Meru National Park
Meru National Park is located on the equator, near Mount Kenya and is part of a vast conservation area along the Tana River encompassing Meru and Kora National Parks and the adjacent National Reserves of Bisanadi and Mwingi, with a total area of over 4,000 sq. kilometres.
Meru National Park contains numerous rivers and waterways including the mighty Tana river and varied habitats of swamp, riverine forest, savannah and dry bush country. Meru’s proximity to Mount Kenya and the Nyambeni Hills ensures reasonable rainfall in the western half of the park, but in the eastern part it is generally dry and can be extremely hot.
Of all the Kenya parks Meru presents the widest variety of landscapes. The varied habitats contain a wide diversity of wildlife species including elephant, lion, cheetah, leopard, zebra, some of Kenyas largest herds of buffalo and a variety of antelopes including waterbuck, oryx, lesser kudu, duiker and dik-dik. The rivers abound with hippo and crocodiles. Birdlife is also abundant especially during the northern migration (October-March).
This vast park is one of the least visited of Kenyas wildlife areas and there are few tourist vehicles to be seen. Meru was formerly the home of Elsa, the lioness reared from a cub by George and Joy Adamson and made famous in the film Born Free.
Accommodation is at the Elsas Kopje Lodge, one of the most imaginatively designed lodges in Kenya, consisting of 8 stone and thatched cottages set on a hillside in the centre of the park with spectacular views over the wilderness. Game drives and escorted bush walks are organised by the lodge management. A swimming pool is a welcome facility for guests during the heat of the day.
Related Travel Information
Luambe National Park
This undeveloped, 99-square-mile (254 km2) savannah and woodlands park is located just northeast of South Luangwa National Park. Luambe has many of the same species and features of South Luangwa National Park, but lacks first-class tourist facilities to accommodate visitors.
Zimbabwe: Chizaria National Park
This national park in western Zimbabwe is one of the country's most remote and least-developed reserves. The park sits astride the dramatic Zambezi Escarpment and is filled with steep cliffs and river gorges. The wildlife, particularly in the Busi Valley, is abundant. There are a few camps in the park, but the Chizaria Wilderness Lodge, just outside the park is the lodging of choice if you can afford it. Be aware that there are no facilities within the park, so you'll need to take along your own supplies. 200 mi/320 km west of Harare.
Omo National Park
Omo National Park is situated at the south-west on the west bank of Omo River. This park is 870km south-west of Addis Ababa, covering an area of approx 4,070 sq km
Omo National Park is home for buffalo, elephant, giraffe, cheetah, lion, leopard, zebra, kudu, hartebeest, oryx, Anubis baboon and many other animals. Over 306 species of birds exist in this national park. This is also a wonderful area for visiting local peoples and experiencing their cultures.
The park is not easily accessible. The park HQ is 75km from Kibish settlement. However, a new airstrip is available close to
Bouba Ndjida National Park
The prime draws of this park (open December-May) are its many rhinos and Derby elk. Because Bouba Ndjida is just east of Benoue National Park, consider combining the two on one visit. 450 mi/725 km northeast of Yaounde.
Curieuse Marine National Park
Curieuse Marine National Park includes the waters be¬tween Curieuse Island and the northwestern coast of Praslin. The park covers five square miles (14 km2) and reaches depths of 100 feet (30 m) A large colony of giant land tortoises is protected in Laraie Bay.
