Wilderness & Wildlife
Northern Kenya, Kenya
Meru National Park is an explorer’s paradise. The least visited of Kenya’s larger parks and reserves, this remote region is a lush green eden. From the parks southern boundary, seemingly endless series of streams branch out from the Tana River bringing life to the land.
Meru’s thick forests, tall grass and stands of Doum Palm are surrounded by rolling hills and stark Kopjes. This is the wild country, this isolated unspoilt wilderness lets the visitor have the freedom to explore the park at a relaxed pace without encountering other people. Game tracking can be challenging but very rewarding. Lion are often seen on high rocky outposts, and large herds of buffalo and elephant can also be found. Other species include Reticulated giraffe, oryx, Lesser kudu and eland.
Background
Meru district is named after the Meru - a collective tribe united by a common heritage. The Meru group incorporates the Igembe, Igoji, Imenti, Muitini, Tigania, Muthambi, Mwimbi and Chuka people. The uniting term Meru comes from the Maasai, who called the forests of Tigania and Imenti Mieru, meaning basically "a quiet place".
Meru was also the backdrop for one of the world's best known nature stories. This was the place where, in the 1950's George and Joy Adamson released a captive lioness into the wild. This story became a bestselling book 'Born Free' and then an Academy Award winning film. The story is considered a remarkable testament to man's ability to live with wild animals, and a powerful call for conservation of wildlife and its habitat.
Relaxing
In and around Meru town, many small markets and shops can be found selling local handicrafts. The decorative leatherwork of the Tharaka people is highly regarded, and the finest examples of this craft can be found in this area. The Tharaka also produce excellent spears, arrows, and traditional weapons.
Northern Kenya is also a good place to find handicrafts from further North. Somali Bracelets and Daggers are often found, as are items of silver Ethiopian Jewellery.