The Tana River National Primate Reserve was gazetted in 1976 to protect the Lower Tana riverine forests and two highly endangered primates, the mangabey and the Tana River red colobus. The reserve consists mainly of patches of riperian forest extending for 16 km along the meandering course of the Lower Tana River, 350 km east of Nairobi and 240 km north of Mombasa.
At the time of establishment, the reserve occupied approximately 171 km of forest, dry woodland and savanna habitat on the east and west of the Lower Tana River. 16 patches of forests ranging from 10 to 625 hectares in size fall within the reserve.
Climatic conditions – The climate is generally hot and dry
Major attractions – River Tana; Tana River Primate National Reserve is a mixture of savannah and riverine forest; game viewing; bird watching; endangered primate watching
Wildlife – Grevy’s zebra, the Maasai and reticulated giraffe, oryx, buffalo and lesser kudu. The river hosts plenty of crocodile and hippo, and the variety of water birds is not to be missed. Endemic red colobus and mangabey monkeys are found here.
Access – Road: The reserve is accessible via the Malindi-Garissa road. Located 250 km north of Mombasa on the Malindi to Garissa road
Accommodation – Campsites, Bandas, Trails
Best time to visit – All year round
Activities – Walking, game viewing, bird watching, primates watching