About:
Masinga Dam is a large reservoir along the Tana river that stores water for the Kamburu Hydro-electric power plant downstream.
The Road:
About 170kms from Nairobi along the Thika-Matuu road. Good tarmac all the way, not much traffic.
Accommodation:
Masinga Dam Resort, run by Tana Athi River Development Authority (TARDA). Self contained rooms as well as basic and executive tents are available. Secure, fully fenced site with security. Prices range from Kshs. 600 for basic tents to Kshs. 3,000 for a double executive room (Rates for Bed Only -Option of B&B, HB or FB available). The resort overlooks the dam.
Restaurant and lounge/bar. Food is generic, but the kienyeji chicken & roast potatoes was superb.
View of dam from the Resort
Opinion:
An accessible, comfortable place, good for a stress-free weekend getaway. Family friendly as well - lots of space for kids, with a mini playground, volleyball court and pool (which was out of service).
Sunset gold
Of Interest:
The dam is said to measure 120sq km in area and is a popular venue for watersports event. This year, however, it is completely empty. A disturbing scenario...
Proof of Empty - this is usually deep underwater
Broken earth - the environment cries out
