FOOD LOOKS Travel Diaries

Meru National Park, Kenya- Africa

MarcyYu_NakdDress_Burgundy_Meru_Kenya

Like many people, my impressions of Africa were shaped when I first saw the movie “Lion King” when I was very young. And through the years I became better educated by my history and geography classes in school, wildlife documentaries, many Blockbuster movies rented, and some books that have read through the years.

To be honest, Africa has always been on my bucket list and the truth is that I never thought to make one of my dreams become true so soon, or that I would spend such a long time here, since it’s been almost  2½ months in East Africa already. Going on safari is not something you can do any day or weekend like “I’m going to the beach”. A safari is a unique and incredible experience so this is why I spent so much time exploring with Robert this incredible region. I apologize in advance if you think that I am overwhelming with so many safari destinations but the truth is it is such a beautiful experience that I do not like to stop sharing it with all of you.

Continuing our adventures in magical Kenya, the magic this time was visiting the lion’s den in Meru National Park. This is the park of the lions and elephants, but Meru also has many other species including giraffes, buffalos, caracal, hippos and rhinos.

Robert and I were very excited to visit this park not only to see the lions but also because we knew that it was going to be an emblematic destination since it was the home of Joy and George Adamson in the 60’s when they wrote a book about their experiences with “Elsa” their beloved lioness. The story became the famous movie “Born Free” starring Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers; an innovative film that was the first to portray wild animals as endearing creatures. For us it was exciting to be able to live in the flesh the inspiration of this beautiful story, book and film.

Elsa’s Kopje is part of the Elewana Collection chain and the lodge is in the heart of the park, on the small rocky hill of Mughwango, which offers 360 degree views. Underneath the hill was George Adamson’s old home site, and the hill was the playground of Elsa the Lioness. Each cottage is designed around the rocks, with a large bedroom, open living room, terrace, spacious bathroom and with a jacuzzi on the terrace, each with stunning views of Meru National Park where you can clearly see large herds of elephants, buffaloes and giraffes make their way through the plains.

The truth is that each of the Elewana Collection properties we have visited have been incredibly unique in style, design and location. Definitely Elsa’s Kopje was one of our favorites since the cabins were designed perfectly according to their surroundings to really suit the nature. All the time we felt we lived in a huge rock with all the facilities of a 5 star hotel.

One of the things we really enjoyed was the incredible service and the food, especially as far as variety on the menu. Considering that many of these lodges are in the middle of nowhere, the food was never a problem at any of the Elewana Collection properties. If there is something I can say I always look for in a hotel it is: a tub, bubble bath, wifi, coffee, and the variety in the menu (especially at breakfast), and a spa. All these qualities exceeded my expectations as Elsa’s Kopje fulfilled much more than I expected.

From any corner Elsa’s Kopje you can appreciate the incredible views. Without doubt one of the things that Robert and I enjoyed most was enjoying these views with a delicious picnic that Elsas’ Kopje’s chef prepare for us so we could taste the local dishes that were exceptionally rich. Just judge my photos!! (My mouth waters with just remembering this moment again)

The park has an 84-square-kilometer rhinoceros sanctuary that houses more than 60 black and white rhinos. which is one of the animals most in danger in the world. The area is so large that finding the rhinos can still be a challenge, but incredibly for us we have been unbelievably lucky and could see them (it is something that our guides / drivers always tell us).

When you go on safari you really do not expect to see all the animals in one day, for this you have to have a lot of patience, have a good driver and guide who knows the area – but mostly you need to get up very early. When I say early it is 5am to be exact lol that is what we have done on all our safaris and I have to admit I am not a morning person and I have struggled to get up that early for every safari, but it has been totally worth it since not even the eye of the camera explains what it is to see them in real life. Morning safaris are always better as you are more likely to see animals, especially in Meru. It can be extremely hot since animals usually hide in the afternoons.

Our last day in Meru, which was the fourth day, we decided to do another safari to see if we were lucky enough to see the rhinos and incredibly we could see them. In fact, it was the first time that Robert and I saw them in Kenya and especially seeing them in real life it was an incredible satisfaction to see these beautiful creatures in their habitat.

If any of you come to visit the home of the lions at Meru national park the fees per day and per person is 52$.

I hope you enjoyed my diary in Meru and stay tuned for my next adventures in Kenya. Have a nice weekend travelers!!

Love,

Marcy

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Burgundy maxi dress: Na-kd Fashion

Gold shades: Dior

Watch: Nicole Vienna

Bikini: Boa Surf House

Blue Shades: Ray Ban

Black floral dress: Zara

Hat: Annie Chajin

Orange Pants: Zara

Olive Body:  Vintage

Sandals: Schutz

Belt: Hermes

Carey shades: Ralph Lauren

Firma

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Robert Michael Poole

37 comentarios

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  3. Sharon says on February 4, 2017

    Girl, I am obsessed with your pictures. My dream has always been to go on a safari and my favourite movie of all times is actually the Lion King!
    Love this way too much!

    xx

    http://brandtravels.com

  5. Olga Gruzina says on February 3, 2017

    What, it’s a mindblowing place!
    Want the bath tub with a view!!!
    Kisses!

  6. Jen says on February 2, 2017

    OMG I would love to go on a safari! Your photos of the animals are so clean and beautiful. WOW! Thanks for sharing all your tips. I’m an early bird so I’ll have no problem waking up at 5am to catch a glimpse of those beautiful creatures!

    http://www.pipesnbuttons.com

  7. Dom says on February 2, 2017

    Dear Marcy, Wow my friend! This whole post is stunning. The photos are beyond beautiful and I love the way you write. You go so in depth and it’s truly beautiful. Your trip looks like a dream. I also have to give you a standing O for starting out this post by referencing the classic “Lion King”. Beautiful post dear.
    Much Love,
    Dom

    http://www.mrdombaza.com/

  9. Jenn Hanft says on January 31, 2017

    That dress is stunning on you! So glad you had an amazing time spent in Africa thus far! I actually haven’t had it part of my bucket list but these pictures and your recap has got me convinced. It’s amazing how you woke up 5 am to go on the safari. You caught amazing shots of animals! That view also looked amazing to enjoy a quick lunch. Hope you have tons of more fun!

    XO Jenn
    http://www.jennsemble.com

    http://www.jennsemble.com

  11. Chardline Chanel-Faiteau says on January 30, 2017

    Wow! This was quite an adventure! I would have been scared but you did it and looked amazing while doing so!

    • marcyyu says on January 31, 2017

      Is not scared at all babe!! The animals won’t attack you or do anything unless they feel threaten which is not the case:)
      Sometimes they don’t even care you are there hehehe but is definitely so beautiful to see in the naked eye.

      Love
      Marcy

      http://marcyyu.com

    • marcyyu says on January 31, 2017

      Africa is so beautiful, each country have their own beauty!!! Kenya itself if such a wonderful country. The people are so kind and friendly.

      xoxo
      Marcy

      http://marcyyu.com

  13. Miki says on January 29, 2017

    What an amazing trip. Wow, that park is enormous. I always associate Africa with amazing views and lots of open space and nature. These photos are amazing. Thanks for sharing all these details! I’ll definitely have to bookmark this for when I finally visit. 🙂

    Xo,
    Miki
    http://mikialamode.com

    http://mikialamode.com

  16. Christine Kong says on January 27, 2017

    It has always been a dream of mine to travel to Africa as well and I have been dying over all your photos covering Africa. It is amazing that you are so up close to the animals and just the beauty of nature that surrounds you. I would love to see these beautiful creatures up close like you have and this vacation and experience seems too good to be true. I definitely need to look into it for myself soon! xoxo, Christine
    http://dailykongfidence.com/

    http://dailykongfidence.com/

  18. Stephanie says on January 26, 2017

    I can’t believe you got to see so many rhinos, and the place you stayed sounds incredibly luxurious and it looks all too beautiful! You also look stunning! Safaris sound like such an amazing thing to experience! I hope you get to enjoy many more!

    Stephanie // SheSawStyle.com

    http://shesawstyle.com

  19. Kate Tik says on January 26, 2017

    Wow!!! I absolutely love the pictures and you described it all so well. Africa has always been on my list of places to visit, but I still haven’t gotten the chance to do so.

    http://katetik.con

  20. Kate Tik says on January 26, 2017

    Wow!!! The pictures are so incredible and you described it all so well. Africa has always been on my list of places to visit, but i still haven’t gotten the chance to do so.

    http://katetik.con

  21. Atsuna Matsui says on January 26, 2017

    Photos from Africa look so amazing. I remember seeing snippets of your Africa trip on Instagram and was so enamoured with all the gorgeous photos you took. It looks like you had quite the adventure and its great that you can cross it off your bucket list now.

    http://www.atsunamatsui.com

    http://atsunamatsui.com

  24. Thomas Falkenstedt says on January 26, 2017

    To go to Kenya has been a dream of mine ever since I saw “Out of Africa” as a kid and now your travel journal from there sparked my childhood dreams into life again. I really have to plan a trip to Kenya to explore all the amazing things it has to offer!
    Thank you for a wonderful post!
    xoxo
    Thomas

    http://thomasfalkenstedt.com

    http://thomasfalkenstedt.com

  25. Josie says on January 26, 2017

    You are far from being boring darling! I love your diaries and being from West Africa myself, I’ve never had the opportunity to do a safari yet … but it is on my wish list. I’m very happy to see you experience something so magical and I can’t help but think you can definitely help in spreading a more positive images of Africa. People often think we are all poor there, live in villages so it’s really refreshing to see you share another side of Africa!

    Thank you for this!

    Bisous, Josie
    http://www.petiteandbold.com

    http://www.petiteandbold.com

  29. Mariann Yip says on January 25, 2017

    Wow 2.5 months?? That’s insane but so exciting and fun! I actually want to visit all the continents so Africa is on my list! I think it would be an incredible experience! Thank you for sharing your trip details with us!

    http://Www.mariannyc.com