"An undiscovered oasis of tranquility"
Mastering the best of the fundamentals of relaxation that mainly encompass peace and quiet, this reserve sits undiscovered, pristine and intact. It is an oasis of calm and tranquility in a populous landscape. Boldly painted on a parchment canvas of dusty dry bush and feathered acacia, this diverse pocket of wilderness is traversed by torrential seasonal rivers and stubbed with bulbous baobab trees.
The ecosystem’s main features are the meeting point of rivers Tana and Thiba, Kamburu and Masinga hydroelectric dams, which harbor a variety of biodiversity. The reserve is renowned for its birds and waders and shelters two other rare species; Pel’s fishing owl and the white-backed night heron. It is the only protected reserve in which the globally threatened and Kenya-endemic Hinde’s Babber is found.
Hardly visited, this reserve has great rewards for those in search of peace, calm and tranquility. If you value solitude and reflection, delight in soaking your senses in sights and sounds that nature gives freely here. Mwea, in Kirinyaga County excels in tranquil wildlife and birdlife where over 200 species have been recorded. The Kamburu water reservoir harnesses the combined waters of the Tana and Thiba rivers and features two small islands. The waters boast of a healthy hippopotamus population.
Altitude: 3,000-5,000FT
Area: 42 sq.km
Location: Embu County
Gazettement: 1975
Distance from Nairobi: 180 KM
Key features
Wildlife
- 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. Rare animals like; Stripped ground squirrel, Genet cat, Black backed jackal yellow baboons, are also found in Mwea
Birds
- Over 200 species of birds, Mwea is renowned for its water birds and waders. The only protected area in which the globally threatened and Kenya-endemic Hinde’s babbler is known to occur, the Reserve also shelters two other rare species; Pel’s fishing owl and the white-backed night heron
Protected Area Type
Park Size
Climate
What to take with you
- Drinking water, picnic items and camping equipment if you intend to stay overnight.
- Also useful are: binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and guidebooks.
How to get there
- By Road: 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. Access is also possible via Embu-Machanga.
- By Air: Masinga airstrip near Masinga lodge.
Attractions
- Game Viewing
- Boat rides at Kamburu dam
- Hippo Point
- Realm of rare birds
- Walking circuit
- 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.
Park Entry Fee
Mwea National Reserve | Citizen | Resident | Non - Resident | |||
Adults KSH | Child KSH | Adults KSH | Child KSH | Adults USD | Child USD | |
300 | 125 | 300 | 125 | 22 | 13 | |
* Kindly refer to the Conservation Fees document below for other services and charges.
* Mode of payment; Pay for your entry to any of our Parks or Reserves via eCitizen government platform.
* Create a personal account on the eCitizen Government platform by visiting https://kws.ecitizen.go.ke and make park payments in advance for a fast and convenient park entry.
Park Resources
Phone: +254-020-2052727
Email: mwea@kws.go.ke
Postal Address:
The Warden
Mwea National Reserve
P.O. Box 8-60113,
Kiritiri,
Embu.
