Meru National Park in eastern Kenya offers Big 5 safaris with a rhino sanctuary. Wildlife adapted to arid conditions thrive here. Such as bush pigs, elephants, gerenuks, Grevy’s & Burchell’s zebras, and reticulated giraffes. With their distinct pattern. Rarer species also include the lesser kudu, caracal, and aardwolf.
Meru National Park was the setting for Joy Adamson’s book “Born Free”. This is the story of Adamson’s life and research amongst lion and cheetah.
It is approximately 870km² and 300/350km northeast of Nairobi. The best time to visit Meru is between June and October; when it is not as hot as other times.
Meru National Park is an especially wild and beautiful area of Kenya. It has diverse scenery. From woodlands at 3,400ft (1,036m) on the slopes of Nyambeni Mountain Range northeast of Mount Kenya. To the wide open plains with meandering riverbanks dotted with doum palms. Three large rivers border the reserve. The Tana to the south, the Ura to the southwest, and the Rojeweru to the east.
Wildlife includes elephants, cheetah, leopard, black rhino, zebra, gazelle, oryx. Some of the rarer antelope, Lesser Kudu, duiker. And also the more common Dik-Dik; one of Africa’s smallest antelope. Large prides of lion can be seen, and some of Kenya’s largest herds of buffalo. While the rivers abound with hippo and crocodile.
Meru National Park game drive in the rhino sanctuary
Over 300 species of birds have been recorded. Including Red-necked falcon, Heuglins Courser, brown-backed woodpecker, African Finfoot, Pel’s Fishing Owl, kingfishers, rollers, bee-eaters, sunbirds, starlings, and weavers.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is north of Mount Kenya. Visitors to Lewa are privy to some of the most spectacular wildlife viewing that Kenya has to offer. It is home to the largest concentration of Grevy’s zebra in the world. And its range of habitats attracts diverse bird life and protects over 200 Black and White rhino. In addition, lion, leopard and jackal thrive on the rich diversity of prey that inhabits the area.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Best Time To Visit
The dry season typically spans from January to the beginning of March and then from May through October. During this time, Lewa’s weather is generally sunny with warm temperatures and minimal rainfall. The landscape takes on a golden hue, as the savannah grasses dry out. Creating a distinct backdrop for wildlife viewing. The dry grass and dust make for epic sunset and sunrise photos. Animals tend to congregate around water sources, offering excellent opportunities on game drives for sightings of the renowned Lewa wildlife including rhinos, big cats, elephants, and even the Northern Five.
The first green season stretches from the end of March to the start of May. The second starts in November to the onset of December. This is when the region experiences occasional rainfall (typically in the form of an afternoon or overnight shower). Rejuvenating the landscape and transforming it into a haven of greenery. The grasslands flourish and flowers are in bloom. Creating a picturesque setting for photography enthusiasts.
Contrary to the general belief that wildlife is dispersed during this time, Lewa’s herds grow! Tempted by lush green grass and leafy trees, the animals gather to feast. It’s not uncommon to see herds of 100+ eland and buffalo. And elephants can be found in numbers of 300 or more. It’s a great time to see baby animals. Along with the migratory birds who arrive between November and April. As the dams fill you can witness elephants swimming, and the clearest views of Mount Kenya and the Mathews Range are on display.
Repeat guests know this is the best time to come as they enjoy the vibrant landscape and amazing sightings with few other vehicles, giving the feeling of a private safari Eden.
Meru National Park sundowner at Elsa’s Kopje
Mount Kenya
Mountain climbing is also a big draw card to Kenya. Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second-highest in Africa. It stands at 5,199m high. Actually, Mount Kenya is a more difficult climb than its neighbor, Kilimanjaro. In addition, it is not as busy. So if you are fit and want a quieter climb; Mount Kenya is the best choice.
Pristine wilderness. Lakes, tarns, glaciers and peaks of great beauty. Geological variety, the forest, and mineral springs. Rare and endangered wildlife species, with high altitude adapted game. Unique montane and alpine vegetation with 11 species of endemic plants are a sight.
Wildlife includes buffalo, elephants, black and white colobus and Sykes monkeys, rock and tree hyrax, white tailed mongoose, suni, black fronted duiker, mole rat, bushbucks, waterbuck and Elands. Animals rarely seen include leopard, bongo, giant forest hog, Suni antelope, Mt. Kenya mole rat, skinks (lizards), montane viper, and a variety of owls. Over 130 bird species have been recorded.
Best Time To Visit Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya can be visited all year. The best times for climbing Mount Kenya from any of the trekking routes are January to March and June to October. But it can be climbed year round. The rainy seasons typically occur in April, May and November.
