We arrived to Meru park by plane, a very small plane, yet not as small as the one we would take to leave three days later. But one thing at a time.
The scenery is varied, there are some very dry areas and some very lush greenery along the rivers. There are mostly plains with mountains as a back drop and a few hills called kopje (from the Dutch word kopje, literally: a little head).
That is why the resort we stayed at is called Elsa Kopje (Elsa for the lioness). The rooms are located in little bugalows that reminded me of gnome houses. Ours was called treetop because there was a tree going through it.
Inside it was totally open all around so the view from the beds or the chairs was amazing… even the toilet and shower downstairs allowed you to watch (or be watched by) monkeys, buffalos, wild cats and whoever else was out there at night.
The bar restaurant and pool were centrally located and again offered great vews…as well as wonderful food and plentiful drinks.
Now, having set the decor lets talk of life on a safari.
You are awakened at six in the morning with a tray of tea, coffee and cookies just in time to watch the sun rise .
By six thirty you hop into your jeep and head off for your first game drive. At around ten you stop in a picturesque location for breakfast. It is served on a table with table cloth and cutlery and consists of juice, fruit, yogurt, granola, toast and jam, eggs any way you want them sausage and bacon, and of course tea and coffee.
Once refuelled you head off for more driving. The cars are comfortable but the roads are rocky and dusty so you get bumped around quite a bit and are thoroughly caked in dust by the time the driver drops you off at the resort for lunch. But it is soo worth it!
You then setlle down for a refreshing cocktail before enjoying the wonderful buffet meal. After lunch is rest time, either in your room or on one of the many lounge chairs around the pool.
By four you are off again and drive until around six, when you stop for a sundowner, again in a picturesque location for drinks and nice bites to eat as you watch the sun disappear behind the mountains.
You get back to the resort in time for a good shower, cocktails and dinner under the stars. In bed by ten!
But of course, the reason we “endure” all this is to see the animals! This will be the topic of my next post!