Meru Holidays, Safaris And Escapes  Tel/ WhatsApp +254723684974

Meru National Park Safari Holidays, Safaris, Escapes, Attractions and Tourist Activities, accommodation Lodges, safaris and Holidays, contact GSR, call, Tel:/ Whatsapp +254723684974 for complete information on where to stay, what to do, game drives, sundowners, nature walks, bird watching, hiking, trekking, cultural tours and camping safaris, excursion to Tana River, visits to graves of Elsa and Pipa, resident wildlife-birds, mammals; Available accommodation lodges, best offers, Prices, discounted daily rates of luxury, top of range game lodges like Elsa's Kopje USD 599, Leopard Rock Lodge USD, Rhino River Lodge, Offbeat Camp, Ikweta Safari Lodge USD 150, Murera River Lodge, Bwatherongi, Kinna, Ura Bandas, Wardens's House, hotels, tented camps, and campsites, car hire and rental.

"For infinite holidays and fearless adventures- they don't call us safari and car hire kings for nothing"

Meru National Park Holidays, Safaris, Escapes

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

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 Elsa in Meru National Park. Her grave a monument not to be missed by any visitor to the park.

An Introduction To Meru National Park

Meru National Park also called Elsa's Country and descriped as a "complete wilderness" is a beautiful paradise that has attracted visitor from all the corners of the globe. Meru National Park is a destination of choice for nature and culture lovers and features a Rhino Rhino Sanctuary

The Park is located in Meru Country in Kenya's Eastern Province below the eastern slopes of Nyambene Hills. The Park lies 85 Km east of Meru town. It is managed by Kenya wildlife service on behalf of the Central Government.

Nearby Attractions

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.

Natural Beauty

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.

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.

Meru National Park Attractions And Activities-An Introduction

Attractions in Meru National Park are both natural and artificial. Meru is naturally endowed with wildlife-animals and plants. The landscape is attractive with Mt Kenya clearly visible from the park. The diverse human investments constitutes the artificial attractions. Every visitor to Meru national park needs to appreciate the human effort undertaken to restock the park. After intense poaching of the late 70's and early 80's most of the wildlife was completely wiped out. Most of the animals you come across in the park have been Trans-located at heavy cost, including well whole families. Heavy capital investments have gone into infrastructure developments- upgrading of roads and airstrips not to forget security. The local communities especially the Meru and the Boran have set up cultural centers where visitors can sample their ways of life.

Meru National Park Attractions: Summary

Visitor/ tourist attractions in Meru National Park attractions comprise of (1) the location or destination itself (Meru National Pak), (2) what visitors see (attractions) or objects of tourist/ visitor gaze within or without the park, (3) what visitors do, activities available for visitors and events on offer, the rich culture of the local people and (4)the visitor experience at various points of contact with the locals and other visitors.

Meru National Park Attractions And Activities

Among the top 10 tourist/ visitor attractions in Meru National Park include:

• Mammals includes- Lion, elephant, cheetah, leopard ,Lesser Kudu, duiker, Dik Dik, buffalo, reticulated giraffes (Endangered), black and white rhinos, Grevy's zebra (Endangered), eland, Oryx, Impalas, buffaloes. Black and white Rhinos ( Endangered).
• Aquatic life include hippo and crocodile.
• Fishing for barbus and catfish is permitted at camp sites and along the Tana River.
• Uninterrupted view of Mt Kenya.
• Over 300 species of birds recorded.
• Adamson's grave and camp
• Pippa's Grave- Pipa was Cheater brought up by Joy Adamson.
• Elsa's Grave-Elsa was the lioness of the born free fame.
• Swamps- Mughwango, Mulika, Bwatherongi, Mururi and Leopard Rock. Animals congregate in the swamps during dry season
• Rivers- a total of 14 permanent rivers and numerous streams including Murera, Rojowero, Kiolu, Ura, Bwatherongi. Tana River forms its southern boundary.
• Rhino Sanctuary: The rhino sanctuary can be accessed from Murera gate.
• Cultural centers- Meru cultural center outside Murera gate and Malka (Boran) cultural center outside Bisanadi Gate.

Meru National Park Attractions Activities/ What to do and see

Lion in Meru National Park

What to do in Meru National Park?

Attractions determines what to do (activities) in any destination. Meru park is about exclusivity. Among the top 10 visitor Activities in Meru National Park include:

• Bird Watching- over 300 species of birds recorded. Game and bird watching are best undertaken at dawn or at dusk.
• Picnics and sundowners are organized with the local hotels
• Camping- lots of campsites spread out within the park
• Game drives and wildlife Safaris
• Cultural safaris to visit local borana and meru people.
• Nature walks or bush walks
• rafting and fishing can be organized along Tana River
• Climbing Mt. Kilimanjero
• Mountain Biking

Afternoons are best spent on cultural tours, fishing, rafting or just relaxing at the hotel swimming pools.

Local Communities

The larger Meru conservation area is a cultural melting pot and the success of the Park depends on the generosity of the local communities. To the west of the park on the slopes of Nyambene hills are the agricultural Meru with hectares of Miraa (Catha edulis) Tea and Coffee . Other communities bordering the park are Kamba ,the Borana and Orma pastoralists. A visit to the Park is not only about the big five experience but also a good opportunity to meet and interact with these communities, learn about their culture with long traditions of conservation. Always bear in mind that without their sacrifice, there would be no Meru Park.

Recommeded Safaris

Gorilla Tracking Rwnada 4 days

By GSR / 1 hour ago

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park

By GSR / 1 hour ago

Wildebeest Migration Mara 5 days

By GSR / 1 hour ago

Wildebeest Migration In Serengeti National Park

By GSR / 1 hour ago

Ngorongoro Serengti Safari 6 days

By GSR / 1 hour ago

Selous, Udzungwa, Mikumi 11 days

By GSR / 1 hour ago

Restocking of Meru National Park

In the 1970's the park boasted of more than three hundred Black Rhinos. By 1997, this population had been reduced to zero. The plan right now is to re-introduce about 30 Black Rhinos. After the 1989 massacre of the white Rhinos, the lone survivor Mukora was re-located to Lake Nakuru. In 2002, seven White Rhinos, including Mukora were once more re-introduced from Lake Nakuru National Park. 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 and Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Whole families have been trans-located to avoid disruption of family bonds. Besides Elephants and Rhinos other translocations include:- 20 Grevy's Zebra. The Grevy's Zebra is highly venerable to extinction. In 2003, 39 reticulated giraffes were trans-located from Lewa Conservancy making a total of 51 of these rare species in Meru park.

Accommodation Meru National Park:

Accommodation in Meru National Park vary from the most basic-camping to the most luxurious world class lodges to cater for diverse needs of the visitors. Accommodation comprise of Safari Lodges, Town Hotels, Tented Camps, campsites and Kws bandas(huts). Meru Park is a holiday destination of choice for nature lovers and features a Rhino Sanctuary. Making it a home away from home are diverse accommodation facilities to cater for different categories of travellers.

Luxury Accommodation

Rhino River Camp

Rhino River Camp, a luxury property in Meru National Park luxury accommodation in the Park.

Luxury accommodation facilities rates vary between USD 300 per person to USD 600 PP per night.

Leopard Rock Lodge

Elsa's Kopje Lodge

Meru Mulika Lodge

Off Beat Campsite

KINNA Guesthouse

( High Season- Apr, Aug, Dec USD 300; Rest of the year USD 250 for entire House). Resident Rates KES 18000 High season; KES 15000) Built by the First Warden Mr. Peter Jenkins in the1960s, the guesthouse is 20Km from Murera gate and less than a kilometer from Kinna Airstrip. The guest house has total capacity of 10 pax.

Meru Mulika Lodge

(Temporally closed for renovation) is located a few meters from Murera gate.

Mid Range Accommodation in Meru National Park

Mid range facilities are located outside Meru National Park include Ikweta Safari Camp and Murera River Camp

Ikweta Safari Camp (USD 150 Double FB)

Ikweta Safari Lodge Meru National Park

Ikweta Safari Camp is the only mid range facility providing full board services. Ikweta Safari Camp is located just two kilometres outside of Murera Gate. Ikweta Safari Camp features Ten (10) spacious tents thatched in makuti and tastefully decorated in Safari-style and with high quality furniture including either twin or double beds. Excellent meals prepared from the freshest local produce. Large swimming pool and other amenities.

Budget Facilities In Meru NP

KWS Bandas:- Bwatherongi, Kinna and Murera.

• 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.

Accommodation in Meru Town

Those visiting Meru National Park can ovdernight at Meru Town. Meru is a small agricultural town on the slopes of Mt. Kenya. Meru is approximately 85 Km from Murera Gate.

Accommodation in Meru Town

Budget hotels exist in Meru town. The hotels in Meru town include the following:-

• Meru Three Steers
• Alba Hotel
• Meru Slopes Hotel
• Meru Elsa Hotel
• Meru-Mwangaza-White-House-Hotel
• Gatimene Palm Springs
• Meru Three Steers Hotel
• Nevada Palace Hotel
• West Wind Hotel Meru
• Blue Towers
• White Star Hotel
• Hotel Royal Prince
• Brown Rock Hotel
• Pig & Whistle Hotel was built in 1930s. It is in this hotels that Joy and George Adamson stayed resulting in Joys divorce from her second husband Peter Bally.

National Parks

OUR SPECIAL SAFARIS

Wildebeest migration safari are organized in bothMaasai (Masai) Mara and Serengeti National Parks. The duration of the safari depends on various factors but mostly on time and budget but also the flexibility of the guest. The all drive 11 days Masai Mara Serengeti/ Ngorongoro/ Manyara Migration Safari commences from Nairobi and returns to the same via Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara, and Amboseli. The 8 days fly drive Wildebeest Migration Safari Masai Mara National Park (Mara Explorer 8 days) is a luxury option. Guests fly from Nairobi Wilson to Masai Mara and return to the same.The 4 days 3 Nights Migration safari combines Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru National Park and Lake Naivasha. The 6 days Best of Tanzania Safari focuses on wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park. The best time to witness migration in Masai Mara National Park Kenya, is between July to September. Serengeti National Park is best visited between March and May

ZANZIBAR

North Coast of Zanzibar

is a special holiday destination ideal for week long stays, honey moons or weekend escapes. Zanzibar is an ideal destination for holiday getaways,relaxation and adventure. Zanzibar + Masai Mara are the places to visit if you desire to combine beach holidays with water sports and big game watching. Top of the range of the hotels are

• Diamonds Gemma Dell Est Resort
• Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel
• Ocean Paradise Hotel
• Double Tree Hilton Resort
• The Z Beach Hotel
• Diamonds Star Of The East Hotel
• Sandies Mapenzi Beach Club/ Hotel.

Zanzibar Weekend Getaways 3-6 Nights from USD 423 PP

Zanzibar Travel Information

Zanzibar tourist Attractions