Re-birth of the Complete wilderness
by: Njue Nyaga
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Word Count: 552
RE-BIRTH OF THE “COMPLETE WILDERNESS”
Surreal feeling emotes - as one transverses its inmate chiaroscuro that features; river line ecosystem, stunning savanna pampas strewn with; swamps, luxuriant jungle and horizon of hills interspersed with high awning trees. No other park in Kenya can brag of having fourteen permanent rivers apart from this……. On the slopes of Mt Kenya lies this vast lowland plain of complete contrast am talking about – the Meru National park.
At Mwea, infinite rice paddies transverse both horizons where sun rays give them a glitzy touch. We stopped en-route at Embu, a town that turns lavender when its jacaranda trees flower, then proceeded to Meru on a downy tarmac engulfed by taxing corners and appealing slopes.
We spent the night at Elsa Kopje one of the two complete lodges in the park, the other one is Leopard rock and Mulika which currently under renovation.
The night came faster than expected symbolizing Meru when it was gazetted on 18th December 1960. It had scores of tourism opportunities but its ill-fated dusk swiftly ousted its fortune like bushfire.1980s was the most horrific phase of Meru, awfully excruciating with banditry, infrastructure crumple and laxity, leading the park to a critical desolation.
Now we sing a new tune; from a ravaged wilderness – a haven of bandits and poachers, to an essence of proper wildlife conservation, a park invested heavily in wildlife and visitor security making it among the safest in Kenya.
The last time I was here was on Thursday 19th July 2007 when the park received its official brand name; ‘…….. A complete wilderness’ a day I vividly recall. Being here again on projects assessment mission was a great privilege.
Kenya Government through Ministry of Wildlife and tourism contributed KSH 0.5 Billion. IFAW gave its hand of 5. French government, through AFD envisioning Meru as the next Wonder of the World, gave over 8 million Euros loan to Kenyan Government and a grant of 1.8 million Euros in support of Meru and its greater conservation MCA. This is the first French funded conservation initiative in East Africa.
According to our survey, a lot of emphasis has been put to position Meru as the next Masai Mara and a high end Tourism destination that includes refurbishing of facilities, increased bed capacity and a unique wildlife, that has seen intense restocking, from Grevy’s Zebra, reticulated Giraffes, Elephants and lions to uncountable ungulates.
In general Meru is now proudly featuring the big five, the endangered five, a coterie of migratory and endemic bird species, not to mention much less topography, wilderness characteristics and pristine environmental qualities, with now larger population of easily visible wildlife hard to find in most of the other parks. Meru is like a talking fish that grants you three wishes; that of unsatisfied Adventure, eye-catching landscapes and a breathtaking experience that will leave you insinuating……..if you had more time!!
Meru was home to Joy and George Adamson authors of BORN FREE and fosters to ‘Elsa’ and ‘Pippa’ the Cheetah. Tana River flows to the south forming a natural boundary to the greater MCA (Meru Conservation Area)with its beautiful meanders: Adamson Falls to the south forms an ideal location for short walks and picnics while the diverse cultural community around the park will summarize your tour with an Authentic Kenyan Smile.
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About the Author
Nyaga Njue; This my writting name, my full names are Francis nyaga. I am a proffessional tour guide in kenya commonly known as the craddle of mankind. For two years i have been writting articles about kenya's major attractions and events. My articles mainly major on Travel, environment, culture and a few on business.
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