Lakes in Meru

Lake Nkunga: Legend of a 7-Headed Dragon

Mystical lakes are not only natural wonders but are recurrently cultural landmarks that continue to inspire awe and curiosity. Often small and isolated, mystical lakes in Kenya, and around the world, have long captured human imagination thanks to their legends, and natural beauty. Lake Nkunga, or “the lake of the dreaded beast” gets its justifiable precis for its eerie outlook oozing a pensive and wistful mood. It has been shrouded with a veil of mystery and awe for many generations now, not least because it is believed to have hosted the fabled Nkunga, a 7-headed dragon.

Its splendorous beauty strikes and embraces you the moment you set foot in this sacred place. Nkunga stretches her arms wide open, like a modern state-of-the-art stadium welcoming fans for a grand match. The evergreen carpet at the lake’s banks completes the picture only that instead of tiered spectator seats, heavy-set tree trunks, wide branches, and heavy floor vegetation envelops the “playground” Nkunga blossoms with delightful beauty, a characteristic of indigenous forests.

Over and above this, Lake Nkunga is a long-standing cultural shrine considered hallowed ground, where traditional elders made sacrifices to the deities. Unique to the Lake Nkunga is the mass of aquatic grass which almost completely encrusts it, giving it the appearance of a spectral salmagundi of floating mats of interlinking bogs. Lake Nkunga is found in a volcanic crater within the Imenti Forest Reserve that is an extension of Mount Kenya Forest. There is a viewing point on the south-end of the lake. It is located 10 km from Meru Town just100 ms off the B6 Embu-Meru Road taking a right turn immediately after passing Nkunga Catholic Church.

Kenya is blessed with several lakes, each offering unique attractions, ecosystems, and opportunities for exploration. Shared with Uganda and Tanzania, Lake Victoria is the largest tropical lake in the world by surface area. Known for its geysers and hot springs, Lake Bogoria is among the unique lakes along Kenya’s Rift Valley. All these lakes not only provide scenic beauty but also support diverse ecosystems.

Index of Lakes Around Kenya

Baringo County - Lake Bogoria , Lake Baringo , Lake Kamnarok , Garissa County - Lake Ishaqbini , Homa Bay County - Lake Simbi Nyaima , Kajiado County - Lake Magadi, Lake Amboseli, Lake Natron, Kisii County - Lake Okari , Lamu County - Lake Kenyatta , Lake Moa , Kisumu County - Lake Victoria, Meru County - Lake Thai , Lake Nkunga , Lake Ellis , Lake Michaelson , Lake Rutundu , Lake Alice , Magado Lake , Nakuru County - Lake Solai, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Lake Oloiden, Crater Lake, Lake Elementaita, Nyandarua County - Lake Olbolosat , Siaya County - Lake Sare, Lake Namboyo, Lake Bob, Lake Kanyaboli, Taita Taveta - Lake Jipe , Lake Chala , Tana River County - Lake Shakababo , Turkana County - Lake Logipi, Lake Turkana, Lake Alablab, Wajir County - Lake Yahud

Famous for its wildlife, rich agricultural lands, and stunning natural attractions, Meru County, on the north-eastern slopes of Mount Kenya, is the immemorial enclave of the Ameru nation. Inhabited mainly by the sub-tribes of Imenti, Tigania, Igembe, and Tharaka, Meru County has one of the best developed touring circuits.

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A Guide to Meru County

A Summa Digest of Meru

About Meru Way Back When

65 Destinations in Meru County , arranged as one would visit these - south, north, east then west - with the aid of in-depth narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:

Kierra Valley , Kierra Ridge , St. Mary’s High School , Anabas Resort Trout and Seafood Grill , Tharuu Springs , Giitune Sacred Forest , M.Mpuri Cultural Centre , Meru Museum , St. Joseph's Cathedral , Meru Sports Club , Alba Hotel , Kathita Falls , Irine (Devil's Bridge) Falls , Cool Stream Garden , Thiiri Cultural Centre , Kaaga Methodist Church , Kaaga War Memorial , Kiathandi Hill , Mpogoro Forest , Stone Woman Kieiga Forest , Njuri Ncheke Headquarters at Nchiru , Ngaya Forest , Meru National Park , Twin Baobab Tree , Elsa’s Kopje , Ikweta Safari Camp , Adamson Falls Bridge , Rhino River Camp , Giant Meru Oak , Lake Nkunga , Mucheene Forest Station , Mucheene Cave , Lake Thai , Lewa Wildlife Conservancy , Sirikoi House , Nyambene Reserve , Liga Ria Ngutu , Lake Magado , Ngare-Ndare Forest Reserve , Ngare-Ndare Falls , Mount Kenya National Park , Sirimon Route , Mount Kenya One Day Trip , Theemwe Route , Theemwe Springs , Marania Route , Lake Rutundu , Rutundu Log Cabins , Chogoria Route , Nithi Falls , The Gates Falls, Lake Alice , Lake Ellis , Lake Michaelson , Vivienne Falls , Timau River Lodge , Wonky House , Tamalu Farm , Charanna Farm, Kisima Farm , Kisimani Resort , Mwonyo Valley , Giant Footprints

Know More About Meru County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments

What’s The Lay Of The Land In C.12?

Meru County’s positioning on the eastern slopes of Mount Kenya and the equator has highly influenced its natural conditions and economic prospects. Altitude ranges from 300m to 5,199m asl.

What’s The Air Like In Meru?

The topography of Meru County has a critical influence on its climate. Temperatures range from a low of 8 Degrees to a high of 32 Degrees Celsius during the cold and hot seasons respectively.

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