Meru National Park
The Meru National Park is a Kenyan national park that is 350 km from Nairobi. With an area of 870 km2, it is one of the least known parks in Kenya. However, due to the abundant rainfall, it is covered with lush marshes with tall grass. As such, tracking animals very difficult.
Accordingly, it has lots of wild animals such as elephant, hippo, lion, leopard, cheetah and antelopes. In fact it was here that George and Joy Adamson released several animals bred in captivity. These include the cubs of the famous lioness Elsa (immortalized in the book Born Free) and their cheetah Pippa.
Highlights of The Park
Rarely visited and utterly unspoilt, Meru National Park has one of the most remote and rugged landscapes. Accordingly, the Meru National Park has many facades. First, is an area of high plains and secondly, is a region of semi-desert lowlands. Unfortunately, most of the wildlife, mostly rhinos, were decimated by intensive poaching in the 1990s. However, a large-scale operation was organized (Operation Genesis) for the reintroduction of extinct species. As a consequence, white rhinos were even imported from South Africa.
As such, rhinos, buffaloes, antelopes, elephants are now regular sightings in the park. In fact, it is now a case study on how parks should solve poaching problems. Accordingly, the restoration project improved the basic infrastructure and essential patrol personnel.
Nevertheless, what makes the undeniable charm of the park its lower attendance. As a consequence, because of its remoteness it has a more exclusive safari experience. In addition, many rivers including the Tana River provide year-round water to wildlife. As such, the lush green landscapes offer a great vista for photographers.
Conversely, the many biotopes allow to observe a diversified and specific fauna. For instance, these include animals like the oryx beisa, the gerenuks (or giraffe antelopes) and the small Koudou. Meru is an exceptional for lovers of vast horizons with beautiful and varied landscapes.
In sum, these are the highlights of the park.
- Fantastic Wildlife
- It offers a more exclusive experience
- It’s ideal for those travellers who love off-the-beaten destinations
- Tana River
- Lush marshes with tall grass
- Bush Savannah
- Lots of elephants
- Iconic Savannah Landscapes
- Rhino-Watching
- Spectacular Landscapes
