Coast >> Tana River Delta

Tana River Delta is situated on the North Kenya coast; the mighty waters of the Tana River meet the sea in a massive River Delta. The Tana River Delta at the mouth of Kenya’s longest river is the largest and most unique delta wetland ecosystem in Kenya. It is 150 kilometers due North of Mombasa and 50 kilomtres due South of Lamu.

This isolated region is a truly unique location, where the great inland wilderness of the North meets the beauty of the coast. The delta has a variety of wetland habitats e.g. splash riverine forests, mangrove forests, flood plains grasslands and bush lands with 300 recorded plant species, 18 of which are rare. The Tana delta is a place of spectacular panoramic views, encompassing a scrubland teeming with game and birds and the endless rolling sands of deserted beaches.

This wide river delta is ideal for birding with over 200 recorded species. The thick thorn scrub around the river is home to Topi, Buffalo, Waterbuck and the rare Tana River Bushbuck. The bush here is wild, undisturbed and ripe for exploration. To the West is the Tana River Primate Reserve, and there are large troops of baboons and other primates throughout the area. A trip on the river is perfect for birding, and will pass by plenty of both Hippoand Crocodile.

This remote coastline was historically mostly deserted and undisturbed. These waters were an important route of passage for Swahili sailors moving from Lamu south towards Malindi. The waters of the Tana itself have always been the lifeblood of the Pokomo people. The Pokomo live along the Tana in small villages of 10 -60 houses. Traditionally agricultural, the Pokomo have long used the banks of the Tana to grow maize, sugar cane and plantains. Fish play an important part in their diet, and hippo and crocodile were once hunted for meat.

Pokomo culture is based around a complex social hierarchy, and at the heart of this agricultural community is a strong faith in a concept of communal spirit and cooperation. This principle, known as Sindikia involves all members of the Pokomo community rallying together in times of seasonal labour, such as planting and harvesting, to work together for the good of all. Similarly, in times of personal difficulty or misfortune, any member of a Pokomo community can rely on the assistance and support of his community through the widely respected Sindikia system.

This spectacular landscape is where the great African Wilderness meets the great Beaches of the Indian Ocean. The coastline here is wild and undisturbed, and beyond the beaches and rolling dunes lies the river delta and forests alive with game.

The beaches of the Delta are ideal for anyone who really want to 'get away from it all'. Inland, the promise of a safari into the wilderness of the Tana awaits. In season (December- March), big game fishing can be arranged from Tana River Delta Camp. Fully equipped and crewed boast are available for full or half day charter. The main game fish include Sailfish and Marlin, Kingfish, Wahoo, Horse Mackerel and others. Fishing in the Tana River itself is also possible, and can be easily arranged at the Camp. This is a relaxing way to spend the afternoon, combining fishing with game viewing as you drift by pods of hippo and basking crocodiles.