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Forest habitats are rarely associated with Kenya's wilderness areas, so the leafy grove in which Rhino River Camp sits makes this an especially charming destination. The camp lies just outside the western border of Meru National Park, in a 32-hectare private concession that's conveniently close to the park's dedicated rhino sanctuary. There's Big Five game-viewing to be had – and the chance to see rhinos up-close. Back at camp, the sound of a small waterfall and chuckling river, and surroundings that morph into the treeline, create a restful spot to re-energise yourself. Rhino River is a retreat like no other.
From $390 person/night
Hovering desperately on the edge of extinction, rhinos are enormous creatures. Take this chance to see one of world's most threatened species in relative abundance.
Dining on the outdoor deck, in the company of especially friendly bushbabies.
The feeling a peace that embraces this magical forested setting and its burbling mountain stream.
The camp's structures are all elevated on wooden platforms, giving it a distinct treehouse feel. A furnished deck flows into the central lounge (where sand-cushioned seating invites a lazy afternoon with a good book) and dining area, both covered with stretched canvas. There's a bar, with cowskin-covered stools fronting its broad, beaten-metal countertop. The highlight of the main area is the pretty swimming pool, set in a dense thicket of indigenous woodland beside a small stream. Perfect calm...
Tucked among the trees, the six private tented rooms are accessed by elevated walkways through the canopy. Each has a broad deck overlooking the river, with a private 'zen area' extension that's ideal for enjoying the silence and sights. Inside, the rooms are spacious, with wooden floors, queen-sized beds, and en-suite bathrooms with shower, toilet and basin. Decor is simple – crisp white linens and subtle African prints; the luxury comes through in the clever architecture and attention to detail.
Nothing beats being one with the trees, and roll-up walls allow you to feel practically enveloped by forest. There's no bad seat in the house.
Getting into Meru National Park requires a drive to and from Rhino River, but no matter, the journey is beautiful and full of wildlife. The rhino sanctuary itself is a major drawcard: the chance to see a collection of these endangered pachyderms is a rare privilege. Craving more downtime? This camp is particularly good at offering a peaceful itinerary: gentle hikes through the forest, therapeutic massages on your deck, epic sunset outings that celebrate another day with your favourite beverage.
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Meru National Park is a beautiful region, made up of a variety of thorny bush, mixed savannah, open grasslands and the curious upside down baobab trees. Yet another Kenyan conservation success, this park is home to numerous species, including elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, hippo, reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, eland and of course the endangered black rhinoceros. Don't forget to look up in the Meru National Park, with 427 recorded bird species. Noteworthy is the rhino sanctuary home to both black and white rhino ensuring the future of this threatened species.
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