A Guide To Mwea National Reserve
Mwea National Reserve is a game reserve covering 42 sq.km, situated in the Makima sub-location of Mwea in Mbeere, Embu County. The reserve is located northwest of the Kamburu dam at the confluence of the Tana and Thiba rivers. It lies on the foothills of Mt. Kenya and on some occasions, the snow-capped mountain can be seen to the North.
Quick Facts About Mwea National Reserve
Here is a list of Facts About the Reserve
- Area: 42 sq.km
- 200 kilometers from Nairobi
- Take the road via Thika or Embu
- Carry lots of drinking water because it can get very hot
- A four-wheel drive is essential
About Mwea National Reserve
The Mwea National Reserve is a nature reserve in Kenya, where its altitude ranges between 1,000 and 1,100 m (3,300 and 3,600 ft), dominated by the Acacia-Commiphora bushland on the north shore of Kamburu Reservoir, at the confluence of Tana and Thiba Rivers.
The other vegetation combines the scattered large trees (baobab trees, and Acacia species), a typical savannah ecosystem. Open grasslands are prevalent along the major rivers, with occasional thick undergrowth and riparian or riverine woodland.
History of Mwea National Reserve
The Reserve was established in 1976 covering an area north-west of Kamburu Dam at the intersection of the Tana and Thiba rivers. Two islands within the Kamburu dam (built-in 1976) are in the protected area.
On the southern boundary is the Tana River, the eastern is the Thiba River and the northern boundary is an electric fence that stops animals from raiding Makima settlements. The earliest human settlement in Makima dates from 1914, though wildlife conservation intervention was not until 1972.
Today, the Reserve is co-managed between Mbeere County Council and Kenya Wildlife Service. Mwea National Reserve Trust was founded in 1991 to request funds to develop the reserve. Quite several projects have been funded through grants including a boat and outboard engine, energy-saving jikos, and translocating zebras.
Mwea National Reserve animals
Mwea excels in diverse wildlife which includes Nile crocodile, hippo, leopard, grey duiker, black-headed jackal, bushbuck, waterbuck, elephant, common zebra, lesser kudu, olive baboon, and impala. Over 200 bird species have been recorded in the reserve.
Mwea National Reserve Activities
Here are the best activities to do at the Reserve:
Game Viewing & Wildlife Watching
- The reserve has a wide variety of wildlife that gives tourists the best game viewing in the reserve with various animal species including Elephant, lesser kudu, Nile crocodile, hippo, giraffe, Burchell’s zebra, buffalo, leopard, grey duiker, black-backed jackal, bushbuck, waterbuck, olive baboon, sykes’ monkey, serval cat, spotted hyena, warthog, rock hyrax, bush pig, impala and hartebeest.
Birdwatching
- It is home to over 200 bird species, featuring both wetland and savannah species. They are the Pels fishing owl, Makagasy pond heron, white-backed night heron, and more, the tourist will be able to identify various bird species in the reserve, as well as the realm of rare birds in the reserve.
Hiking & Nature Walks
- At the reserve, there is the provision of walking trails that have been designed to suit your walking Kenya safari with animals around the reserve with the help of the tour guides. This allows you to get closer and encounter wildlife.
Boat Safaris on the Tana River
- On a Kenya safari tour to the Reserve, you can enjoy a boat trip on the Tana River. Some of the animals to be seen are birds, crocodiles, and hippos. At the shores of the river, you might also see wildlife coming to drink water.
Picnics
- You can explore the reserve on a planned picnic trip which takes around two hours. There are several picnic sites in place where you can enjoy your lunch with greater views of nature.
Fishing at Masinga Reservoir
The Masinga Dam is a reservoir that’s used for water regulation and irrigation. Fly fishing is available in the evening at the Reserve in Kenya, which is located near the Masinga Dam.
What To See At Mwea National Reserve
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) manages the reserve in conjunction with Embu County. The landscape of the reserve comprises gently rolling plains covered by Savannah grasslands with bushy vegetation and scattered trees. The most dominant trees and shrubs include: acacia species and cammiphora. There are dense bushes and trees along the water’s edge.
It also hosts a wide array of wild animals that include: Elephant, lesser kudu, Nile crocodile, hippo, giraffe, Burchell’s zebra, buffalo, leopard, grey duiker, black-backed jackal, bushbuck, waterbuck, olive baboon, sykes’ monkey, serval cat, spotted hyena, warthog, rock hyrax, bush pig, impala and hartebeest.
Similarly, some rare animals such as Stripped ground squirrels, Genet cats, and Black-backed jackal yellow baboons are found in the reserve. There are over 200 bird species and various reptile species such as snakes found in the reserve.
Main Attractions Mwea National Reserve
- Game Viewing
- Boat rides at Kamburu dam
- Hippo Point
- Realm of Rare Birds
- Walking circuit
Accommodation and hotels in Mwea National Reserve
- In – Park Accommodation
- There are no lodges, tented camps, or self-catering accommodation options in Mwea Reserve. Masinga Lodge is located at Masinga Dam outside the Reserve.
Mwea National Reserve Entrance Fee
Citizens
- Adult KSH 300
- Child KSH 125
Residents
- Adult KSH 300
- Child KSH 125
Non- Residents
- Adult USD 22
- Child USD 13
How to get to Mwea National Reserve
By Road
- From Nairobi, via Thika-Matuu-Masinga Dam(160 km) This route is surfaced until Masinga Dam Bridge further 10 km of dirt road lies between here and Makima Gate. Access is also possible via Embu-Machanga.
By Air
- Masinga airstrip near Masinga Lodge.By Air: Masinga Airstrip near Masinga Lodge.
Mwea National Reserve Contacts
- Attraction Type: Wildlife
- Category: National Reserve
- Region: Mt. Kenya
- City / Town: Embu
- Telephone: 254 20 205 2727
- Email: mwea@kws.go.ke
- Website: http://www.kws.org/parks/parks_reserves/MWNR.html
- Entrance Fee: Yes
Mwea National Reserve is in which County?
It is located in Embu County, Kenya.
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