Our safari to Kenya started with my workmates deciding how we should spend our 5 days holiday and among the destinations we decided on were Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya, one of my wake-mates gave us a story of his trip to Meru National Park in Kenya, and according to his story all of us agreed on visiting Kenya.
Since we were all in our youthful stage we agreed to go on a self-drive safari and we had to hire a safari vehicle that we are to use on our safari. We contacted several car rental agencies and we agreed to hire from Car Rental Kenya Ltd who offered us a Land Cruiser V8 at 95$ per day for 5 days.
Before the day of our safari, we booked a bus from Kampala Uganda to Nairobi City, Kenya from where we booked an Uber Taxi to take us to the office of the car rental company from where we had to sign the paperwork, and even present all the information needed to hire the car. When everything was done then we had to hit the road that morning and drive for about 7 hours to Meru National Park a remote wilderness destination rich in wildlife, characterized by its relatively sparse golden grasslands, wildlife, and Identifying bird species requires keen observation and attentive listening. This includes spotting creatures in the river streams, open skies, swamps, and tree branches.
With our senses heightened, we eagerly scanned our surroundings, turning our necks as we snapped photos. Located approximately 350 kilometers from Nairobi, the park can be reached by road, train, or air.
Upon arriving at the park entrance, it felt like luck was in our favor. On our way to the Rhino River Camp, where we would stay for two nights, we spotted a gazelle and a colorful Lilac-breasted Roller resting on dry wood near the road. The bird turned its face and beak as if greeting us and posing for a photograph.
As we continued, we encountered a troop of baboons enjoying some family time. Within the group, three harems were nurturing and caring for their young ones, while the fathers and siblings strolled about, seemingly boosting their egos as the leaders of the group.
Giraffe in Meru National Park
The sound from the engine of our safari 4×4 must have caught the attention of the graceful giraffes, prompting them to stretch their necks in our direction before they got back to feeding on the leaves of the towering trees, taking a step or two as they did so. When they were in full view, we could see a calf feeding beneath its mother’s front legs, enjoying her protection and care.
As we continued our drive, we spotted what appeared to be a timid rhino partially hidden in the thickets, with only a part of its large body visible.
A few meters away, we observed a couple of rhinos grazing, accompanied by white egrets and other birds atop their grey backs. Further along, we encountered a herd of buffaloes and then an elephant, followed by another, making the safari truly memorable.
Before long, we arrived at the gate to the community near the park border, just a short distance from our lodging camp. The staff greeted us with warm smiles, refreshing organic drinks, and assistance with our luggage.
The big white sofas and reading materials on the tables invited us to unwind and relax as we listened to a brief overview of the property. Nearby, adjacent to the reception, was a swimming pool, its waters providing a perfect escape from the sun’s warm rays that filtered through the trees and lush greenery, enticing eager swimmers to indulge in the idea of immersing themselves in the pool.
Lions in Meru National Park
After enjoying a warm bath, the thought of sitting on the room’s terrace and listening to the serene sounds of silence—occasionally interrupted by the chirping of insects and the whistles of cheerful birds—was simply irresistible. The atmosphere was perfect for flipping through the pages of a magazine or novel. However, as I indulged in this peaceful moment, my body began to drift into slumber, only to be gently awakened by a staff member who had come to turn on the lights and bring a hot water bottle in preparation for the chilly night in the Meru woodlands.
Dinner was satisfying, and the conversations were delightful, but the night was sweet and brief. As the clock struck 6 am, the golden sunrise peeked through the trees, casting its warm glow upon the early risers, including a zeal of zebras grazing on the grass that still glistened with morning dew.
We encountered more giraffes, marabou storks strolling about, watchful African Cape buffalo ‘soldiers,’ and confident elephants. Our bush breakfast took place right by the modest grave of Elsa the lioness.
Elsa was a female lion raised by her sisters, ‘Big One’ and ‘Lustica’, by game warden George Adamson and his wife, Joy, after being orphaned as cubs. The couple’s story was immortalized in their book “Born Free,” which later became a movie. Enjoying our breakfast while absorbing this history under the warm sun was truly satisfying.
Meru National Park is one of Kenya’s least visited. The least spoiled park, boasts 13 rivers and numerous mountain streams that flow into the Tana River, providing birdwatchers with opportunities to see a variety of species.