Mwea National Reserve is a peaceful haven located 200 kilometres from Nairobi in the Eastern Province’s Mbeere District. This oasis of natural beauty is bounded to the east by Kamburu Dam, to the south by the Tana River, and to the north by the Thiba River. An electric fence guards the northern boundary to keep wildlife away from populated areas. Mbeere County Council and the Kenya Wildlife Service jointly oversee the 48-square-kilometer Mwea National Reserve. Mwea National Reserve, essentially unexplored, unspoiled, and undisturbed Kenya safari destination, is a haven of peace and quiet in a populated area.
This varied area of wilderness, which is dotted with bulbous baobab trees and crossed by raging seasonal rivers, is boldly depicted on a parchment canvas of feathered acacia and dusty dry bush. The principal features of the environment are the hydroelectric dams at Kamburu and Masinga, which are home to a variety of wildlife, and the meeting site of the Tana and Thiba rivers. The reserve’s waders and water birds are well-known. Two further endangered bird species are housed there: the white-backed night heron and Pel’s fishing owl. It is the sole protected area that is home to the globally endangered Hinde’s Babber, which is native to Kenya.
What to do at Mwea National Reserve
Mwea National Reserve is a Kenyan wildlife reserve that is surrounded by an electric fence and offers a variety of tourist attractions. Along with more than 200 bird species, this area is home to elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, smaller kudus, and endangered Rothschild giraffes.
Game viewing
A guided game drive will provide you with an amazing experience during your visit because there is a lot of wildlife to see, including several of the Big Five, who are frequently spotted here. Many well-kept safari trucks could prefer a 4 X 4 wheel drive system to guarantee a comfortable ride. It takes two days to visit the park. Elephants, Rothschild giraffes, Common Zebras, Lesser Kudu, Buffalo, Water Buck, Bushbuck, Impala, Vervet Monkeys, Aardvark, Yellow Baboons, Grants Gazelle, Dik-dik, Cape hare, Warthog, Black-backed jackal, Duiker, Sykes monkeys, Genet cat, Slender mongoose, Stripped ground squirrel, Dwarf mongoose, Crested porcupine, Rock Hyrax, Tree Hyrax, and tortoises are some of the area’s main wildlife attractions.
Birdwatching
You can find anything here to occupy your binoculars for a day if you enjoy birdwatching. To see some water birds, one can go on a kenya wildlife safari game drive or take a boat ride to the islands. You can see more than 200 different kinds of birds making it a great birding safari in kenya destination while you’re there. Known for its waders and water birds, the reserve is home to more than two hundred different kinds of birds. Because of this, it was designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA). The reserve is thought to be the most straightforward covered area where the globally endangered and Kenya-endemic Hinde’s Babbler can be found.
Boat rides
A boat journey on the lake is rewarding because you can see many birds, crocodiles, and hippos while you’re on this lovely piece of water. Keep a look out for the lake showers, where a variety of creatures gather to drink; you might even spot a rare one.
Camping
The seven campsites in the reserve are uncrowded because not many people visit the area; most visitors choose the larger Safari Game area for more opportunities for wildlife spotting and exciting activities. Mbogo, Silvester, Mavuria, Kyangosi, Hippo-Point, Kanyonga, and Githechu are the seven camps.
How to get to Mwea National Reserve
We have the answer to your question on how to get from Nairobi to Mwea National Reserve. Mbeere District in Eastern Province is home to Mwea National Reserve, which is roughly 200 km from Nairobi. Small hills with bushy vegetation and sporadic huge trees make up the savannah habitat. Large trees and dense undergrowth can be found along the main rivers, while other places are open meadows. The primary characteristics include the hydroelectric dams at Kamburu, the meeting site of the Tana and Thiba rivers, and the Masinga, which supports a wide range of species. There are two ways to get to Mwea National Reserve: by car and by plane.
Mwea National Reserve by Road from Nairobi
Nairobi provides access to the reserve via Thika, Matuu, and Masinga Dam. 160 km of surfaced road lead to Masinga Dam Bridge; an additional 10 km of dirt road connects this point to Makima Gate. The other path is through Machanga and Embu. Take the Thika-Garissa to Embu-Siakago road for those who are less daring; it has excellent tarmac throughout and offers breathtaking vistas of the Yatta Plateau. Two hours. During the road transfer, you come across a lot of people, plantations, and the surrounding terrain, which makes for an amazing rural experience.
Mwea National Reserve
There are small planes that operate between Wilson Airport and Masinga Airstrip, which is close to Masinga Lodge. During your transfer, you will be rewarded with an amazing aerial perspective.
Accommodations in Mwea National Reserve
As a result of fewer visitors, shorter stays, and lower turn-up, Mwea National Reserve has a shortage of lodging options. The Reserve is roughly 200 kilometres from Nairobi in the Eastern Province’s Mbeere District. Small hills with dense undergrowth and sporadic huge trees make up the savannah habitat. Large trees and dense undergrowth can be found along the main rivers, while other places are open meadows. The primary characteristics are the hydroelectric dams at Kamburu and Masinga, which support a variety of species, and the confluence of the Tana and Thiba rivers.
The most common form of lodging here is camping because there are no lodges either inside or outside the park. At the park campsite, camping is permitted within the park. Because the park is completely wild, untouched, and pristine, folks who prefer outdoor adventures like camping will adore their visit here. Since you might not be able to get from the neighbouring location, you should bring extra food and drink for your stay. During your adventurous visit, make sure you bring extra supplies for your stay.
There are seven campsites in the reserve, but they are hardly crowded because most people choose the larger safari game park for more wild experiences and sightings. Among the seven camps are Githechu, Mbogo, Silvester, Mavuria, Kyangosi, Hippo-Point, and Kanyonga. You can, however, stay at Masinga Lodge, which is located near Masinga Dam and has camping areas at Mbogo, Silvester, Mavria, Kyangosi, Hippo Point, and Kanyonga.
When to visit?
The public is welcome to come and visit. Every year, Mwea National Reserve is open. Mpesa or cash must be paid at the entrance to get entry. Items to Bring bottled water, camping gear, and food for a picnic if you plan to remain overnight. A camera, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, binoculars, and guidebooks are also helpful.
