Mwea National Reserve
Fundamentally undiscovered, pristine and undisturbed, Mwea National Reserve 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 hydro-electric dams, which harbor a variety of biodiversity. The reserve is renowned for its water birds and waders. It shelters two other rare bird 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.
By Road: From Nairobi, via Thika-Matuu-Masinga Dam (160 km). This route is tarmacked 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
MWEA NATIONAL RESERVE |
Citizen |
Resident |
Non-Resident |
|||
|
Adults KSH |
Child KSH |
Adult KSH |
Child KSH |
Adult USD |
Child USD |
|
|
300 |
125 |
300 |
125 |
22 |
13 |
|
MODE OF PAYMENT: Through Ecitizen (https://kws.ecitizen.go.ke/ ) via MPesa, Visa Card, RTGS ,Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
Security/Guided tour per guide:
• Ksh. 1,720 – up to 4 hours
• Ksh. 3,015 – Over 4 hours
Vehicle Charges Per Day
No. of Seats
• Less than 6 seats - KSH.300
• 6-12 seats - KSH.1,030
• 13-24seats - KSH.2,585
• 25-44 seats - KSH.4,050
• 45 seats and above - KSH.5,000
Hardly visited, Mwea National 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. Mwea 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.
The park holds great rewards for those in search of peace, calm and tranquility. If you value solitude and reflection, come delight in soaking your senses in sights and sounds that nature gives freely. Mwea excels in diverse wildlife which include elephant, common zebra, lesser kudu, nile crocodile, hippo, leopard, grey duiker, black headed jackal, bushbuck, waterbuck, olive baboon and impala. Over 200 bird species have been recorded in the reserve.
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.
The park doesn’t offer KWS self-catering accommodation options however, visitors keen on staying overnight can opt to camp.
Camping:
Special Campsites;
- Silvester
- Mavuria
- Kiithesu
For this category, only camping grounds are provided. The visitor is required to reserve the special campsite well in advance for exclusive use. Visitors should bring with them personal effects, drinking water, a source of fire and kitchen utensils. Most special campsites are located near rivers in the park unless otherwise indicated.
Public Campsites:
- Mbogo
For this category, standard amenities are provided; water, toilet/bathroom and kitchen area. Public campsites do not require prior booking.
*Reservation of special campsites is done through the park warden or through KWS headquarters reservations desk; reservations@kws.go.ke
*Prevailing camping rates apply per person per day for both special and public campsites excluding other park charges.
Phone: +254-020-2052727
Toll Free: 0800 597 000
WhatsApp: +254 (0) 726 610508
Email: customerservice@kws.go.ke
