Mwea National Reserve
Mwea National Reserve is a nature reserve in Kenya. It was established in 1976 and there are covers area of 42 km². The savannah ecosystem comprises of small hills with bushy vegetation and scattered large trees. 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 invading Makima settlements. The hydro-electric dam remains the focus of the reserve, which – at just over 15 square miles – is among the region’s smallest. The area is semi-arid with an annual rainfall of between 250 and 500 mm. The vegetation is mainly thorny bushland with patches of woodland and scattered baobab trees. Major wildlife attractions include the elephants, Rothschild giraffes, Common zebras, lesser kudu, Buffalo, Water Buck, Bush buck, Impala, Vervet Monkeys, Aardvark, Yellow baboons, Grants gazelle, Dik dik, Cape hare and Warthog. There is also a profusion of birdlife and the adjacent rice-growing paddies and fields have attracted large number of waders. Mwea National Reserve is today co-managed between Kenya Wildlife Service and Mbeere County Council. Different birds and reptile species have been recorded in the reserve.
How to reach Mwea National Reserve:
How to reach: From Nairobi, via Thika-Matuu-Masinga Dam 160 km. This route is surfaced until Masinga Dam Bridge-a further 10 km of dirt road lies between here and Makima Gate. Then access is also possible via Embu-Machanga.
Hotels in and around the Mwea National Reserve:
Excursion: Interesting / Popular Destination around Mwea National Reserve:
Prominent Animals found in Mwea National Reserve:
Park Timings of Mwea National Reserve:
The Park is open daily from 6.00 am to 7.00 pm.
Map of Mwea National Reserve:
Mwea National Reserve is a nature reserve in Kenya. It was established in 1976 and there are covers area of 42 km². The savannah ecosystem comprises of small hills with bushy vegetation and scattered large trees. 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 invading Makima settlements. The hydro-electric dam remains the focus of the reserve, which – at just over 15 square miles – is among the region’s smallest. The area is semi-arid with an annual rainfall of between 250 and 500 mm. The vegetation is mainly thorny bushland with patches of woodland and scattered baobab trees. Major wildlife attractions include the elephants, Rothschild giraffes, Common zebras, lesser kudu, Buffalo, Water Buck, Bush buck, Impala, Vervet Monkeys, Aardvark, Yellow baboons, Grants gazelle, Dik dik, Cape hare and Warthog. There is also a profusion of birdlife and the adjacent rice-growing paddies and fields have attracted large number of waders. Mwea National Reserve is today co-managed between Kenya Wildlife Service and Mbeere County Council. Different birds and reptile species have been recorded in the reserve.
How to reach Mwea National Reserve:
How to reach: From Nairobi, via Thika-Matuu-Masinga Dam 160 km. This route is surfaced until Masinga Dam Bridge-a further 10 km of dirt road lies between here and Makima Gate. Then access is also possible via Embu-Machanga.
Hotels in and around the Mwea National Reserve:
- Outspan Hotel
- Laragai House
- Jobcamp House
- Green Hills Hotel
- Izaak Walton Inn Hotel
- Serena Mountain Lodge
- Elephant Bedroom Camp
- ethel Christian Guest House
Excursion: Interesting / Popular Destination around Mwea National Reserve:
- Hippo Point
- Game Viewing
- Walking circuit
- Realm of Rare birds
- Boat rides at Kamburu dam
Prominent Animals found in Mwea National Reserve:
- Elephant
- lesser kudu
- Nile crocodile
- hippo
- giraffe
- Burchell’s zebra
- leopard
- grey duiker
- black-backed jackal
- bushbuck
Park Timings of Mwea National Reserve:
The Park is open daily from 6.00 am to 7.00 pm.
Map of Mwea National Reserve: