Tourist Activities to do at Meru National Park
Tourist Activities to do at Meru National Park: Meru National Park is a Kenyan national park located east of Meru, 350 kilometers from Nairobi. Covering an area of 870 square kilometers, it is one of the best-known national parks in Kenya. The was established in 1966 and is administered by the Kenya Wildlife Service. The park is home to a wide range of wildlife animals such as elephants, Grevy’s zebra, lions, cheetahs, leopards, hartebeest, hippos, buffalo, and the reticulated giraffe among others.
Meru was one of the two areas in which conservationists George Adamson and Joy Adamson raised Elsa the Lioness made famous in the best-selling book and award-winning movie Born Free. Elsa the Lioness is buried in this park and part of Joy’s ashes were scattered on her gravesite. However, there are several tourist activities to do while in Meru National Park, and among these include the following;
Game drive
One of the most thrilling things to do at Meru National Park is to go on a game drive. During your game drive safaris, you have the incredible opportunity to spot a variety of animals such as cheetahs, rhinos, elephants, leopards, hartebeest, reticulated giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, hartebeests, gravies, plain zebras to mention but a few. You will also have the chance to watch lots of hippos, and crocodiles, especially around the Riverbanks of Tana River, Bisanadi, and Rojerwero. On a big game safari, you enjoy not only magical wildlife encounters but also breathtaking views of snowcapped flanks of Mt. Kenya at a distance.
Birdwatching
Birdwatching at the national park is a fantastic experience and one of the best tourist activities to do at Meru National Park, as it’s home to over 400 different species of birds. While you walk along the banks of many rivers and streams bordered by acacia woodlands which create a jungle setting for bird habitats, in the thick riverine forests, and swamps this experience will leave you with only a unique taste never comparable to any other. During your birdwatching tours, you will have the spot a variety such as red-necked falcon, rollers, long-tailed fiscal, Somali ostrich, Hartland’s bustard, Eastern chanting pigeon, Columba guinea, Remeron pigeon, and wattled starling among others. Other bird species you may encounter include Kori bustard, Maasai ostriches, martial eagles, guinea fowl, African finfoot, palm weavers, secretary birds, Boran cisticola, fish eagle, and wattled starling. The park offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the diversity of birdlife in a beautiful setting.
Cultural visit
Visiting Meru National Park isn’t just about the wildlife; it’s also a chance to immerse yourself in the rich culture of the local communities, especially the Tharaka people who live nearby. During your cultural visit, you can experience traditional music, dance, and local customs, providing a deeper understanding of their way of life. Engaging with the Tharaka community adds a unique aspect to your safari, making it a rewarding experience that goes beyond just spotting animals. You’ll leave with memorable stories and a greater appreciation for the local heritage.
Fishing safaris
On the many rivers that cross-sect the park, take your rod with some canapés and a good book, and settle on these palm-lined river banks you engage in fishing which is fun as you enjoy your catch with plentiful catfish, tilapia and barbell.
Exploring the Adamson Falls and Elsa the Lioness’s grave
One of the exciting things you can do at Meru National Park is visit Adamson Falls and the grave of Elsa the Lioness. This park became famous because of the book “Born Free” written by Joy Adamson, which tells the story of Elsa. During your visit, you’ll have the chance to understand the history and take an exceptional bushwalk in the untapped wilderness characterized by the rugged landscape.
Visit the Meru Rhino Sanctuary
One of the best things you can do here is visit the Meru Rhino Sanctuary. This place is home to over 80 black and white rhinos. A visit to the Meru rhino sanctuary is a great opportunity to have in-depth learning about rhino behaviors and their conservation. The presence of the rhinoceros makes Meru National Park an ultimate big five-game destination
Hike the Peak of Meru National Park
One exciting activity at Meru National Park is to hike up Mugwongo Hill, the highest point in the area. For the Meru people, “Mugwongo” translates to “elephant’s tusk,” hinting at the area’s rich history. There are stories that Mau Mau freedom fighters hid elephant tusks somewhere on this hill, but so far, no one has been able to find them.
Mugwongo Hill is also famous because it’s where George and Joy Adamson worked with orphaned lion cubs, helping them learn how to survive in the wild. Today, there’s a lovely lodge called Elsa’s Kopje, which means “small hill.” While you’re there, keep an eye out for the various lizards and geckos that call this place home, including the vibrant red-headed Agama. You can often spot them warming themselves on the rocks when the sun shines.
The best time to visit Meru National Park
A visit to Meru National Park Kenya is possible at any time of the year, month, or day. But, the dry season from June, July, and August to September offers the best time or favorable conditions for wildlife or game viewing. Huge wildlife crowds are often recorded or spotted in most of the water holes during these drier months of the year.
If you’re a birdwatching enthusiast, the rainy seasons in March, April, May, and then October and November are great as well. These months are perfect for seeing various bird species, including both local and migratory birds. No matter when you choose to visit, Meru National Park welcomes visitors all year round.
Accommodation facilities at Meru National Park
Tourists planning a wildlife safari at Meru National Park shouldn’t worry about where to stay. The park has got variety of accommodation facilities that cater to every need and preference of visitors. The accommodation facilities here range from budget, midrange, and luxury. Such facilities include Leopard Rock Lodge, Rhino River Camp, Off Beat Campsite, Meru Mulika Lodge, Elsa’s Kopje Lodge, KINNA Guesthouse, Ikweta Safari Camp, Bwatherongi Bandas, Murera Bandas, and campsites such as Kampi Baridi, Rojoweru, Mugunga, Kanjoo, and Ken Mare.
For visitors opting to stay in Meru town, some of the safari accommodation options here include budget hotels such as Meru Slopes Hotel, Meru Three Steers Hotel, Blue Towers, Brown Rock Hotel, Alba Hotel, Hotel Royal Prince, Nevada Palace Hotel, West Wind Hotel Meru, and others.
