Mto

Mto means river.

Tana River County

Hola was the site of the 1959 Hola Massacre of 11 Mau Mau detainees, a landmark in the independence struggle.

Capital: Hola
People: 316k
Area: 35,376 km²
Altitude: 60 m

Why it matters

Hola was the site of the 1959 Hola Massacre of 11 Mau Mau detainees, a landmark in the independence struggle. The Tana Delta is a Ramsar wetland of international importance.

The economy

Farming, livestock and fishing sustain most households, helped by the Bura and Tarda irrigation schemes. Mangoes are grown on a large scale.

Must-see in Tana River

Tana River Primate National Reserve
Riverine forest sheltering the endangered Tana River red colobus and mangabey.
Tana River Delta
Mangroves, floodplains and lakes rich in waterbirds, hippos and crocodiles.
Kipini
A fishing village where the Tana meets the sea, linked to the hero Fumo Liyongo.
Kora National Park
Wild bush country where conservationist George Adamson is buried.
Garsen market
A gateway town where Pokomo and Orma traders sell rice, mangoes and livestock.
Hola Massacre memorial
A monument to the Mau Mau detainees killed at Hola.

Parks and wildlife in Tana River

Peoples of Tana River

Communities with a historic home in Tana River. Today people from every part of Kenya live and work here.

Music, food and culture

Pokomo and Orma communities gather for song, dance and shared meals, and Orma herders are known for their sky-blue cloaks. Local food includes coconut fish, pilau and mahamri with chai.

Best time to go

January to March is prime birding time, when migrant waders arrive. April to June rains can flood tracks, and travellers should check current advisories.

On the map

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Tana River and its neighbours. Tap a county or a place to read about it.

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Your questions

When is the best time to visit Tana River?

January to March is prime birding time, when migrant waders arrive. April to June rains can flood tracks, and travellers should check current advisories.

What is Tana River County known for?

Hola was the site of the 1959 Hola Massacre of 11 Mau Mau detainees, a landmark in the independence struggle. The Tana Delta is a Ramsar wetland of international importance.

Where is Tana River and what is its capital?

The county is named after the Tana, Kenya's longest river, which winds through semi-arid plains to a vast delta. Pokomo farmers live along the river, while the Orma and Wardei are traditionally herders. It is remote, wild and seldom visited. The county capital is Hola, and the 2019 census counted 315,943 people across about 35,376 square kilometres.

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A giraffe and acacia tree silhouetted against a Kenyan sunset

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