Mount Meru

Meru National Park is a Kenyan national park situated east of Meru town, about 350 kilometers from the capital city, Nairobi. With an area of approximately 870 square kilometers, the park is one of the well-known parks in Kenya receiving abundant rainfall of about 635-762mm west and 305-356mm east of the park. Such abundant rainfall results into tall grass and lush swamps at the park.

Also called Elsa’s country, Meru National park became much famous after the conservationists –George Adamson and Joy Adamson who were book writers raised a lioness which they named Elsa from this place. This lioness- Elsa was buried in this park and the ashes of the conservationist-Joy were scattered on her gravesite. Meru national park is truly one of the best tourism destinations for the wildlife lovers, nature and also the cultural lovers. It is managed by Kenya wildlife service on behalf of the central government.

Attractions in Meru National park

Meru National Park is endowed with a number of attractions both the natural and artificial ones which will catch both the eye and memory of the traveler. Among the attractions include;

Wildlife

Meru National Park is a home to various wild animals including the predators and the African big five. Among the animals present in the park include; lion, African bush elephant, African leopard, cheetah, southern white rhinoceros, hippopotamus, zebras and others.

Burial sites of Joy Adamson

Joy Adamson was an author, artist, and also a naturalist. She raised the female lion named Elsa in Meru National park to an extent of writing a book which she named born free where she shared her experiences while raising it. The book Born free was printed in several languages and made it to an Academy Award winning movie.

Burial sites of Elsa the lioness

The fact that Meru national park is also referred to as the Elsa’s country, the burial sites of Elsa the lioness are among the main attractions in the park. Elsa the lioness was a female lion raised by the game warden George Adamson and his wife Joy Adamson alongside her sisters ‘’Big one’’ and ‘’Lustica’’ after becoming orphans at few days old. The body of this lioness was buried in this national park and the ashes of Joy Adamson were scattered on her gravesites.

Views of Mount Kenya

While at Meru national park, have the beautiful views of Mount Kenya, the highest mountain in Kenya and the second highest on the African continent after Kilimanjaro of Tanzania. This amazing and magical mountain is located in the former eastern and central province of Kenya, presented known as Meru, Embu.

Local people

Meru national park is surrounded by several local people including the Meru, Tharaka, Kamba, and the Borana. Among the elements of the culture of the local people you are to encounter include language, beliefs, values, dances, songs, taboos, stories, folks, sports, art and craft, economic activities, dining and others.

Bird species

Meru National park is a home to over 300 bird species with beautiful different colors including the migratory and residential ones. Among the birds in the park are; Eastern chanting goshawk, long-tailed fiscal, Somali ostrich, wattled starling, hartlaubs bustard and others.

What to do while at Meru National park.

Game drive/ game viewing

Spot several wildlife species while on your safari at Meru national park during a guided game drive through the driving trails of the park. Though small in size, Meru national park habitats a number of wildlife species including; the African big five animals- lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo and rhino. Get a chance of viewing different animals at a closure distance and also take some photographs. Other animals in the park include the cheetah, topis, hippos, zebras and others.

Bird watching

Since Meru national park is a home to over 300 bird species, Bird watching is one of the amazing experiences in Meru national park. The activity is more exciting when you move with an experienced birder guide and during the encounter, spot several bird species like; the long-tailed fiscal, Somali ostrich, hartlaubs bustard, wattled starling and others.

Cultural visits

The local people around Meru National park include the Meru, Kamba, Tharaka, Borana and others. Enjoy the different aspects of life of these people like dances, songs, languages, sports, stories, folks and others.

Others activities at the park include picnic, nature walks and camping within the park.

Best time to visit Meru National park.

Meru national park can be visited at any time throughout the year. Combine you visit to Meru with other attractions like Mt. Kenya National park, Samburu Buffalo springs, Shaba Reserve, Lewa down and others.