It`s been a minute on this lane.
Today we focus on Meru National Park dubbed the “Complete Wilderness”
Indeed it is a complete jungle considering it`s less touristic traffic in comparison with her counterpart game reserves in Kenya. It commands a sanctuary experience of variety of wildlife species and it is home to the reticulated giraffe, grevy zebra, Lion the King, herds of buffalo and elephants.
One of its highlights is indeed a rhino sanctuary that has boosted the population of black & white rhino in Kenya. You see, Meru National Park was in the 1980s once chequered by poachers who annihilated it`s white rhino population that had been introduced by the government. On learning this, the government put radical effort and measures in quieting these bandits and has over the years restored this paradise to its magnificent glory.
For the bird watching lovers, Meru National Park is a paradise with over 400 recorded and indigenous bird species.
Every lane you take within this wilderness you will notice a living creature whether it is a crawler, a walker or a flyer in its true nature. Did I lightly mention crawlers? Oh yes! In the tune of creepy and hairy spiders more like tarantulas, meandering python, puff adders, even spitting cobras. But then again this is their natural habitat and you have nothing to worry about as long you pose no imminent threat to them creatures. This said, I could talk so much about this protected natural resource but why don’t you pay a visit to inhale all its beauty for yourself?
HOW DO YOU GET THERE?
This park is situated about 350km from Nairobi and you can access it via Nanyuki or Embu on all weather access roads. Alternatively, you can fly into Kina or Elsa Kopje airstrip from the Wilson Airport.
ACCOMMODATION:
If you are an adrenaline junkie, camping at the designated campsites would suite you. Bring your camping paraphernalia (tent, mattress, sleeping bag, cooking ware etc). However, there are also self catering cottages managed by KWS within an arm’s length from the public campsites. One thing I like about the main campsite is that it has a small public swimming pool to cool you off upon your rendezvous from your game drives. By the way, unlike many people’s perceptions that Meru would be cold, it is totally the opposite bearing such a humid weather.
Of late there are several self contained accommodation options that offer different meal plans from Bed & Breakfast, Half Board & Full Board. These include Rhino River Camp – Kenya`s Bali vibes, Ikweta Safari Camp – a chilled out property with all its simplicity and Elsa Kopje Lodge a luxurious property edged on a vantage point for its inhabitants to view the aesthetics of Meru National Park. It also boasts of an infinite swimming pool and top service attendance of its guests.) These are accommodation options within the Park`s ecosystem. You may also opt to stay outside the park and in the nearby Meru town which has quite a lot of AirBnB options.
Ikweta Safari Camp Swimming Pool & Tented Room
Besides the touristic activities offered within Meru National Park, one can drive across the sister National Reserves in Bisinadi and Kora National Park for maximizing your value in terms of time from Murera gate. You will be greeted by the many inter-flowing rivers criss-crossing the ecosystem that are often graced by the hypnotic hippos and local apes.
SUSTAINABILITY:
As you travel to this wilderness and any other destination for touristic purposes, always ask yourself how and what you could do to contribute to the sustainability of these natural resources for the future generation.
For instance, you could continue sharing memorable photos of the places you have been to on your social media handles, pay your entry fees directly to the designated personnel using the acceptable payment channel, tip the park wardens, rangers, drivers and local community guides. You could also carry some resources such as food items, clothing, shoes, books etc or better yet sponsor a needy child with school fees within a family setting of the places you visit.
Well, have you been to Meru National Park? What was your experience?
Would love to read your comments below:
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