Local Communities

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.

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:-

Car Hire In Meru National Park

R&N Car Hire, 1st Flr. Doris House, Tom Mboya Street, Meru, Kenya, Tel:+254 723 684 974, Email: rnxploresafaris@gmail.com . Open throughout the week between 08:00-17:00 Hrs.

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 National Park. 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 and 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:

Accommodation in Meru National Park vary from the most basic-camping to the most luxurious world class lodges to cater for diverse needs of the visitors. Accommodation comprise of Safari Lodges, Town Hotels, Tented Camps, campsites and Kws bandas(huts). Meru Park is a holiday 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

Rhino River Camp

Rhino River Camp, a luxury property in Meru National Park luxury accommodation in the Park.

Luxury accommodation facilities rates vary between USD 300 per person to USD 600 PP per night.

Accommodation in Meru Town

Those visiting Meru National Park can ovdernight at Meru Town. Meru is a small agricultural town on the slopes of Mt. Kenya. Meru is approximately 85 Km from Murera Gate.

Accommodation in Meru Town

Budget hotels exist in Meru town. The hotels in Meru town include the following:-

• Meru Three Steers
• Alba Hotel
• Meru Slopes Hotel
• Meru Elsa Hotel
• Esra Hotel
• Gatimene Palm Springs
• Meru Three Steers Hotel
• Nevada Palace Hotel
• West Wind Hotel Meru
• Blue Towers
• White Star Hotel
• Hotel Royal Prince
• Brown Rock Hotel

Places of interest 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 (Council of elders) headquarters at Nciru to learn how justice was dispensed in the old days among the locals.
• The 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.
• Lake Nkunga picnic site can be visited with arrangement.
• Rukunga's private museum. Visit the King Muhuru.

Swimming is available at the Golf Club and Fred's Academy and Thiiri Center. The pool at the Golf Club is good and its rarely used

Other Attractions

Bisanadi National Reserve

To the East park lies Bisanadi National Reserve. It is located at the border of Meru and the Borana people. Opened in 1979 it occupies an area of 606Km². It accessible by 4WD vehicles is ideal for camping. There is an airstrip at Korbessa.

Kora National Park

Kora National Park : Across Tana River covering an area of 1,787 square kilometers. It is in Kora National park that George Adamson was murdered in his camp. Kora is full of Inselbergs, rocky outcrops covered with vegetation that seem to appear randomly above the plains. Mammal life include elephant, Lesser Kudu, wild dog, striped and spotted hyenas, leopard and cheetah. 21 species of fish have been recorded, with 500 species of insect, 33 molluscs and 40 reptiles.

National Parks

ZANZIBAR

North Coast of Zanzibar

is a special holiday destination ideal for week long stays, honey moons or weekend escapes. Zanzibar is an ideal destination for holiday getaways,relaxation and adventure. Zanzibar + Masai Mara are the places to visit if you desire to combine beach holidays with water sports and big game watching. Top of the range of the hotels are

Frequently Asked Questions