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Meru National Park

Safaris, Hotels, Car Hire, Lodges , Attractions

Location: The Park is located in Meru Country in Kenya's Eastern Province below the eastern slopes of Nyambene Hills. The Park lies 85 Km east of Meru town . It is managed by Kenya wildlife service on behalf of the Central Government. The larger Meru conservation area is a cultural melting pot and the success of the Park depends on the generosity of the local communities. To the west of the park on the slopes of Nyambene hills are the agricultural Meru with hectares of Miraa (Catha edulis) Tea and Coffee . Other communities bordering the park are Kamba ,the Borana and Orma pastoralists. A visit to the Park is not only about the big five experience but also a good opportunity to meet and interact with these communities, learn about their culture with long traditions of conservation. Always bear in mind that without their sacrifice, there would be no Meru Park. Often referred to as "a complete wilderness", Meru Park National Park is wild and one of the most beautiful in Kenya, ideal for camping, picnics, adventures and safaris. With 14 permanent rivers and numerous springs, it is a green paradise compared to dry savannah of Kenya‟s parks. Meru is also referred to as “ Born free” country, Kenya's best kept secret. In the wilds of Meru Park , Joy Adamson wrote the book “Born Free”, detailing her relationship with the lioness, Elsa. It is here that Elsa the lioness of born free fame was raised, released to the wild and buried. Area: The greater Meru Conservation Area comprises of 40,000 km2 covering Meru, Bisinadi and Kora parks, Mwingi, North Kitui and Rahore Nature Reserves. Meru alone has an area of 870 km2 and lies at an altitude of between 1,000-3,400 Ft above sea level and comprise of that triangle between Rivers Murera and Tana. Visit to Meru National Park/ Game Park: Meru can be visited throughout the year. A visit to the Park is best combined with the nearby attractions. These include Mt Kenya National Park, Lewa Down, Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba Reserve, Sweet Waters game sanctuary. Just email us and let us organize a wonderful safari to these places including Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Manyara, Ngorongoro and Lake Nakuru Combinations. Our Email: [email protected] Habitats: The main Woodlands, wide open plains and riverine. Getting to the Park: Meru is accessible from any part of the world. Whether you are in New York, California, Beijing, Tokyo or Sydney you can easily visit Meru. Just fly into Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta. Fly/Flight From Nairobi. The park has a total of 16 airstrips. However only 4 (Kinna, Mulika, Masanduku, Murera) are mostly used. Currently there are no scheduled flights into the park. Every airstrip has a gate to facilitate visitor entry. Driving from Nairobi: The park is linked to Nairobi by all whether road via Murera gate. There are two routes: From Nairobi (348 kms), via Nyeri-Nanyuki-Meru-Mau-Murera Gate via all weather road.  From Nairobi (348 kms), via Embu-Meru- Mau-Murera gate via all weather roads. The junction to the park is before you reach Mau town.  Gates include-Murera, Bisanadi, Ura, Kinna Vehicle: All the main roads to the Park have been upgraded. Thus it can be accessed by a standard vehicle. A sedan can access Mulika Lodge, Leopard Rock Lodge, Kina Park headquarters and Bwatherongi Bandas . However to fully enjoy the park, you need a 4WD. From Meru town you can easily hire a car to the park from the tour operator office:- R&N Xplorer Africa Safaris, 1st Flr. Doris House, Tom Mboya Street, Tel:+254 723 684 974, Email: [email protected] . We are open everyday of the week between 08:00-17:00 Hrs.

Attractions & Physical Features In the Park:  Mammals includes- Lion, elephant, cheetah, leopard ,Lesser Kudu, duiker, Dik Dik, buffalo, reticulated giraffes (Endangered), black and white rhinos, Grevy's zebra (Endangered), eland, Oryx, Impalas, buffaloes. Black and white Rhinos ( Endangered). Aquatic life include hippo and crocodile. Fishing for barbus and catfish is permitted at camp sites and along the Tana River.  Uninterrupted view of Mt Kenya.  Over 300 species of birds recorded.  Adamson's grave and camp  Pippa's Grave- Pipa was Cheater brought up by Joy Adamson.  Elsa's Grave-Elsa was the lioness of the born free fame.  Swamps- Mughwango, Mulika, Bwatherongi, Mururi and Leopard Rock. Animals congregate in the swamps during dry season  Rivers- a total of 14 permanent rivers and numerous streams including Murera, Rojowero, Kiolu, Ura, Bwatherongi. Tana River forms its southern boundary.  Rhino Sanctuary: The rhino sanctuary can be accessed from Murera gate. Activities/ What to do in the Park This 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. Restocking of Meru National Park In the 1970's the park boasted of more than three hundred Black Rhinos. By 1997, this population had been reduced to zero. The plan right now is to re-introduce about 30 Black Rhinos. After the 1989 massacre of the white Rhinos, the lone survivor Mukora was re-located to Lake Nakuru. In 2002, seven White Rhinos, including Mukora were once more re-introduced from Lake Nakuru. Restocking Meru National Park will go in conservation books as one of the largest big mammal translocation undertaken in human history. In total 66 Elephants trans-located from Laikipia Private- Sweet Waters game sanctuary & Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Whole families have been trans-located to avoid disruption of family bonds. Besides Elephants and Rhinos other translocations include: 20 Grevy's Zebra. The Grevy's Zebra is highly venerable to extinction.  In 2003, 39 reticulated giraffes were trans-located from Lewa Conservancy making a total of 51 of these rare species in Meru park.

Accommodation Meru National Park-Safari Lodges, Hotels, Tented Camps Meru National Park is a destination of choice for nature lovers and features a Rhino Sanctuary. Making it a home away from home are diverse accommodation facilities to cater for different categories of travellers. Luxury Accommodation In Meru National Park Rhino River Camp, Leopard Rock Lodge, Elsa's Kopje Lodge , Meru Mulika Lodge, Off Beat Campsite provide luxury accommodation in the Park. Luxury accommodation facilities rates vary between USD 300 per person to USD 600 PP per night. Meru Mulika Lodge ( Temporally closed for renovation)is located a few metres from Murera gate. Meru Mulika Lodge is currently under renovation. Mid Range Accommodation in Meru National Park Mid range facilities are located outside Meru National Park include Ikweta Safari Camp and Murera River Camp Ikweta Safari Camp

Ikweta Safari Camp is the only mid range facility providing full board services. Ikweta Safari Camp is located just two kilometres outside of Murera Gate. Ikweta Safari Camp features Ten (10) spacious tents thatched in makuti and tastefully decorated in Safari-style and with high quality furniture including either twin or double beds. Excellent meals prepared from the freshest local produce. Large swimming pool and other amenities.

Rhino River Camp The Rhino River Camp comprise of eight luxury cottages built out of caramel canvas, sustainable hardwood, on platforms above the gently flowing Kindani River. It is located in 80 acres of privately owned wilderness, offers a hance to connect with nature and to delight the senses in un spoilt bush and forest. Each room has its own private „zen‟ area where you can meditate, re-read your favorite novel, or simply unwind. KWS Bandas: Not to be left behind, the KWS runs their best bandas in Meru National Park. The Bwatherongi Bandas -Self Catering :- With a swimming pool the Bwatherongi Bandas are some of the Best in Kenya. Bwatherongi Bandas are well spaced giving each individual visitor utmost privacy. The Bandas are located on the banks of bwatherongi river. Bwatherongi Bandas feature private bathrooms with hot showers. The cooking area is outside the bandas. Murera Bandas -Self Catering: Just inside the Murera Gate. These are also self contained with hot showers. They are well spaced giving each banda privacy. The bandas are located on the banks of Murera River across which is Bisanadi National Reserve. Campsites/Camping There are numerous campsites through out the park. Special Campsites include Kampi Baridi; Kitanga; Makutano; Rojoweru; Mugunga; Ken Mare and Kanjoo. These ones have no facilities and prior booking is required. Public campsites with showers are available at Bwatherongi Bandas. Meru Hotels Meru is a small agricultural town on the slopes of Mt. Kenya. Budget hotels exist in Meru town. The hotels in Meru town include the following:, Meru-Mwangaza-White-House-Hotel, Gatimene Palm Springs, Meru Three Steers Hote, Nevada Palace Hotel, West Wind Hotel Meru, Meru County, Blue Towers Hotel, White Star Hotel, Hotel Royal Prince, Meru Safari Hotel, Brown Rock Hotel, Milimani Hotel, Pig & Whistle: The Pig & Whistle Hotel was built in 1930s. It is in this hotels that Joy and George Adamson stayed resulting in Joys divorce from her second husband Peter Bally. To Book/ Reserve any of the above hotels email us: [email protected] Attractions within Meru Town The town is an agricultural centre. Tourism is not prevalent thus if you desire a hassle free cool place, you can use it as a base to explore the slopes of Mt. Kenya and Laikipia. The town is surrounded by agricultural farmlands. Wheat and horticulture plantations occupy the Timau region adjacent to Lewa Conservancy. An interested visitor with intentions to mingle with the locals can sample the following. Meru Museum: Formerly a District Commissioner's Office was built in 1916. The Museum is ethnographic exhibiting the Culture of the local people. On display are various tools, artefacts, local geology, stuffed mammals and birds. Besides the museum has a traditional homestead, a crocodile and snake pit and various herbs. The Njuri Ncheke at Nciru (Council of elders) headquarters to learn how justice was dispensed in the old days among the locals. Gakoromone open air market for stocking up and chatting with the locals. Just carry loose change to use in the market and be careful of pick pockets. Swimming is available at the Golf Club and Fred's Academy. The pool at the Golf Club is good and its rarely used. Lake Nkunga picnic site can be visited with arrangement. Rukunga's private museum Kathita waterfall and King Muhuru. Meru Tour operator/ Travel Agent Car Hire/Rental R&N Xplorer Africa Safaris-Located at Doris House, Tom Mboya Street Tel:+254 723 684 974,