Tana River Primate National Reserve
The Tana River Primate National Reserve is a former 170 square kilometers (66 sq. mi) national wildlife reserve in south –eastern Kenya. It existed from 1976 to 2007 to protect the endangered species of the two species of monkeys crested Mangebay and the red colobus monkey. Tana River primate national reserve is crossed by one of the largest rivers of Kenya that is the Tana River, the river is one of the main sources of life in most parts of the country streamlined with rainforests and dramatic waterfalls before flowing into the Indian Ocean.
The reserve is situated in Bohoni town in the coastal area of Kenya characterized by woodlands, savannah grasslands, riparian forests, it was established to create for some of the world’s endangered inhabitants that live within the reserve.
Attractions in Tana River Primate national reserve.
Wildlife.
The reserve is a home to various wildlife such as the hartebeest found around the Eastern banks, Mangebay, red tailed colobus monkey, hippos, Nile crocodiles, zebras, Maasai giraffe, Oryx, Lesser kudu, Sykes monkey, pythons, yellow baboons and many others.
Birds.
Tana River Primate national reserve is a haven of over 200 species of birds in the reserve like the bat hawk, golden pipit, pygmy falcon, African open billed stork, African barren owlet, white winged apalis, open billed stork, scaly babbler, red tailed ant thrush, black bellied starling and among many to thrill while on Kenya Safaris Tours.
Ferry crossing.
Ferry crossing at the last bridge of the river which is called Garsen truly an adventure crossing to the 50 kilometers riverine belt of dramatic wildlife and the birds from the western banks to the forests.
Activities done in the reserve.
White water rafting.
Water rafting is one of the main tourist activities at Tana River, there are boats for hire to be used with life jackets within the reserve training can also be done for amateurs in rafting the duration of rafting will depend on water levels, the best time for this is from April to July and from November to January.
Bungee jumping.
This is an action –filled recreational activity that involves head-first jumping from a tall structure with an elastic cord attached into participants’ feet in the reserve.
Fishing.
Fishing is a great tourist activity to the guests, it is done in River Tana this is where the guests participate in fishing in the river.
Bird watching.
Tana River Primate national reserve is blessed with over 200 species in the reserve. During bird watching in the reserve the guests can be able to spot various bird species in the reserve like the African open billed, bat hawk, golden pipit, pygmy falcon, African barren owlet, glossy starling, white winged apalis, open billed stork, scaly babbler, red tailed ant thrush, black billed and many others.
Wildlife viewing.
Tana River Primate national reserve offers the great and amazing game viewing to the guests in the reserve, the guests in the reserve can be able to spot various animal species during game viewing like the hartebeest on the eastern banks, Mangebay, red tailed colobus monkey, hippos, buffalos, Nile crocodiles, zebras, Maasai giraffes, Oryx, lesser kudu, pythons, Sykes monkey, yellow baboons and among others.
Where to stay in Tana River Primate national reserve.
There are reserved places where one can stay during his or her trip in the reserve, these places range from the Budget, Mid- range, luxury accommodations such as Peponi hotel, Manda bay, Majlis hotel, the reserve has got the camping sites such as the Tana Delta camp, Mchelelo Research camp and many others.
Best time to visit Tana River Primate National resereve.
The best time to visit the reserve is from April to July, and from November to January. The ferry crossing at the last bridge of the river known as Garsen is truly an adventure crossing to the 50 kilometers riverine belt on dramatic wildlife and birds from the western banks to the forests.
How to get to Tana River Primate National Reserve.
Tana River Primate National Reserve can be accessed by both road and air transport from Nairobi to the reserve.
By Road means.
From Nairobi you take the A2 highway to Thika, then you turn east on the A3 turning south on to the B8 to Garsen about 10 km before Garissa, 4WD. The distance between Nairobi and Tana River reserve is 540.0 km through the A3 and B8 which takes you about 7 hours and 50 minutes.
By Flight means.
The reserve also can be accessed by the charter flights which can be arranged from Malindi or Mombasa. This takes about 50 minutes in a flight.
Tana River Primate National Reserve was established to protect the endangered species of the two species of monkeys crested Mangebay and the red colobus monkey.
