Often referred to as a complete wilderness, Meru National Park is a perfect holiday retreat for wildlife safaris and adventures, sight seeing, camping and relaxation. Meru National Park is often referred to as the Elsa’s Country.
Meru National Park Attractions, Activities, Safaris, Things to do.
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 struggle 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. We can positively argue that her descendants form some of the present day prides in Meru Park. Upon her death, George buried Elsa in Meru National Park. Her grave a monument not to be missed by any visitor to the park. Besides the lion cabs, Joy also brought up a cheetah cab named Pipa. Pipa’s grave is also clearly marked attraction in Meru Park.
The tragic end of the two conservationists was an anti climax of sorts. Joy was murdered in Meru Park and her ashes were scattered within the park. George was also murdered in Kora National Park is buried there. Adam’s home (Kampi Ya Simba) is an attraction on its own.
Wildlife Nirvana
In the earlier days, Meru was world famous for its large number of wildlife attributed to its agreeable climate. With 14 permanent rivers, the park is a paradise compared to other parks in the region. Receiving over 760mm of rainfall, the park is ever green and attracts large numbers of resident animals. However the intensive poaching of late 70’s and early 80’s completely decimated the park’s herds of elephants, rhinos and other big mammals reducing it to a lifeless shell. The devastation was so intense that lodges closed down.
Restocking and back to glory
The restocking of Meru NP has earned its place in the history of conservation. It is the largest big mammal trans location in the human history in terms of intensity, the numbers involved, the species and more so the size of animals. It was a day and night affair that saw whole families of elephants were trans located from larger Laikipia region to Meru NP. Besides elephants, rhinos have been re-introduced. Others translocated to the park were grevy Zebras and reticulated giraffes.
Today you are likely to see all the big five in Meru Park. Elephants, Buffalos, Rhinos, zebras, giraffe, lions, hippos, reedbucks, hartebeests, gazelles, baboons, impalas. In the rivers are crocodiles and hippos. Reptiles are well represented with cobras, pythons.
472 species of bird have been recorded including Somali ostrich, weavers, starlings, mannikins, guinea fowls, rollers,
Another attractions is the beautiful landscape. Mt Kenya is clearly visible from the park. Also one can go exploring Mt Kilimanjeru.
Things to do in Meru National Park
“Attractions determine what to do in any destination. Meru 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.”
Day break brings relieve to diurnals (day active) for its a privilege to be alive. At that time you are also likely to see the nocturnal (night actives) going to their dens. This is the best time to witness hunting. Night game drives are not available in Meru Park. However these can be enjoyed in nearby private ranch of Sweet Waters.
Bird watching is a big attraction in Meru park. With over 427 species recorded, its a bird watcher’s paradise. Best time to watch is at dawn or at dusk. Bring your binoculars and field guides.
The former home of the Adamsons-Joy and George and Elsa the lioness is a big crowd puller to the park. Many visitors also visit the graves of Pipa ( the cheetah) and Elsa.
Visits to the rhino sanctuary.
Canoeing and fishing in Tana River
Visit to the duo baobabs- the mau mau hideout.
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