Things to Do in Meru
Embark on some of the most interesting things to do in Meru from exploring lush landscapes to enjoying adventurous activities. Discover this hidden gem in Kenya that attracts thrill-seekers, nature lovers, as well as those looking for a peaceful retreat.
Delve into the local heritage by sampling traditional delicacies like mukimu and Kienyeji chicken. Explore Meru’s vibrant nightlife, where local establishments pulse with energy and great music. If history interests you, you can visit the Mukulu Consolata Shrine and marvel at its serene atmosphere and captivating artwork. Get a glimpse into the local culture and economy with a trip to the Miraa market in Maua. Choose the best Kenya tour packages and head to Meru National Park, a sanctuary teeming with wildlife, including the Big Five. Admire the stunning landscape dotted with doum palms and acacia trees
Top Things to do in Meru
1. Sampling local delicacies
Relish some of the traditional dishes, like pumpkin soup, mukimu, and Kienyeji chicken. Mukimu is made from maize and peas boiled together, with boiled potatoes added and mashed in. This delicious dish is often accompanied by a scrumptious traditional chicken preparation. Other local delicacies you may try include Nyeni, made with vegetables, maize, beans, and bananas, and Kithere, comprising unfettered corn seeds cooked with beans or peas and traditional vegetables.
2. Head to Mukulu
Discover the fascinating town of Mukulu which is also home to a popular winery. Take a tour of the winery and then book a motorbike, or "boda boda," to visit the Mukulu Consolata Shrine. Enjoy the adventure along the dusty, rural roads, is considered one of the most thrilling things to do in Meru. Once you reach the shrine, its serene and beautiful atmosphere with amaze you. Admire the historic buildings and stunning artwork that adorn the walls.
Timings: 24 hours
3. Visit the Miraa Market
Head to the hub of Miraa which is at the Maua town to witness how the Miraa plant is the area’s main income earner. Here, you will be intrigued to find how everyone is either carrying a bundle of Miraa or chewing it. Walk over to the “mini” Miraa market, where you can interact with workers packaging Miraa. Learn about the different grades of Miraa and how the higher grades fetch higher prices. You can then head over to the nearby Isiolo to explore the Borana and Somali communities.
4. Embark on a Safari at Meru National Park
Spend a day at the famous Meru National Park near Mount Kenya where you can see the Big Five. Admire the park’s rhino protection efforts and marvel at the scenic Tana River. Go to Elsa's Kopje, a luxurious lodge named after the lioness from "Born Free." Encounter Grevy's zebras, black rhinos, giraffes, cheetahs, and over 427 bird species. Explore the cultural heritage sites of the Borana and Meru people. Enjoy the thrill with activities like game drives, visiting Elsa's grave, and seeing Adamson's Falls.
5. Take a Dip in the Adamson’s Falls
One of the most refreshing things to do in Meru, especially after a dusty safari, is to delight in the cool waters of Adamson's Falls. Nestled within the Meru National Park, these falls offer a serene spot for a picnic and a swim. Relax and reflect on your day's adventures as you listen to the sound of cascading water in the backdrop. Adamson's Falls, also known as Elsa's Kopje Waterfall, is named after George Adamson, a renowned conservationist.
Location: Meru National Park
6. Explore the Meru Museum
Get a closer look at Meru’s rich cultural heritage by visiting the Meru Museum which is housed in a colonial-era building from 1916. Take a tour of the museum as it showcases local history, ethnography, and traditional crafts. Find displays of Meru's cultural heritage, a garden of Indigenous medicinal plants, and a theatre. When you step outside, You will find traditional huts and an outdoor platform for music and dance.
Location: Meru Center
Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
7. Visit the Rhino Sanctuary
Explore the remarkable haven for these majestic creatures, considered one of the best things to do in Meru. You will learn that the 48-sq-km sanctuary is home to 25 black and 55 white rhinos, many reintroduced from Lake Nakuru National Park after the poaching crisis of the 1980s. Het inspired as you see these massive animals in their natural habitat and admire the sanctuary’s efforts in conservation and in their survival.
Location: Meru National Park
8. Go Bird Watching
Embark on one of the most fun things to do in Meru and visit this bird watcher’s paradise with over 400 species to discover. You will find vibrant birds like the lilac-breasted roller and majestic raptors such as the martial eagle. You can also witness migratory birds from Europe and North Africa who come here for nesting.
9. Experience the Thrill of Fishing
Fishing is one of the best things to do in Meru as its rivers are perfect for casting your line. The tranquil waters are home to a variety of fish species, including tilapia, catfish, and barbell. You will find the experience both challenging and exhilarating irrespective of whether you are an experienced angler or a beginner.
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Meru Things To Do FAQs
What is Meru known for?
Meru is situated in central Kenya and is celebrated for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. This region encompasses a variety of terrains, including lush forests, flowing rivers, expansive wheat farms, and thriving tea plantations. Surrounded by the central highlands and close to Mount Kenya, Meru offers stunning natural beauty. The capital city, Meru Town, is one of Kenya's fastest-growing urban centers and enjoys a pleasant temperate climate.
Is Meru harder than Everest?
Mount Everest and Mount Meru both present significant climbing challenges, though they differ in their nature. Everest offers extreme altitude, unpredictable weather, and severe conditions like crevasses and avalanches. Climbing Everest involves navigating technical routes such as the Khumbu Icefall and Hillary Step, requiring high-altitude mountaineering skills and acclimatization.
Mount Meru, Africa’s fifth-highest mountain, demands a different set of skills. Its terrain ranges from lush rainforests to rocky paths, requiring flexibility and endurance. Summit day on Meru is a grueling 12 to 15-hour trek, often starting in the dark and involving high-altitude fatigue. The most technical section is the Shark’s Fin, a sheer granite wall that remains unclimbed.
Which are the best things to do in Meru?
There is a diverse range of interesting things to do in Meru that you can enjoy. At Meru National Park, you can enjoy game viewing, bird watching, hiking, camping, and fishing. The park features attractions like Elsa's Kopje Lodge, Rhino River Camp, and Offbeat Meru Camp. In Meru Town, you can explore beautiful waterfalls, swimming spots, trekking paths, and a canopy walk, with Mount Meru providing an excellent spot for acclimatization before trekking.
How to reach Meru?
You can fly into Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or into Arusha, which is the nearest airport. From Arusha, you can take a bus or drive to Meru. From Nairobi, you can take a domestic flight to Meru Airport or use road transport from Nairobi, which takes approximately 3-4 hours by car. If traveling from Nairobi, you can take a bus or drive, covering approximately 270 kilometers to Meru. Various bus companies operate routes between Nairobi and Meru. While there isn't a direct train route to Meru, you can take a train from Nairobi to Nanyuki and then continue by road to Meru.
What is the best time to visit Meru?
The best time to visit Meru National Park in Kenya is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to March. During these periods, the weather is generally more favourable for wildlife viewing and park activities. The dry season offers better visibility due to shorter grass and less rain, which also makes it easier to spot animals.