Attractions of Meru National Park Kenya : Meru National Park lies in Kenya and hosts a diverse wildlife reserve known for its impressive landscapes and abundant wildlife. Below are some of the major attractions you can experience in Meru National Park as listed;
Wildlife Viewing
Meru National Park is home to all Big5 ‘’Lion, Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhino’’. Going for safari game drives and you will be spotted in their natural habitat. While on safari expect to view animals like Giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, hyenas and various antelope species.
Wildlife viewing is one of the major tourist attractions to do in Meru National Park. It is home to rich wide range of wildlife species, providing visitors with the great chance to watch animals in their natural habitat.
Meru National Park is home to all the iconic Big Five species, including lions, elephants, leopards, buffalos and rhinos. Visitors can have good chances of encountering these majestic creatures during your safari to the park. The park has a high number of giraffes, including both the Rothschild’s giraffe and the reticulated giraffe.
Fact about giraffes : they are tall and elegant animals which often can be seen browsing on tree leaves or gracefully moving across the plains. Other species to see are Zebras which can be spotted throughout the park, with their distinctive black and white stripes making them easily visible. They often gather in wide number, creating a mesmerizing sight against the backdrop at the African savannah.
The park is also known with good population of cheetah. These swift predators can be observed sprinting across the open grasslands in pursuit of their prey. Adventuring a glimpse of a cheetah in action is worth it. Both spotted hyenas and striped hyenas inhabit the park. It is home to various antelope species including Impalas, waterbucks, oryx, gerenuks and lesser kudus. Zebras are known as the most graceful creatures which can be seen grazing across the plains.
Meru National Park is home to primates and the commonly seen species include; Olive baboons and Vervet monkeys. These social primates can be viewed in troops, foraging for food or interacting with their young ones. The park is paradise for birdwatchers, with over 400 bird species recorded in the area, some of birds to see include Ostriches, secretary birds, Martial eagles, Vulturine guinea fowl and various water birds to see along the rivers and swamps.
Birding Encounter
Meru National Park is a birding hoven that boost with over 400 bird species. You can spot notable bird species such as Ostrich, secretary bird, martial eagle, Somalia ostrich, Vulturine guinea fowl mentioned few. The park’s habitats are dotted with forests, swamps and river, attracts a wide amount of birdlife.
Birdwatching in Meru National Park is thrilling experience due to the variety of birdlife. It offers a rewardable birding opportunity. You can encounter a bucket list of birds, including both resident species and migratory birds that visit the park during between November to April. The diversity of birds includes; raptors, waterbirds, forest birds, grassland species and more.
Meru National Park is home to magnificent eagles such as the African fish eagle, martial eagle, Bateleur and crowned eagle. Raptors include falcons, hawks and kites which can be seen soaring through the skies.
The birds in Meru are best viewed around the rivers, swamps and wetlands. You can explore species like herons, egrets, storks, ibises, spoonbills and waterfowl.
While you’re planning for birding tour, remember to carry your binoculars, a field guidebook and a camera to enhance your birding experience. It is also advisable to wear comfortable clothing, insect repellent and patience to maximize your chances of observing them.
Adamson’s Falls
These falls are located within the park and are a scenic waterfall that cascades down a series of steps. The falls offer a picturesque setting for memorable photography and picnics, surrounded by lush vegetation and water encroachment.
Adamson’s Falls also refers as the Tana River Falls, waterfall which is located within the park. They are located within the boundaries of Meru National Park, which is found in the eastern part of Kenya. The falls are lied along the Tana River, which flows through the park.
Note : Adamson falls is known for its picturesque beauty. The waterfall cascades down a series of rocky steps, establishing a mesmerizing sight and a tranquil atmosphere. The surrounding lush vegetation adds to the scenic charm of the area.
The water flow of Adamson’s Falls depends on the season and rainfall. During the rainy season, the fall can be more stunning with a higher volume of water. During the dry season, the water flow may reduce, but the rock formations and the landscape offers a gainful view. Around the falls you can have a chance to spot various animals while drinking or bathing such as elephants, buffaloes, antelopes and bird species.
Picnic Spot
Adamson’s Falls offers a peaceful environment thus making it a magical spot for a picnic. Visitors on their visit -remember to bring their own food and enjoy a meal amidst the natural beauty of the waterfall and the surrounding scenic landscapes.
Hiking and Nature walks
Visitors can visit the surrounding areas through hiking or nature walks. Meru has got designated trails or paths that allows you to immerse yourself in the natural surroundings ,watching wildlife and appreciate the flora and fauna.
Elsa’s Kopje
This rocky outcrop is named after Elsa the lioness, made famous by Joy Adamson’s book ‘’Bord Free’’. It also provides breath taking views of the surrounding plains and offers a fabulous perspective of the park. The lodges located around the area also acts as an attraction and best option for visitors.
There is a lodge which was named after Elsa, the lioness made famous by the conservationists George and Joy Adamson. Elsa Kopje offers luxurious and exclusive accommodation options for visitors. It features spacious and elegantly designed cottages or ‘kopjes’ blending seamlessly with the natural environment. Each cottage is equipped with modern amenities, ensuring comfortable and excellent stay.
Visitors at Elsa’s Kopje can also engage in cultural experiences, where they can get interacted by the locals through their unique traditions, customs and ways of life among others.
Travelers can combine wildlife safari in Meru National Park Kenya with Uganda’s primates; Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda.
NB; Bwindi National Park is famously known as a home with highest population of endangered mountain gorillas among the four National Parks home for mountain gorillas in world.
Accessibility; From Kenya fly from Wilson Airport to Entebbe International Airport Uganda. Then, from Entebbe you can decide to use a domestic flight ‘’Aero link Uganda’’ to fly you to Kihihi Airport a nearby Airstrip to the park. From Airstrip be transferred to the park.
By Road; From Kampala to Bwindi takes a drive of about 8 to 9 hours to access the visiting destination.
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