MERU TRIP IDEAS FOR YOUR KENYA SAFARI

MERU

Proceed to Meru National Park for the next three nights. This historical park is famed for the acclaimed setting of the book and movie "Born Free" by Joy and George Adamson. Your adventure in Meru begins as soon as you arrive. As you travel through its coarse roads, you will be struck by the rich canvas of colors and landscapes that the park displays. The earth is a vibrant rust-orange that offsets the lush green trees and vegetation of Meru. Trees like baobabs, acacia, doum palms and commiphora dot the expanses and the 13 rivers of Meru add a brown-green hue, their banks fertile and jade. The grasses of the plains are a sandy golden providing effective camouflage cover for the tawny lions, cheetahs and leopards that lurk in them, looking for a strategy to catch a prey meal of elands, zebras, reedbucks, waterbucks and more. Both white and black rhinos can be seen here that have been translocated from other wildernesses along with resident herds of elephants and buffalos. More than 300 species of birds thrive here and the rivers are rich with catfish and tilapia which in turn support a diversity of fish-eating birds like kingfishers, fish eagles and fishing owls.

Recommended Accommodation Options In Meru

Safari Tier 1 - Elsa's Kopje

Step back in history, into a true-life story about the love Joy and George Adamson had for orphaned lions, by spending your wilderness vacation in Kenya at Elsa's Kopje. Built atop Mughwango Hill, close to the location where the Adamson's camp was set up, this upmarket, pastoral lodge is set in the heart of Meru National Park. AfricanMecca guests will have the awesome chance to explore 870 square kilometers of untamed, pristine wilderness all around you with only terrestrial, aquatic and avian fauna roaming free. Elewana Elsa's Kopje is constructed by incorporating the rocks of the surrounding hill into its structure while the furniture is crafted in part using tree trunks harvested in an eco-friendly manner. The end result is a cozy, elegant and premier living space enlivened with black and white photos hangings in the common areas and woven rugs displaying colorful motifs that are simply as breathtaking as the landscape around you. The lodge has 9 accommodations with a selection of six cottages, a secluded private house, a honeymoon suite and a family cottage furnished with double beds and twin beds. Each of the cottages overlooks the picturesque “Born Free” Meru with an exclusive deck and seating area.

Safari Tier 2 - OPTION 1 - Rhino River Camp

A small camp, nestled in a beautiful tropical glade of yellow fever trees, tamarinds and raffia palms with the Kindani River rustling by and the songs of birds filling the air with soft melody. Sunlight peeps through the leaves of the trees and dances on your wooden deck as you enjoy a quiet time of reflection or a good book in the Zen section of your tented room. These are some of the serene AfricanMecca moments you will spend during your stay at the Rhino River Club on your wilderness vacation in Kenya. Located at the border of Meru National Park and spread over 80 acres, this discerning, mid-range camp has just 6 tented rooms in addition to a library, bar and lounge, all erected on wooden platforms overlooking the river. The camp also has a swimming pool surrounded by a timber deck by the riverside. Natural tone woven wall hangings add a lovely charm to the very spacious rooms. The tents are made of canvas with mesh windows with an entire front wall open to nature.

Safari Tier 2 - OPTION 2 - Offbeat Meru

Your wild vacation in Kenya while staying at the Offbeat Meru Camp will be a stimulating safari adventure of living in an authentic camp erected in a wooded glade with animals wandering around, the tranquil singing of birds in the trees and the gurgling of the Bisanadi rivulet close by. Since you will be staying on the boundary of Meru National Park but within the Bisanadi National Reserve, you will be able to explore both of these enchanting worlds. The entire camp is made of canvas tents that can be easily dismantled and transferred to another location if need be. Tarps cover the flattened floor and the blue and white color scheme of the camp adds to its cool charm. The main tent is open to nature and furnished with a small, comfortable seating arrangement with colorful cushions strewn for relaxing. Meals are served in the dining section of this tent and it also includes a bar and an interesting collection of books you can choose from. The only permanent fixture of this mid-range camp is the infinity swimming pool surrounded by a stone-tiled deck. You can take a leisurely, refreshing dip in the afternoons in between your game drives or just lounge in the deck chairs under the trees and wide umbrellas. You will stay over in one of the 7 tented rooms, which are sited at comfortable distances from each other for complete privacy.

Safari Tier 3 - Ikweta Safari Camp

Ikweta Safari Camp, with its close proximity of just two kilometers from the main portal to Meru National Park i.e. Murera Gate, is perfect for AfricanMecca guests vacationing in Kenya with the intention of spending their unforgettable holiday marveling at the many wildlife treasures of the country. This value camp takes its name from the Kiswahili word for "equator" and since it is located close to it, the name is very apt. The camp is characterized by modest living arrangements, friendly service and good, wholesome food cooked with ingredients from their own covered vegetable patch and from other local sources served in their restaurant. The main lounge area, bar and dining room are all included in the house decorated with natural-tone lanterns hanging from the roof. The camp has 10 tented rooms made of canvas with roofs of doum palm thatch. They are sited at short distances from each other so guests travelling in dreamland East Africa can have the privacy they need. The walls are a combination of canvas and mesh for the large windows. If you like, you can drop the canvas flaps to cover the windows or simply draw the curtains. The tents come with twin or double beds, a small writing desk, luggage rack and woven grass mats on the floor while wall hangings with vibrant African patterns add to the charm of the tent. Enter the tent by parting the canvas front or tie it back to allow the sights and scents of the Meru countryside.

TOUR EXPERIENCES OF MERU

GREAT RIFT VALLEY LAKES OF NAKURU & NAIVASHA

Proceed to the alkaline Lake Nakuru and freshwater Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley for the next two nights. Lake Nakuru National Park is a must for your central Kenya tour. See firsthand one to two million lesser and greater flamingos dip their curved bills into the warm, soda water of the lake to extract their favorite food -- special algae that are found in abundance in the unique lake. The most prominent wildlife in the park includes 56 mammals and 450 bird species. Exploring Lake Nakuru Park is an opportunity to see many of Africa's most prized fauna in a natural and beautiful setting. Resting at an elevation of 1890 meters is the serene freshwater Lake Naivasha, a superb oasis to include on your exploratory holiday in Kenya. Just beyond its shores are papyrus swamps, acacia woodlands, forests and unique geologic features that are remnants of the area’s volcanic past. The nutrient-rich soil is fertilized by an abundance of water, including the Gilgil and Malewa Rivers, to create an ecosystem that is known around the world for a diverse avian presence, as well as game animals. More than 450 bird species have been identified including varied small and large mammals. Lake Naivasha is a RAMSAR site, a designation that reflects the ecological importance of the wetlands around the lake.

Recommended Accommodation Options In Lake Nakuru & Lake Naivasha

Safari Tier 1 - Loldia House

Just less than three hours travel by road or twenty minutes by air from Nairobi is a place that gives you a taste for Kenyan country living – Loldia House. Enjoy a personalized holiday in central Kenya at the 6500-acre working farm set on the north-west shore of Lake Naivasha, a freshwater oasis in the magnificent Great Rift Valley. The colonial masonry architecture reflects an early settler style that luxuriously extends into the indoor common areas and 9 guest rooms. The four double en-suite rooms in the Main House feature muted color palettes that brilliantly accentuate the understated elegance of dressing tables, thatch and corrugated roofs, nightstands with lamps and chairs. Most rooms are positioned to provide views of the wild grounds and lake upon wakening, and private outdoor verandahs with lounging chairs invite quiet relaxation and conversation with a glass of wine. Spend the morning with an experienced guide that takes you to see hippos, zebras, elands, giraffes and other large mammals.

Safari Tier 2 - Flamingo Hill Camp

Located at the border of Lake Nakuru National Park, Flamingo Hill Camp, a deluxe accommodation, gives you a front row seat to one of the most spectacular avi-fauna performances in the world! Each year, one to two million flamingos arrive at the lake to feed on the algae that flourishes in the warm alkaline waters. Watching the long-legged, pink-plumed lesser and greater flamingos wade around looking for food is interesting, but when all these birds take flight, the show really begins! The spectacle has made Lake Nakuru a favorite East African travel destination for wildlife photographers and nature filmmakers. While back at the camp, you are offered 25 guest tents in a homely, welcoming setting to ensure you have a comfortable and serene tour of Lake Nakuru with AfricanMecca, and the attentive staff are very helpful and responsive to your needs. Guest tents are situated amidst landscaped campgrounds with views of the surrounding flora, trees and valley.

Safari Tier 3 - Elsamere

Elsamere is the one accommodation in Lake Naivasha that has an air of history and preservation about it. This is home where Joy and George Adamson spent their vacations and the later years of their life. Converted into a Great Rift Valley accommodation for value guest traveling in East Africa, Elsamere revives “Born Free” memories of the 1960’s and is famous for the European-style high teas that are served even today. The property houses a museum that preserves several items belonging to the Adamsons such as paintings, literature and other mementos from the movie that was adapted from the novel Elsa the Lioness. 10 rooms are located in single-story cottages with a portioned patio, overlooking the lake. Some of the lodge's rooms have a double bed while others have twin and triple beds making Elsamere an ideal budget accommodation for families sharing rooms. The cottages have names that bring back memories of Joy Adamson's pets, Pati (rock hyrax), Pippa (cheetah), Penny (leopard) and Elsa, the legendary lioness.

TOUR EXPERIENCES OF NAKURU & NAIVASHA

CENTRAL MASAI MARA

You will proceed to Central Masai Mara for the next two nights. For our adventurous, thrill-seeking guests who desire a front row seat to the crossing of the Mara and Talek Rivers during the wildebeest migration season, the most well-known part of the Great Migration, we recommend the central zone of the reserve. Central Masai Mara is also a year-round game-viewing mecca with impressive populations of herbivores and predators which remain even after the spectacular hordes of wildebeests and zebras have gone.

Recommended Accommodation Options In Masai Mara Central

Safari Tier 1 - Naibor Camp

Naibor Camp is an upmarket accommodation that is located along the Talek River, a superlative location for your boutique tour experience in central Masai Mara National Reserve. Being tucked away in the riverine forest that surrounds the camp makes you feel completely enveloped by some of Kenya’s untouched wilderness. The feeling is further enhanced by the proximity to wallowing hippos, crocodiles and other animals that are just meters away. With such an ambience, Naibor Camp is the perfect place to unwind and recuperate during your high-pace African safari activities. The camp is divided into three areas, and each area offers distinct facilities i.e. Main Naibor, Little Naibor and Naibor Wilderness. Naibor is a premium accommodation, so you are also treated to impeccable service by a staff that takes pride in helping guests feel at home. Their personable natures, excellent knowledge and outstanding professionalism exceed your every expectation. Main Naibor offers 7 guest tents with king size beds built from native fig wood, luxurious sofas, contrasting rugs along with other fused classic-modern design elements.

Safari Tier 2 - Rekero Camp

A blissful wildlife vacation in Kenya with AfricanMecca awaits you at Rekero Camp, a deluxe accommodation that is situated on the banks of the Talek River in the heart of Masai Mara National Reserve. The wilderness is known internationally as a premier destination for authentic African plains safari experiences, and Rekero captures the romantic and adventurous spirits of our guests. The entire camp is designed to celebrate the beauty of the Mara ecosystem with minimal environmental impact. All structures are under canvas, including a mid-size dining tent under shade trees and a small lounge area that rests upon a platform with incredible river views. 9 guest tents allow for a maximum of twenty guests, so you are assured the benefits of an exclusive Masai Mara tour, such as personalized service, exceptional food, immaculate tents with few in-camp guests, top notch personable guides and much more. The décor of your tent enhances the subtle romantic ambience of the setting through a tasteful use of natural blonde woods, neutral colors and rich fabrics.

Safari Tier 3 - Entim Camp

For your modest bush travel in Masai Mara, we recommend Entim Camp located inside in the heart of the reserve. Situated at the meeting point of the Talek River and Mara River, the camp offers a secluded setting, fitting location for activities, palatable food and adequate service. Each of the 10 non-frill tents has the necessary furnishings that you need for a comfortable East African safari overnight stay, such as beds constructed of local wood, storage chest, nightstands, bedside lamps and curtains over the windows. Nature’s beauty is brought indoors with decorative fabrics and accents in chocolate brown, rich gold and bronze, burnt red, sage green, hints of white and many other contrasting colors. Your private verandah has safari-style chairs and a small table where you can enjoy some private game viewing and moments of complete relaxation. Your guest tent is set up to give you views of the river together with supplemented sounds of wildlife traveling to and fro, including hippos, elephants and other herbivores, as well as lions, hyenas and some other predators.

TOUR EXPERIENCES OF CENTRAL MASAI MARA

MASAI MARA - NORTH, EAST, SOUTH & WEST

After your stay in Central Masai Mara, you will proceed for two nights to a private conservancy in the northern, eastern, southern or western regions of the main reserve along its border, which serves as wildlife management buffer zones. Each conservancy is founded upon a mutually-beneficial collaboration between landowners, conservation organizations and guest camps. The private-ownership status of the conservancies also means that a greater variety of safari activities are offered to guests, many of which are restricted in the main reserve.

Recommended Accommodation Options In Masai Mara

1. Northern Masai Mara Camps And Lodges

The northern Masai Mara zone is comprised of six conservancies – Mara North, Olare Motorogi, Mara Naboisho, Ol Choro Oiroua, Ol Kinyei and Lemek. Each conservancy offers our guests unique accommodations, as well as incredible experiences in one of the world’s most pristine wilderness areas.

2. Eastern Masai Mara Camps And Lodges

The eastern zone of Masai Mara offers accommodations in the private Siana Conservancy as well as in the main reserve. We advise our guests that this area has the highest density of camps and lodges when compared to other zones, with the exception of Leleshwa Camp and Mara Bushtops that focus on high-quality Siana wilderness experience.

3. Southern Masai Mara Camps And Lodges

The southern zone of Masai Mara has the lowest density of guest accommodations when compared to the other zones. As a result, you enjoy a secluded experience in the remote bush country of the reserve and Olderkesi Conservancy. Cottar’s 1920’s Camp and Cottar's Homestead are extraordinary choices for our Tier 1 premier guests.

4. Western Masai Mara Camps And Lodges

The western zone of Masai Mara primarily includes accommodations on private leased Maasai lands outside the public reserve with the exception of Bateleur and Kichwa Tembo Camps that are set in a very small private andbeyond concession that allows access to night game drives and bush walks. All accommodations in the western section offer game drives in the Mara Triangle areas of the public reserve - sometimes known as the Mara Conservancy under the Trans Mara Maasai Council

TOUR EXPERIENCES OF MASAI MARA NORTH, EAST, SOUTH & WEST

RECOMMENDED PRE AND POST SAFARI AND BEACH EXTENSIONS IN KENYA

After this distinct safari, we recommend a combination off-beat extension to either Samburu or the private conservancies of Laikipia in Northern Kenya combined with a visit to Tsavo, Shimba Hills, Chyulu Hills or Amboseli in Southern Kenya depending on your safari activity and wildlife preferences. Thereafter, harmoniously conclude with a beach rest and relaxation visit to the Eastern coast of Kenya with varied seashore, cultural and historic experiences available, including the Swahili islands and beaches of Mombasa (Diani, Galu, Tiwi, Nyali, Bamburi), Lamu, Malindi, Watamu, Kilifi, and the secluded Msambweni coast, idyllic islands of Funzi, Chale or also Zanzibar, off the coast of Tanzania. The options are endless!

NORTHERN KENYA SAFARI EXPERIENCE - RECOMMENDED FOR 3 NIGHTS STAY

1. Laikipia - Lewa Conservancy

Located in northern Kenya, the private conservancies of Laikipia represent an outstanding model of wildlife management that provides AfricanMecca guests with a distinctive safari vacation in Africa. The varied conservancies are home to the second highest wildlife density in Kenya, and while many other areas are experiencing dwindling populations of animals, Laikipia is recognized for its ever-increasing numbers of wildlife, including threatened, rare and endangered species. Guests who visit Laikipia during their bush travel in Kenya will not only see the Big 5 roaming freely, but also black and white rhinos, African wild dogs, Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeests and other rare species. One of the greatest advantages of visiting Laikipia during your adventurous tour of Kenya is an opportunity to view an abundance of wildlife while partaking of activities that are restricted in national parks in Kenya. These activities are further enhanced by the low number of other guests due to limited rooming capacity at the sub-conservancies, making Laikipia the perfect choice for those who desire an exclusive African safari experience. Dependent on where you are staying in Laikipia, activities include game drives, bush walks, horseback riding, camel walks and camel rides, aerial helicopter and bi-plan safaris, village visits and much more. With a history that spans over decades, we recommend as our preferred Lewa Conservancy in Eastern Laikipia, as one of today’s most successful conservancies in Kenya.

2. Samburu National Reserve

Enjoy a quintessential Kenyan northern safari in Samburu with unrestricted access to authentic rugged East African wilderness. As you travel through Samburu, the diverse terrain transitions from rolling plains to volcanic remnants. The vegetation is concentrated along the Ewaso Nyiro River, the primary source of water in the reserve. You may not expect to see wildlife in such a stark landscape, but Samburu is home to an abundance of animal species. The most notable and sought after are known as the Samburu Special Five – Somali ostriches, Grevy’s zebras, gerenuks, reticulated giraffes and Beisa oryxes. More common mammals are Grant’s gazelles, impalas, waterbucks, dik diks, olive baboons, elephants, warthogs, hippos and carnivores, including lions, cheetahs, crocodiles, leopards, to name a few.

SOUTHERN & EASTERN KENYA SAFARI EXPERIENCE - RECOMMENDED FOR 2 OR 3 NIGHTS STAY

1. Amboseli National Park

Amboseli is a majestic landscape where predator and prey interactions unfolds almost every moment across the 151 square miles of protected wilderness. The park borders Tanzania, and is situated at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's tallest peak, and the melting snow flows into underground springs that feed the swamps and wetlands that dot the plains. These water sources attract animals of all sizes, the most sought-after being the free-roaming elephants, but you may also see elands, common waterbucks, Grant's gazelles, Coke's hartebeests, zebras and other grazing herbivores. The abundance of large prey supports lions, leopards and other elusive hunters, as well as jackals, hyenas and many other scavengers.

2. Chyulu Hills National Park

Chyulu Hills National Park is a striking landscape of emerald green hills, open vistas, winding rivers, dense forests and pools of water with reflections of white clouds in azure blue skies. Remote and wild, the park and surrounding conservancies are largely untouched by humans with the exception of the Maasai warriors who protect and depend upon the land. Described by Ernest Hemingway as "The Green Hills of Africa," this Kenyan treasure is not known as a big game destination, but rather, it is one of the few places where you will find almost no signs of tourism, lending to the surreal sense of isolation amidst surrounding resident fauna.

3. Tsavo East National Park Or Tsavo West National Park

Tsavo West National Park shares its northeast boundary line with Tsavo East National Park, and together these two park form one of the world’s largest national parks. Prominent natural landmarks include Mzima Springs in the northern region of the park including the Shetani lava flow. In Tsavo East National Park, you will be welcomed by immense savannah plains dotted with thorn bushes, stands of acacia trees, scrublands and woodlands along with the Athi, Galana, Tsavo and the seasonal Voi Rivers weaving their way along the landscape. Take a front-row seat in a custom safari vehicle in Tsavo to watch the natural behaviors of leopards, cheetahs, mane-less lions and other predators stalk impalas, gazelles, elands, wildebeests, zebras, fringe-eared oryx, dik-diks and other prey animals from the cover of dense bush and deep shadows. This immense action unfolds against a vigilant backdrop of grazing and foraging elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, rhinos and other large herbivores. Walk under tree canopies filled with scampering vervet monkeys, baboons and other tree dwellers.

4. Shimba Hills National Reserve

Just 20 miles from the island of Mombasa is Shimba Hills National Reserve, a small wilderness that offers spectacular vistas and wondrous waterfalls amidst an equatorial forest. The landscape is shrouded in mist and clouds during the early morning hours, creating a mesmerizing setting for a superlative African equatorial vacation. The highland climate nurtures over 1100 plant species that attract a diversity of wildlife, such as giraffes, elephants, zebras, bushbucks, Harvey’s duikers, to name only a handful of the animals that feast upon the vegetation. Within the forests and jungles you may locate Syke’s monkeys, colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys and other tree climbers. While there are no large predators in the reserve, you may spot hyenas, serval cats, civet cats and other smaller carnivorous hunters. The list of species continues, as the reserve is home to more than 230 types of avi-fauna. Even the smallest denizens are well-represented, with more than 295 butterflies joining many other insects. These tiniest of creatures, as well as small mammals, support a healthy population of frogs, geckos, lizards, pythons and other reptiles and amphibians. The most-desirable animal, though, is by far the sable and roan antelope.

EASTERN KENYA BEACH EXPERIENCE - RECOMMENDED FOR 3 TO 6 NIGHTS STAY

The contrast of soft white sand and azure blue water lulls you into the enchantment of Kenya’s many beaches and islands. Each beachfront setting offers a unique experience to suit the personal style of every guest. Bury your toes in the soft white sand while watching soothing waves lap the shoreline. The aquamarine water of the Indian Ocean stretches as far as the eye can see, meeting the baby blue sky on the horizon. A lovely cocktail refreshes your spirit like the breeze in the swaying palm trees. The beaches and islands of Kenya melt away your every concern and rejuvenate your body, soul and mind. Below the Indian Ocean surface is a breathtaking world of marine life. Kenya is, in fact, home to some of the world’s greatest dive sites, including the second longest barrier reef on the planet. You can experience scuba diving, snorkeling, water skiing, kitesurfing, boating and angling for marlin, sailfish and other large game fish. Complement your beach vacation with Swahili historic and cultural experiences in Mombasa, Lamu, Malindi, Watamu and Kilifi.