Tana River National Reserve- Self drive & Hikes in Kenya: 4×4 Africa.

Tana River Primate National Reserve is a former 170 square kilometres (66 sq mi) national wildlife reserve in south-eastern Kenya. It existed from 1976 to 2007.

Most of the area is semi-arid savanna but a small portion, about 13 square kilometres (5.0 sq mi), is made up of small patches of riverine forest.

Guided nature walks in the park offer you an opportunity to explore the diverse ecosystem, allowing visitors to observe a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lesser kudus, wild dogs, hyenas, leopards, lions, and cheetahs. The walks also offer opportunities to spot over 500 species of insects and 40 reptile species. These walks are led by experienced guides who share insights into the park’s flora, fauna, and conservation efforts.

Car Rental to Explore Tana River National Reserve?

Planning self drive Safari with the great opportunity to visit Tana River National Reserve? Contact our team of experts from 4×4 Africa who offer you reliable 4×4 Landcruiser with rooftop tent for Private guided adventures.  Get the best car rental deal for your Safari to explore the key Safari activities below.

• Guided nature walks
• Fishing
• Visiting Kora National Park
• Tana River Primate Reserve

Safari activities in Tana Primate Reserve

The lush river forest patches are remainders of western African forests. The river cuts through dry woodland and open savannah. Recorded bird species there number 262, and at least 57 species of mammals live there. There are several endemic tree species as well as a variety of other animals and plants.

Many of the bird and animal species in the reserve are unusual in East Africa, being typical of Central Africa’s lowland rainforest. The white-winged apalis is extremely rare. The African openbill stork, martial eagle, bat hawk, African pygmy-falcon, African barred owlet, scaly babbler, black-bellied glossy-starling, and golden pipit are also rare. Recent research has shown that, if restored, this area could act as a refugium for wildlife with moderate levels of climate change.

The Park inhabits various species that can be watched in their natural habitat. There are Tana River Red Colobus which are arboreal and diurnal, primarily feeding on young leaves, fruits, and flowers in the evergreen closed canopy of the gallery forest.

There are also the Tana River Mangabeys which are endangered and feed on seeds, fruits, and insects across the forest floor in large troops.

Other than these, watch wildlife animals like the elephants, hippos, gazelles, duikers, giraffes, lions, waterbucks, bush squirrels, and crocodiles.

Flora in the Park

The Park consists of diverse vegetation cover which comprises of 175 species of trees, some bush, and areas of grasslands. It includes 71 distinct patches of lush riverine forest, forming part of a mosaic of habitats that encompasses grassland, wooded grassland, bushland, and deciduous woodland.

How to Get to the Park

The park is suitably located about 10 kilometers from Garsen Town in Tana River County requiring travelers to move using Road as they transfer in 4WD vehicles traversing from one point to another.

Activities to do in Park

• Guided Nature Walks

Guided Nature Walks are exceptional to do in the park as you get a chance to explore the diverse ecosystems and observe wildlife in their natural habitats.

• Bird Watching

With over 260 bird species, the reserve is a haven for bird enthusiasts.

• Cultural Visits

Learn about the traditions and lifestyles of the local Pokomo community.

• Photography

Capture the unique flora and fauna of the reserve

Best Time to Visit

The optimal time to visit the Tana River Primate National Reserve is during the dry season, from July to October. During this period, wildlife is more concentrated around water sources, and access roads are more navigable.