Mount Kenya National Park - Meru National Park

Thursday 13th November 1986

A few sykes monkeys join us for breakfast, but all that appears this morning other than that is one warthog and two bushbucks. Breakfast is good, but still no more game.

This morning we drive through green countryside with thatched rondavel mud huts in little villages scattered along the side of the road; and women carrying bananas and wood in baskets on their backs, suspended by a rope from their heads.

Ostriches on the side of the road

Meru National Park
The roads are a chapter in themselves, after 20 miles along an E-road, we reach Meru Mulika. Meru Mulika Lodge is a little oasis in the heart of the African plains - savannah as far as the eye can see, in all directions, with a little waterhole on site. The rooms are in rondavel-style thatched cottages and a dormitory block.

The afternoon game drive is a little disappointing at first, no animals to be seen anywhere. Then we spot the odd waterbuck and a couple of giraffes, some baboons and a few birds. Nothing exciting. Spotting lots of vultures perching on trees, we head off across the bush. Never mind the vegetation, we plough down the bushes and trees as we go. What do we find? A giant toirtoise, but no lions or any sign of a kill. Such an anticlimax!

Reticulated Giraffe

Secretary Bird

Superb Starling

Guineafowl

As the light is fading fast, we head back to the lodge after the disappointing game drive. On impulse, Naftali decides to turn off the main track and into the bush – heading straight for the lions! There are eight lionesses and the king, feeding on a buffalo carcass. Nearby is also a jackal and an eagles' nest in the tree above. The excitement! We are so close, only about ten feet away. I just can't believe it...