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Overview
Meru National Park is a national park in Meru County, Kenya. It is located approximately 350 kilometers northeast of Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. The park covers an area of 870 square kilometers and is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and rhinos.
The park is known for its diverse landscapes, which include grasslands, forests, and swamps. It is also home to a number of rivers and streams, which provide water for the park's wildlife.
Meru National Park is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities in the park, including game drives, bush walks, and birdwatching. The park is also home to a number of lodges and campsites, so visitors can stay overnight and enjoy the park's beauty for multiple days.
Climate: The park has a warm and humid climate. The average temperature is 25 degrees Celsius. The park receives an average of 1,000 millimeters of rain per year.
Meru National Park is located approximately 350 kilometers northeast of Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. The journey from Nairobi to Meru National Park takes around 5-6 hours by road, depending on traffic conditions.
There are two main routes from Nairobi to Meru National Park:
- Embu route: This route takes you through the towns of Embu and Meru.
- Nanyuki route: This route takes you through the towns of Thika and Nanyuki.
Both routes are well-maintained and offer scenic views of the Kenyan countryside.
If you are flying to Meru National Park, the park has an airstrip serviced by daily flights from Nairobi Wilson Airport and also connections to and from Samburu and Masai Mara Game Reserves
Activities
Things to do in Meru National Park:
- Game drives: Game drives are a great way to see the park's wildlife. Visitors can book game drives through their lodge or campsite.
- Bush walks: Bush walks are a great way to experience the park's diverse landscapes and wildlife up close. Visitors can book bush walks through their lodge or campsite.
- Birdwatching: Meru National Park is home to a variety of birdlife. Visitors can book birdwatching tours through their lodge or campsite.
Conservation
Here are some of the key conservation efforts in Meru National Park:
- Anti-poaching patrols: The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) conducts regular anti-poaching patrols in Meru National Park. The patrols help to deter poachers and protect the park's wildlife.
- Community conservation programs: KWS works with local communities to develop conservation programs. These programs help to reduce human-wildlife conflict and promote sustainable land management practices.
- Habitat restoration: KWS is working to restore degraded habitats in Meru National Park. This includes planting trees and shrubs, and creating new water sources for wildlife.
- Research and monitoring: KWS conducts research and monitoring to assess the status of the park's wildlife and habitats. This information is used to inform conservation efforts.
In addition to the efforts of KWS, there are a number of other organizations that are working to conserve Meru National Park. These organizations include the Born Free Foundation, the Meru Conservation Area Trust, and the African Wildlife Foundation.
These conservation efforts are making a difference. For example, the elephant population in Meru National Park has increased from fewer than 210 in the early 1990s to over 670 today.
However, there is still more work to be done. Poaching and habitat loss remain major threats to Meru National Park and its wildlife. It is important to continue to support conservation efforts in the park to ensure that it can be enjoyed by future generations.
Out of Africa
Meru National Park is one of the most beautiful and iconic national parks in Kenya. It is also the setting for one of the most famous love stories of all time: the story of George and Joy Adamson and Elsa the lioness of the award winning "Bon Free" story.
Born Free is a global wildlife conservation charity with over 100,000 supporters worldwide and over 40 years of experience in animal rescue, rehabilitation, release and advocacy. The charity is best known for the story of Elsa the lioness, who was orphaned as a cub and raised by George and Joy Adamson in Kenya. The story was told in the book and film Born Free, which inspired millions of people around the world to care about wildlife conservation.
Born Free has been working in Meru National Park since 2014 to protect the park's lions and other wildlife. The charity's work includes:
- Monitoring and tracking lions: Born Free's team of lion researchers monitor and track the park's lions to better understand their movements, behavior, and population dynamics. This information is used to develop conservation strategies for the lions.
- Community education: Born Free works with local communities to educate them about the importance of wildlife conservation and to reduce human-wildlife conflict. The charity also supports community-based conservation initiatives, such as beekeeping and livestock management.
- Anti-poaching patrols: Born Free supports anti-poaching patrols in Meru National Park to deter poachers and protect the park's wildlife.
Born Free's work in Meru National Park is making a difference. The park's lion population has increased from fewer than 210 in the early 1990s to over 670 today. However, there is still more work to be done. Poaching and habitat loss remain major threats to Meru National Park and its wildlife.
Born Free is committed to continuing its work in Meru National Park to ensure that the park's lions and other wildlife can thrive for generations to come.
You can support Born Free's work in Meru National Park by donating to the charity, sponsoring a lion, or volunteering your time.
In addition to its natural beauty, Meru National Park is also a significant historical site. The park was the setting for the book and movie "Out of Africa," which tells the story of Karen Blixen, a Danish woman who lived in Kenya in the early 1900s. The park is also home to the grave of Blixen's lover, Denys Finch Hatton.
Imagine yourself standing on a hilltop in Meru National Park, overlooking the vast expanse of grasslands and forests below. The wind carries the sounds of animals calling to each other, and the air is filled with the scent of wildflowers. You feel a sense of peace and tranquility that is only possible in such a wild and beautiful place.
This is the Meru National Park that Karen Blixen knew and loved. It is a place where the natural world is still intact, and where humans and animals coexist in harmony.
If you are looking for a truly unforgettable experience, Meru National Park is the place to go. It is a place where you can reconnect with nature and with yourself.
Special Interest Activities
Meru National Park is a beautiful and diverse park with a variety of activities to offer visitors. In addition to the standard game drives and bush walks, there are a number of special activities that visitors can enjoy. Here are a few of the most popular:
- Visit Elsa's Kopje: Elsa's Kopje is a hilltop overlooking Meru National Park. It was the former home of George and Joy Adamson, who raised Elsa the lioness. Visitors can climb to the top of the kopje for stunning views of the park and to learn more about the Adamsons and Elsa.
- Visit the Adamson's Falls: The Adamson's Falls are a series of waterfalls located on the edge of Meru National Park. Visitors can swim in the pools at the bottom of the falls or take a walk through the surrounding forest.
- Go on a night game drive: Night game drives are a great way to see nocturnal animals that are not as active during the day. Visitors can see animals such as hyenas, leopards, and servals on a night game drive.
- Go on a camel safari: Camel safaris are a unique way to explore Meru National Park. Visitors can ride camels through the park's grasslands and forests, and see animals such as elephants, giraffes, and zebras up close.
- Visit a local community: There are a number of local communities located near Meru National Park. Visitors can visit these communities to learn about their culture and way of life.
- Fishing: Fishing is permitted in certain areas of Meru National Park. Visitors can purchase a fishing license from the Kenya Wildlife Service.
Photo Credit: Elewana
Accommodation
There are a variety of accommodation options available in and around Meru National Park, ranging from luxury lodges to budget-friendly campsites.
Tips for choosing accommodation in Meru National Park:
- Consider your budget. Accommodation options in Meru National Park range from luxury lodges to budget-friendly campsites. Choose an option that fits your budget and needs.
- Consider your interests. If you are interested in wildlife, choose an accommodation option that is located inside the park or near the park gate. If you are interested in history, choose an accommodation option that is located near the grave of Karen Blixen or Elsa's Kopje.
- Consider your travel dates. Some accommodation options in Meru National Park are closed during the rainy season. Book your accommodation in advance to ensure that your chosen option is available.
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Photo Credit: Elewana
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