National Reserves in Tharaka Nithi
Meru National Park: The Heritage of Elsa
There are two noted gates to Meru National Park: Via A2 Nairobi-Nanyuki-Moyale Road and C91 Meru-Nchiru-Maua Road – entering at Murera Gate – distance from Meru to Murera Gate 67 km; alternative via B6 Embu-Meru Road and C92 Embu-Marimanti-Gatunga Road – entering at the Ura River Gate – distance from the B6 Embu-Meru Road to Ura River Gate 61 km. Honoured as where “Elsa the Lioness” was rehabilitated, in one of the prettiest national preserves in Kenya, the 870 km2 Meru National Park is also a warm tribute to Peter Jenkins, the warden of that time who converted it from a devastated backcountry to one of the best run in Kenya.
The park itself is generally a hot low country but extremely well watered, with no less than nine permanent rivers. One of the primary rivers, the Rojewero, roughly divides the park into two contrasting zones. To its north, the country is an open acacia savannah grassland, and in parts combretum bush under black cotton soil. To the south of the Rojowero River the country is of the red sandy soil type, cut by innumerable sand luggas, and the vegetation is of dense commiphora, wait-a-bit and thorn shrub interspersed with baobab trees. Its diverse gamut also includes riverine forests, swamps, rocky outcrop and a small scenic falls along the border.
The landscape of Meru National Park commences at an altitude 2600 ft (north) at the foothills of Nyambene Range dropping down to 1200 ft (south) at Tana River where it links to Mwingi National Reserve and Kora National Park. It is contiguous with Bisanadi National Reserve along its eastern frontier. Unique to Meru National Park is that it lacks a focal point of a great spectacle. Instead, it unravels itself as a scenic ecological area where prolific wildlife can be spotted in plenty. Moreover, the park is small enough with well laid out park roads and there are a handful of fully-equipped lodges. It is a peaceful park that is well worth more than one visit.
Having such diverse types of habitat wildlife, and the birds in particular are near second to none. With over 400 bird species, including kingfishers, sunbirds, and fish eagles, the park is a paradise for bird lovers. There is excellent course fishing here in all its rivers, and a fishing permit can be obtained from the park’s office. The best time to visit is during the dryer seasons, from June to September and January to February, when animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. It is sufficient to say that Meru National Park is unique in Kenya’s safari circuit, offering a unique mix of wildlife, history, and breathtaking scenery.
Kenya certainly has enormous touring resources. There are no less than sixty national narks, reserves and game sanctuaries, covering approximately 11% of the land surface. Each of these diverse and stunning national parks and reserves offers unique wildlife experiences and unique, breathtaking landscapes.
Index of National Parks & Reserves in Kenya
Baringo County - Lake Baringo National Reserve, Lake Bogoria National Reserve, Kerio Valley National Reserve, Lake Kamnarok National Reserve, Bomet County - The South Western Mau National Reserve, Busia County - Malaba Sanctuary, Elgeyo Marakwet County - Rimoi National Reserve, Embu County - Mount Kenya National Park; Irangi Forest Station, Mwea National Reserve, Garissa County - Bour-Algi Giraffe Sanctuary, Rahole National Reserve, Arawale National Reserve, Boni National Reserve, Homa Bay County - Ruma National Park, Isiolo County - The Bisanadi National Reserve, Buffalo Springs National Reserve, Shaba National Reserve, Kajiado County - Amboseli National Park, Kakamega County - Kakamega National Reserve, Kilifi County - Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve, Watamu Marine National Park, Malindi Marine Reserve, Kisumu County - Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, Ndere Island National Park, Kitui County - Mwingi National Reserve, South Kitui National Reserve, Kwale County - Shimba Hills National Reserve, Diani-Chale Marine National Reserve, Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park & Reserve, Lamu County - Dodori National Reserve, Kiunga Marine National Reserve, Machakos County - Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park, Makueni County - Chyulu Hills National Park, Ngai Ndethya National Reserve, Mandera County - Malka Mari National Park, Marsabit County - Losai National Reserve, South Island National Park, Marsabit National Park & Reserve, Sibiloi National Park, Meru County - Meru National Park, Mombasa County - Mombasa Marine National Reserve & Park, Nairobi County - The Nairobi National Park, Nakuru County - Mount Longonot National Park, Crescent Island Sanctuary, Hell's Gate National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Nandi County - Bonjoge National Reserve, Narok County - Masai Mara National Reserve, Nyeri County - The Aberdare National Park, Samburu County - Samburu National Reserve, Maralal National Reserve, Siaya County - Lake Kanyaboli Reserve, Tana River County - Kora National Park, The Tana Primate National Reserve, Taita Taveta County - Tsavo East National Park, Tsavo West National Park, Tharaka Nithi County - Mutejwa National Reserve, Trans Nzoia County - Mount Elgon National Park, Saiwa Swamp National Park, Turkana County - Central Island Reserve, South Turkana Reserve, West Pokot County - Nasolot National Reserve
Although Tharaka Nithi County is not a prominent touring circuit, it is a beautiful, diverse area known for its stunning landscapes, cultural heritage, and agricultural economy. Taking after the character of its closely homogenous neighbours around Mount Kenya, Tharaka Nithi, with very good roads, is easy to access and traverse.
You Are Here: Meru National Park
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Explore Destinations Nearby Meru National Park
A Guide to Tharaka Nithi County
A Summa Digest of Tharaka Nithi
About Tharaka Nithi Way Back When
35 Destinations in Tharaka Nithi County, arranged as one would visit these - south to northeast - with the aid of in-depth narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Chuka Forest, Tredds Garden, The Hidden Falls, Hidden Treasure Lodge, Nithi Bridge, Weru Tea Factory, Whispers Garden, Pacha Waterfront Resort, PCEA Chogoria, Mount Kenya National Park, Anabas Alpine Lodge, Chogoria Trail, Nithi Falls, Lake Michaelson, Vivienne Falls, Kierra Ridge, Kierra Viewpoint, Thimbora, Mutunguruni Tree, Inanduru Caves, Kijegge Range, Kibuuka Grand Falls, River Tana, Mumoni Hill Reserve, Mwingi National Reserve, Kajuki Eco Lodge, Marimanti Baobab Lodge, Ikwa Falls, Mutejwa National Reserve, Meru National Park, Elsa's Grave, Ura Gate Festival, Ura Waterfalls
Know More About Tharaka Nithi: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
What’s The Air Like in T. Nithi.?
Temperatures in the highland areas range between 14oC to 30oC, while those in the low land range between 22oC to 36oC. Rain vary with altitude.
What’s The Lay Of The Land in C.13?
The highest altitude within Tharaka Nithi County is about 5,200 ms at Chuka, Maara, and Igambang’ombe, and the lowest is 600 ms at Tharaka. The entire county is strewn with large masses of hillocks.