Where to stay in Mwea National Reserve
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Overview
Mwea National Reserve covers about 42 km² in Embu County, about three hours from Nairobi. It was gazetted in 1976 and lies where the Tana and Thiba rivers meet, beside the Kamburu Dam.
The reserve is made of dry bush, baobabs and the shores of the dams.
Mwea is quiet and little visited, with campsites, game drives and good birding.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Wildlife
Elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo and several antelope live in the reserve.
Birds
The dam shores are good for waterbirds.
Best Time to Visit
Short answer: June to October and January to February, during the dry seasons.
| Months | Season | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Jan – Feb | Short dry season | Warm, dry and good for game viewing. |
| Mar – May | Long rains | Green and quiet. Some tracks can be muddy. |
| Jun – Oct | Long dry season | The best game viewing and the busiest time. |
| Nov – Dec | Short rains | Afternoon showers and green landscapes. |
Bring your own food and water.
Getting There
By air
| Airport | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO), Nairobi | Most international visitors | About 3 hours by road. |
By road
From Nairobi, take the Thika highway and the Embu road, then follow the signs to the reserve.
Entrance & Fees
Kenya Wildlife Service charges a daily conservation fee per person, paid electronically through eCitizen. Mwea is in the special interest category.
| Visitor | Adult | Child / student |
|---|---|---|
| Non-resident | US$40 | US$20 |
| African citizen | US$20 | US$10 |
| Kenyan resident | KSh 675 | KSh 350 |
| East African citizen | KSh 500 | KSh 250 |
Confirm the current rates on the KWS website before you go.
Fees last checked October 2026 against the KWS conservation fees schedule (October 2025).
