation in Meru makes game viewing both challenging and rewarding. A wildlife safari through Meru involves tracking and locating game through a range of habitats.
The Hills and Kopjes make good game spotting outposts, and getting up high is the best way to scan the horizons for herds of game. Lions are known to also take advantage of this opportunity, and can be seen hunting on these slopes for buffalo or Oryx.
The waters of the Tana river and its many streams always attract plenty of wildlife. The thick riverine forests are the best places to locate game, and are excellent birding country. Large numbers of Reticulated Giraffe, Impala, Lesser Kudu and Eland can be found around these water sources.
The best time to see game in Meru is early morning and late afternoon. In the midday heat, most animals retreat to the cool of thick undergrowth and become invisible. Morning and afternoon game drives also allow you to witness the unforgettable African dawn and sunsets.
The most common means of Game viewing here is in customized vehicles, with open roofs or sides designed for photography. The lodges in Meru can organize guided walks or night game drives for nocturnal species.
The nearby Kora National Park, and three smaller reserves of Bisanadi, North Kitui, and Rahole are all remote and wild destinations, with plenty of safari opportunities ripe for discovery.
If you have a particular wildlife or birding interest, look for a Safari operator who can offer you specialized guiding and services to suit your needs.
WHERE TO STAY
Meru’s lodges offer full board accommodation with meals, serving a range of cuisines. For those camping out under the stars, most safari companies provide an excellent camp cook, who can produce culinary wonders from a campfire. For campers wanting to cook for themselves, the nearest towns for supplies are Meru and Maua.
What To Do In Meru
Fishing - Fishing trips on the Tana River can be arranged through lodges in Meru. This provides a perfect relaxing break from your safari. This is also a great opportunity to explore the region by boat, and spend a day game and bird watching on the river.
White Water Rafting - Arrangements can be made for Rafting trips on the Tana River. Stretches of White Water are alternated with relaxing drifts through open country with plenty of game viewing along the way. Book these trips through Meru Lodges.
Birding in Meru - The Meru area is excellent Birding country, becoming popular with specialist birding safaris. There have been recorded sightings of Saddle Billed Stork, Pel’s Fishing Owl and African Finfoots in the swamps and along the river.
Getting Around - Road access to Meru is via Meru town, a three hour drive from Nairobi. Closer to the Park gates is the small village of Maua. Accessing Meru is difficult without private transport. Most visitors come here as part of a Safari package from Nairobi or in a Hire Car. The park has well established internal roads and tracks. Access to Kora, Rahole, Bisanadi or North Kitui can be difficult, and advice should be sought in advance. There are scheduled flights to Meru.
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