Meru Holidays Safaris, Attractions

Meru National Park is a holiday destination of choice for nature lovers and adventurous alike.  Meru is a beautiful  paradise, a place of tranquility, a holiday getaway enclave curved out by nature for the enjoyment of entire mankind. To fulfill this obligation, Meru national park has been attracting visitors from diverse backgrounds and her critical mass continues to grow daily.  Some like George and George Adamson made Meru National Park their home. It is in Meru National Park that they brought up the Elsa, the lioness of the award winning born free fame.

The Elsa story is the bait that draws visitors to the park.  It is an adventure fantasy of how two conservationist raised up the lion cabs, weaned them to maturity, the straggle and the suspense that follow as they try to introduce it to the wild.  While Adamson insists that Elsa is a tame domestic cat unlikely to survive in the wild, Joy insists that SHE was born free and must be allowed to live free, hence the name born free and living free.  By and by Joy prevails and the cat is released to the wild where she successfully is integrate into the wild prides and is able to bring up her own cabs.  Upon her death, George buried her in Meru National Park.  Her grave a monument not to be missed by any visitor to the park.

Even more attractive in Meru are the adventures of close proximity to nature.  This complete wilderness occupies an area of 870Km2 not counting the adjacent Kora and Bisanadi National Parks.   In here nature freely interacts with minimal human interference.  This peaceful co-existence must  not be taken for granted. Most of the big game you see in Meru National Park have been re-introduced after the original stock was decimate by poachers.  In the late 1970's and early 80's, the elephants, giraffes and rhinos were completely wipe out. After intense trans-location, the park has been restored to its former glory.  Even a Rhino sanctuary has been established in the park.  Besides the large mammal population, birdlife is immense with a total of 300 species recorded.  Restocking Meru National Park will go in conservation books as one of the largest big mammal translocation undertaken in human history.  In total 66 Elephants trans-located from Laikipia Private- Sweet Waters game sanctuary & Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Whole families have been trans-located to avoid disruption of family bonds.

An important distinction of Meru is its natural beauty.  Coupled with this is the agreeable climate.  Unlike other savannah parks, Meru is lush.  Being below Nyambene hills, the park enjoy moderate rainfall and is watered by 14 rivers not to count the large number of swamps.  The majestic peaks of Mt Kenya are clearly visible from every corner of the park. Most of the visitors to Meru park bring a long  heavy clothes.  To the surprise of many, the park is warm.  Most of the time you have to stay light even at night. 

Meru is a model of an eco tourism destination,  a complete wilderness, where nature takes its course with minimal human interventions.  At Meru National Park, responsible tourism and responsible hospitality comes into play.  The need to conserve must balance the need to enjoy.  All the players- the tourists, the local people, the investors and the authorities must draw tangible benefits from the park otherwise would not be sustainable.  Holiday makers come to Meru National Park to be close to nature but not at the expense of their comfort.  One of the rules of eco-tourism is minimal disruption for gross enjoyment.  A viable holiday destination needs to develop affordable visitor facilities of superior quality for the maximum enjoyment of the visitors. High quality and affordable facilities means that the way of life of the visitors is not disrupted.  That they are taken care of adequately means longer stays and more revenue for investors, the authorities and locals.  Also important is the quality of man power. With this in mind, there is a need to develop more activities and accommodation facilities at affordable prices.  For good measure, facilities should be developed outside the park.  This policy will encourage investors to team up with the local populations.

Accommodation in the park is diverse with luxury, mid range and budget facilities to cater for different categories of travelers. Luxury facilities include Leopard Rock Lodge,  Elsa's Kopje Lodge,  Rhino River Camp and Off Beat Camp.   Ikweta Safari Camp is mid range camp with 10 tents.  Budget facilities include self catering  KWS Bandas (Bwatherongi, Murera and Kinna).  Today  Security  is not an issue.   An important development has been the renovation of Kinna Guest House.  This former Wardens House can cater for a maximum of 10 pax.  At the cost of about USD 300 full house, this would fall under mid range category.

Ikweta Safari Camp (USD 150 Double FB)

Ikweta Safari Camp is the only mid range facility providing full board services. Ikweta Safari Camp is located just two kilometres

Meru can be visited throughout the year.  A visit to the Park is best combined with the nearby attractions.  These include Mt Kenya National Park, Lewa Down, Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba Reserve, Sweet Waters game sanctuary.  Just email us and let us organize a wonderful safari to these places including Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Manyara, Ngorongoro and Lake Nakuru Combinations.

Weekend Getaways / Weekend Aways / Holiday Escapes,

Meru is an ideal destination for weekend getaways,  holiday and escape seekers.  Being only 350 Km from Nairobi, Meru is far enough yet very close to the city.  One can drive and will be in the park within 4 1/2 hours at most.  Alternatively one can fly in. Daily flights operate from Nairobi Wilson to Meru.  The road from Nairobi to Murera gate is all tarmac.  4x4s are ideal.  However some sections of the park are ideal for sedans. 

Activities/ What to do in the  Park

This park  is about exclusivity.  Bird Watching, Picnics, Camping, Wildlife Safaris, Adventure and Cultural safaris can all be organized. Game and bird watching are best undertaken in the morning and evening.  Nature walks, rafting and fishing can be organized along Tana River.  Afternoons are best spent on cultural tours,  fishing, rafting or just relaxing at the hotel swimming pools.

The Bwatherongi  Bandas -Self Catering :- With a swimming pool the Bwatherongi Bandas are some of the Best in Kenya.  Bwatherongi Bandas are well spaced giving each individual visitor utmost privacy. The Bandas are located on the banks of bwatherongi river.  Bwatherongi Bandas feature private bathrooms with hot showers. The cooking area is outside the bandas. 

Murera  Bandas -Self Catering:

Just inside the Murera Gate.  These are also self contained with hot showers.  They are well spaced giving each banda privacy. The bandas are located on the banks of Murera River across which is Bisanadi National Reserve.

Campsites/Camping

There are numerous campsites through out the park. Special Campsites include Kampi Baridi; Kitanga; Makutano; Rojoweru; Mugunga; Ken Mare and Kanjoo. These ones have no facilities and prior booking is required. Public campsites with showers are available at Bwatherongi Bandas