AREA & ACTIVITIES

Habitat & Wildlife
Meru lies to the north-east of Mount Kenya and covers a huge area of 870 sq. kms. The north-west of the park is significantly wetter and more hilly, whilst to the south-east the land flattens (the elevation varies from 4,000′ to 1,500′). The region consists of a large semi-arid area of scenic bush country where the wildlife is found in scattered ‘pockets’ near the many swamps and nine watercourses. These occur mainly in the northern and western parts of the Park, forming lovely palm-fringed oases with clear streams.
Animals encountered include elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, hippo, crocodile, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, lesser kudu, waterbuck, Burchell’s zebra, Grevy zebra, Grant’s gazelle, gerenuk, dik dik, warthog, baboon, vervet monkey, etc. are all found here. One section of the park has been fenced as a rhino sanctuary, the first stage of reintroducing both species back into Meru. There is a programme to constantly increase the size of the fenced section as the population numbers grow (currently some 45 rhino have already been translocated). The bird life in the park is exceptional, especially during the winter months when migrants from Europe can be found.

Activities
The main activity in Meru is game drives by day and whilst normal morning and afternoon drives are usual, for longer stays it possible to spend the whole day out in the park, perhaps visiting the far southern reaches along the Tana River. Night drives are possible after sunset drinks on the way back to camp, though an extra park fee needs to be paid locally for this. Walking is also possible with an additional fee also payable locally. Walks tend to be fairly short, often just to the top of Mughwango Hill, so we don’t think of Elsa’s as a destination for serious walkers. Cultural excursions are available with the local Tharaka community outside the park.

Seasons
Elewana Elsa’s Kopje is open all year. Whilst game viewing is never totally guaranteed in Meru, the best time to see big game is during the dry season from July to October.