Mwea National Reserve

Gazetted in January 1976, Mwea National Reserve is located in Karaba Division of Mbeere District, of the Eastern Province 180km from Nairobi, Kenya. It stretches over an area of approximately 68 sq km and it’s bound by Tana River on the southern boundary whereas the Eastern boundary conforms to Thiba River. North boundary is marked by an electric fence that protects animals from invading Makima inhabitants. Two islands within Kamburu dam are in the protected area.
Ecosystem
Mwea National Reserve delights a unique and predominantly savannah ecosystem punctuated by small hills plus bushy vegetation and a few areas of large trees with thick undergrowth. Trees mainly found within the ecosystem are the different baobab species, Acacia tortolis, Acacia Mellifera and Commiphora. There are some pockets of open grasslands particularly along the main rivers and dry river valleys areas. Besides the open grasslands, there are vast expanse of unspoilt vegetation types set of deep dense forests teeming with immense variety of wildlife which in some instances renders game viewing here a difficult undertaking. The ecosystem’s other significant features are the meeting point of rivers Tana and Thiba, Kamburu and Masinga hydro-electric dams, which harbour variety of biodiversity.

Mwea Reserve Rothschild Giraffes
Wildlife
Tana and Thiba are two popular rivers that support the life of wildlife dwelling here and increase the scenic beauty of the reserve. Major wildlife attractions easily sighted here include Elephants, Rothschild Giraffes, Common Zebras, Lesser Kudu, Buffalos, Water Buck, Bush Buck, Impala, Vervet Monkeys, Aardvark, Yellow Baboons, Grants Gazelle, Dik Dik, Cape Hare, Warthog, Black Backed Jackal, Duiker, Sykes Monkeys, Slender Mongoose, Dwarf Mongoose, Genet Cat, Stripped Ground Squirrel, Crested Porcupine, Rock Hyrax, Tree Hyrax and Tortoise. Hippos and Crocodiles are common sightings in the dams and rivers. Reptile species have been recorded in the reserve.
Bird life
Owing to its location in a rich bio diverse region, Mwea National Reserve is another paradise for bird watchers in Kenya. Over 200 species of birds have been recorded here with the two prominent but rare species being the Pel’s Fishing Owl and the White-Backed Night Heron. Bird-watchers have guaranteed glimpse of several of these birds such as the Yellow-necked Spur fowl, Red-bellied Parrot, Von der Decken’s Hornbill, Northern Pied-babbler, Madagascar Pond-heron, Purple Grenadier and White-breasted White-eye. Mwea is renowned for its water birds and waders. It is the only protected area in which the globally threatened and Kenya-endemic Hinde’s babbler is known to occur.
Other Attractions
The other attractions in the reserve include several dams located within and outside the reserve namely Masinga, Kiambere, Kamburu, Gitaru and Kindaruma; Tana River; Mutonga Grand Falls, Usueni, Adamson Falls and Kora; and the Hippo Point.
Getting There
By Road – Visitors may take the well surfaced route of Thika-Matuu-Masinga Dam (160 km). On reaching Masinga Dam Bridge, drive a further 10 km along a dirt road to reach Makima Gate. The alternative access is the Embu-Machanga route.
By Air – Visitors can charter a light flight landing at Masinga Airstrip about 14 km from the reserve Headquarters.
WHERE TO STAY
Masinga Lodge is the only leisure accommodation option available and it’s located at Masinga Dam outside the Reserve.
Visitor Activities
- Game Watching Drives
- Nature Walking Circuit
- Bird Watching
- Boat Rides at Kamburu Dam
- Camping Picnics – There are also two picnic sites; Gichuki Island and Hippo Point.