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Mchelelo Bandas

Travellers to Tana River Primate National Reserve can find accommodation at the Mchelelo Bandas within Mchelelo Research Camp run as a research base by the Institute of Primate Research under the aegis of National Museums of Kenya. Like Tana River Primate National Reserve where it sits, Mchelelo was established to provide a research base where this species and its habitat can be conserved.

Mchelelo Bandas offers basic but comfortable self-catering tented camps with showers and WCs, and a campsite. From the convenience of the camp you can visit the 16.25 ha Mchelelo West Forest and with little effort analyze some of the differences in feeding behaviour of the Tana mangabey, reflecting changes in food availability and underscoring the degree of behavioural and ecological plasticity.

The species is common around Mchelelo camp, agreeably happy on the makuti thatched bandas, swooping with a thump to the tin roofs, but is also present among the tree canopies. Since the gazettement of Tana Primate National Reserve, in 1970, the endangered Tana mangabeys have regenerated, primarily along forest edges where human activities have decreased. Local communities living around the primate reserve are actively involved in its management and conservation.

Although human disturbance of the forested edge has thankfully waned over time, the degree of illegal elephant killing in turn increased resulting in the annihilation of the lower Tana River elephant population by 1989. Those planning a visit to the Mchelelo Bandas should book in advance by contacting NMK at Tel +254 20 3742161-4, by email: nmk@museums.or.ke, or visiting http://www.museums.or.ke.


Staying at the Kenya Wildlife Service run guest houses, within the national parks, provides a budget-friendly, memorable and alternative experience for safari and nature enthusiasts, offering a chance to immerse youself, your family and friends in the beautiful wildlife spectacles – all while enjoying comfortable amenities.


outlook

Tana River County is a rewarding destination for travelers interested in exploring off-the-beaten-path locations in Kenya. River Tana is the longest river in Kenya, flowing through the county and offering opportunities for riverine activities such as boat cruises, fishing, and birdwatching. Tana River County is home to the Orma and Pokomo ethnic groups, each with rich cultural traditions, music, and dances.

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Tana River County has a hot and dry climate with average annual temperatures of 30oC; the highest,41oC, is in January-March and the lowest being 20o C in June-July. Rainfall is low, bi-modal, and erratic.