Lakes in Meru
Lake Michaelson: Mount Kenya National Park
From Lake Ellis to Lake Michaelson is a jaw-droppingly splendorous six hour walk, rejoining the primary Chogoria trail then rising along the sweep of the Gorges, or Nithi, Valley. Far away up to our right, the main peaks – Batian, Nelion and Lenana edge into view. The pleasant walk through the Rosewood and podo woodies, up into the moorlands at Lake Ellis, is as salubrious an alpine adventure as any of the best Africa has to offer. No description of Mount Kenya, and for that matter hiking Chogoria Route, would be complete without a mention of the magnificent lochan of Lake Michaelson, which occupies one of the glacially excavated rock basins.
Sited in the moorland, it is one of the waxed lyrical natural wonders seen along Chogoria Route, especially of its appearance of grandeur. It is sighted between Nithi River Camp and Camp Minto, on day-3. The first impression on the hiker is just how blue the lake is! And despite this being the most photographed of the 27 tarns in Mount Kenya National Park. Lake Michaelson is encircled on three of its sides by the steep crags formed from centuries of erosion, grandly carving pier-like obelisks spectacularly distinguished as “the Temples”. Many a camper agree that the campsite at Lake Michaelson is the most spectacular anywhere in Kenya.
It really is picture-perfect, surrounded by the Temples, with mirror-like reflection and crystalline clarity at 14,000 ft., earning its bucket-list status for mountaineers as well as a popular sojourn on air-trips. On most days Vivienne Falls can also be sighted from here. Climbing away from the Lake Michaelson you ascend into the alpine zone a world of rock and ice en route the main peaks, leaving behind the bizarre mammoth lobelias and groundsels and onto glacial moraine, the dramatic scenery surrounded by towering cliffs and rugged mountain obelisks fading away. A last short sharp scree slope brings you to the Simba Tarn for an overnight stay.
Kenya is blessed with several lakes, each offering unique attractions, ecosystems, and opportunities for exploration. Shared with Uganda and Tanzania, Lake Victoria is the largest tropical lake in the world by surface area. Known for its geysers and hot springs, Lake Bogoria is among the unique lakes along Kenya’s Rift Valley. All these lakes not only provide scenic beauty but also support diverse ecosystems.
Index of Lakes Around Kenya
Baringo County - Lake Bogoria, Lake Baringo, Lake Kamnarok, Garissa County - Lake Ishaqbini, Homa Bay County - Lake Simbi Nyaima, Kajiado County - Lake Magadi, Lake Amboseli, Lake Natron, Kisii County - Lake Okari, Lamu County - Lake Kenyatta, Lake Moa, Kisumu County - Lake Victoria, Meru County - Lake Thai, Lake Nkunga, Lake Ellis, Lake Michaelson, Lake Rutundu, Lake Alice, Magado Lake, Nakuru County - Lake Solai, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Lake Oloiden, Crater Lake, Lake Elementaita, Nyandarua County - Lake Olbolosat, Siaya County - Lake Sare, Lake Namboyo, Lake Bob, Lake Kanyaboli, Taita Taveta - Lake Jipe, Lake Chala, Tana River County - Lake Shakababo, Turkana County - Lake Logipi, Lake Turkana, Lake Alablab, Wajir County - Lake Yahud
Famous for its wildlife, rich agricultural lands, and stunning natural attractions, Meru County, on the north-eastern slopes of Mount Kenya, is the immemorial enclave of the Ameru nation. Inhabited mainly by the sub-tribes of Imenti, Tigania, Igembe, and Tharaka, Meru County has one of the best developed touring circuits.
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Explore Destinations Nearby Lake Michaelson
A Guide to Meru County
A Summa Digest of Meru
About Meru Way Back When
65 Destinations in Meru County, arranged as one would visit these - south, north, east then west - with the aid of in-depth narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Kierra Valley, Kierra Ridge, St. Mary’s High School, Anabas Resort Trout and Seafood Grill, Tharuu Springs, Giitune Sacred Forest, M.Mpuri Cultural Centre, Meru Museum, St. Joseph's Cathedral, Meru Sports Club, Alba Hotel, Kathita Falls, Irine (Devil's Bridge) Falls, Cool Stream Garden, Thiiri Cultural Centre, Kaaga Methodist Church, Kaaga War Memorial, Kiathandi Hill, Mpogoro Forest, Stone Woman Kieiga Forest, Njuri Ncheke Headquarters at Nchiru, Ngaya Forest, Meru National Park, Twin Baobab Tree, Elsa’s Kopje, Ikweta Safari Camp, Adamson Falls Bridge, Rhino River Camp, Giant Meru Oak, Lake Nkunga, Mucheene Forest Station, Mucheene Cave, Lake Thai, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Sirikoi House, Nyambene Reserve, Liga Ria Ngutu, Lake Magado, Ngare-Ndare Forest Reserve, Ngare-Ndare Falls, Mount Kenya National Park, Sirimon Route, Mount Kenya One Day Trip, Theemwe Route, Theemwe Springs, Marania Route, Lake Rutundu, Rutundu Log Cabins, Chogoria Route, Nithi Falls, The Gates Falls, Lake Alice, Lake Ellis, Lake Michaelson, Vivienne Falls, Timau River Lodge, Wonky House, Tamalu Farm, Charanna Farm, Kisima Farm, Kisimani Resort, Mwonyo Valley, Giant Footprints
Know More About Meru County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
Meru County’s positioning on the eastern slopes of Mount Kenya and the equator has highly influenced its natural conditions and economic prospects. Altitude ranges from 300m to 5,199m asl.
The topography of Meru County has a critical influence on its climate. Temperatures range from a low of 8 Degrees to a high of 32 Degrees Celsius during the cold and hot seasons respectively.
