For many years, Meru has been recognized for reasons beyond tourism. People talk about its farms, its towns, or its cultural landmarks, but rarely do you hear about it as a place to explore. I had always thought the same until my trip to Ngare Dare in 2023.

My visit to Ngare Ndare wasn’t a fancy, over-planned getaway. It was just one of those trips you take and later realize it meant more than you thought. By the time we reached the gate, I already felt like I was somewhere different, calmer, slower.

The Long Canopy Bridge walk was the icing on top of the cake for me because you get the view that makes you pause a little to appreciate the sunset and the beauty of the sun rays brushing through the tree tops. Looked like some piece of art to me. I stopped halfway, not to take photos, not to post content, just to appreciate the beauty of nature in front of me and to be present in the moment.

Then came the waterfall. I don’t even know why I decided to go under it, despite not knowing how to swim; maybe it was because I live for the thrill and excitement that come with the boldness to try experiences beyond what I’m accustomed to. So I did it anyway, and it was worth it. A moment of pure, unfiltered joy. The water was as blue as it could get, and I think that was the beauty of it that had me curious enough to dive in.

Simple Things, Lasting Memories
Looking back, what made the trip so special wasn’t anything dramatic. It was the quiet walk, the beauty of the forest, the sway of the bridge, the freezing waterfall, and the random conversations. It reminded me how good it feels to step away for a day, to slow down, and just be in nature.

Ngare Ndare is proof that beauty lives beyond the familiar, and sometimes all it takes is one trip to see a place and life from a completely new angle. If you ever need a quiet escape, let Meru surprise you the same way it surprised me.