Attractions of Meru County

Attractions of Meru County : In Kenya’s eastern area, Meru is a hidden treasure with a wide variety of tourist attractions. This beautiful location offers it all, from breath taking views to cultural riches. Visit the magnificent Njuri Ncheke Sacred Tree, where the Meru elders hold their customary meetings, to experience a bit of the local culture. Don’t pass up the chance to observe their distinctive cultural practises and discover more about their extensive background.

Meru County is a fascinating place that combines wildlife sightings, cultural encounters, and natural beauties. Meru promises a voyage you won’t soon forget, whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or understanding of regional traditions. The main attractions in Meru County are listed below.

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Kenya’s northern region is home to the conservancy. It started out in 1995. It is a large, nearly 62,000-acre wildlife sanctuary that includes the Ngare Ndare Forest. The rare and threatened black rhino, the Grevy’s zebra, and the Sitatunga all call the Conservancy home. The Big Five are also included in it. Lewa is home to the biggest single population of Grevy’s zebras in the world as well as over 12% of Kenya’s black rhino population.

The Northern Rangelands Trust, a creative collaboration with several northern communities that has donated property for the safeguarding of wildlife, is housed under the Conservancy. Lewa has a programme for education that aids in the growth of students and schools. The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is north of Mount Kenya but south of the town of Isiolo.

Ngare Ndare Forest

One of Meru, Kenya’s main tourist destinations is the Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve. At the foothills of Mount Kenya, this natural forest provides tourists with a singular and unforgettable experience. The breath taking blue waterfalls in the Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve are one of its key attractions. Photographers will find these cascading waterfalls to be the ideal setting for their shots. It’s a great place for a calm day of leisure because guests may cool down in the crystal clear pools below the waterfalls.

The forest’s diverse ecosystem will appeal to those who love the outdoors. Numerous types of birds and the critically endangered African elephant can be found in Ngare Ndare. There are guided nature walks and excursions offered that let guests explore the woodland and see wildlife along the route. The tall trees and abundant foliage create a tranquil environment ideal for getting back in touch with nature. The Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve offers a special activity called “canopy walks” for thrill-seekers. These suspension bridges extend far above the forest floor and provide sweeping vistas of the area. An adrenaline rush and an opportunity to view the forest from a fresh vantage point can be had by strolling over the bridges.

It is advised to reserve a guided tour or employ a skilled local guide before visiting Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve. The reserve is just a three-hour drive from Nairobi and is easily reachable by car. It is advised to pack snacks, drink, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes for the journey.

Meru National Museum

The Meru National Museum was established in 1974 in a previously-used historic structure that had housed the District Commissioner’s office during the colonial era. The Meru Museum is housed in a 1916 structure. It functioned as the Mount Kenya region’s administrative hub during the colonial era. Together with the National Museums of Kenya, the Meru Municipal and County Councils created the museum as a beautiful and educational resource for both residents and visitors. The multiple exhibits serve as excellent illustrations of various facets of the culture and varied history of the Meru people.

A garden of local medicinal plants and herbs as well as a theatre are two somewhat uncommon features of the Meru Museum. On the property, a group of traditional huts have been built and are visible during museum tours. The external building is completed by a platform outside for dance and musical performances as well as by commercial kiosks.

Meru National Park

Over an area of 870 km2, the three unique micro-ecosystems of the Meru National Park support a wide variety of plants and animals. A large barren plain interspersed with scarce little groupings of diminishing trees makes up the wilderness portion of the park’s northern third. The eastern bush is a thick, forbidding labyrinth of overgrown bushes and soaring trees. The majority of the 13 rivers that cross through the park converge here, combining, twisting, and splitting apart along the way. Short savannah grass dominates the remaining areas of the park. From a distance, one can see Mount Kenya, which dominates the park.

Attractions of Meru County
Meru National Park

The Big Five, which include the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo, reside in the park. Over much of the park, it is known that zebras and gazelles graze on dry yellow tufts of grass. The rivers that encircle the park are home to a variety of species. Crocodiles are waiting to pounce on anyone bold enough to visit these shores as they lurk in the murky depths. On the banks of the rivers and lakes in the park, hippos are frequently spotted sunlight tanning.

Mount Kenya

After Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya is the second-highest mountain in Africa. It is also the tallest mountain in Kenya. Batian, Nelion, and Point Lenana are the mountain’s highest summits. Approximately 16.5 miles south of the equator and 150 kilometres north-northeast of the country’s capital Nairobi, Mount Kenya is situated in central Kenya. The name of the Republic of Kenya derives from Mount Kenya.

A stratovolcano called Mount Kenya was formed about 3 million years after the East African rift opened. Its original height was 7,000 metres. For countless years, an ice cap covered it. As a result, the middle has many valleys extending outward and severely degraded slopes. Currently, there are 11 little glaciers. For much of Kenya, the forested hillsides constitute a significant supply of water.

From the base to the peak, there are many belts of vegetation. Different kinds of forests cover the lower slopes. The huge lobelias, senecios, and a distinct variant of the rock hyrax are just a few of the many alpine species that are unique to Mount Kenya. In 1997, a 715 square kilometres area surrounding the mountain’s heart was made into a national park and included to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Over 16,000 people visit the park each year. The Mount Kenya National Park is where this attraction is situated.

Cool Stream Garden

The cool, lovely, and family-friendly Cool Stream Garden is located in Meru. The garden is 2.2 kilometres from Meru town’s Central Business District. The garden offers a variety of entertaining activities, such as zip lining, train rides, swimming, and bouncing in bouncy houses. Additionally, Cool Stream Garden offers its visitors gourmet meals and beverages. Children under 18 must pay Ksh 300 to enter.

Lake Ellis

One of Mount Kenya’s five glacial lakes, Lake Ellis is situated around 75 kilometres from Meru town. The average temperature is below seven degrees Celsius, and it is situated at an altitude of 3455 metres above sea level. Before visiting the lake, it is advisable to dress appropriately for hiking and hire tour guides who can help with any questions about the trip or handle any problems that might emerge.

Nyambene National Reserve

A 265 Km² conservation area called Nyambene National Reserve is named for the well-known Nyambene Hills. The Nyambene Hills, which define the conservancy’s eastern edge and are home to the Ameeru, are the source of its name. Igombe, one of the most magnificent craters in the world, is located in the Nyambene National Reserve. The crater is situated in the Nyambene range’s north easternmost point. The circumference of the crater is 73 metres above its surroundings. It has a 140 M average crater depth below the rim and an 800 M average diameter. The actual rim is 80 to 100 M thick. The Meru people have been gathering salt for millennia from an evaporating lake that forms on the Igombe crater’s floor.

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