Ugalla River National Park
The Ugalla River National Park is found in the Tabora Region, of west-central Tanzania. The site covers 3,865 square kilometers (1,492.28 sq mi). It is bounded on the south by the Ugalla River. The National Park was established in 2019 after the Tanzanian parliament separated part of the Ugalla River Game Reserve to form a national park. It is located in the central-western part of Tanzania, in the eastern part of Lake Tanganyika. The whole area is a spacious landscape dominated by Miombo forests and high grassy savannas inhabited by buffaloes, elephants, leopards, giraffes, zebras, etc.
Ugalla’s claim to fame is its exceptional landscapes and high densities of predators. The grassy floodplains punctuated by fan palms flank the river, while further afield the Miombo woodlands define the more inland sectors of the reserve. Small hilly termite mounds interrupt the flat landscape, providing good vantage points for predators to spot prey. Wild dogs, lions, and elephants thrive on this intricate landscape.
The Ugalla River which runs through the middle of the park acts as an attraction to the Reserve. Hippos, Crocodiles, Elephant sables, Lions, Topi, Roan, Wild dogs, and Greater kudu can be viewed in the Park
Kiwoito Africa Safaris can access Ugalla River Game Reserve from either of the gateway towns of Arusha or Dar es Salaam. The small domestic Urambo Airport is the closest airport to Ugalla.
Wildlife
The river drains a vast landscape of shallow hills and valleys dominated by Miombo woodlands and tall grass savannas that are home to elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, etc., and also the largest herds of sable and roan antelope to be found in Tanzania. In the swampy stretches to the west are found the swamp-dwelling Sitatunga antelope, Cape clawless otters, and a host of exciting water birds such as shoebill storks, wattled cranes, pygmy geese, etc. In the dry season lasting from July to October, these animals concentrate more and more on the Ugalla river and it becomes a place where exciting wildlife lies around almost every corner. Hippo and crocodile abound in the river, and indeed the Ugalla River is reputed to have some of the largest crocodiles ever recorded in Africa. During the wet season they are feeding on catfish and other fish but as the dry season progresses they supplement their diet with animals coming down to drink may grow to over 21 feet in length. Game viewing will focus mostly on the river itself following its endless twists and loops and beautiful overlooks. Groves of huge trees are scattered along the banks offering wonderful places to camp or perhaps just relax for a mid-day picnic or coffee break as you watch wildlife all around you. The Ugalla River flows slowly westwards beyond the boundaries of the National park into the complex waterways and wetlands of the Moyowosi Swamps, which will eventually drain into Lake Tanganyika. This vast and remote domain must surely be one of the greatest unexplored wildlife treasures of all of Africa.
Getting there
Air. Ugalla is accessible at all times by private charter. Road. The Park is accessible by 4-wheel drive vehicle in the dry season from June to October.
Climate
Temperature The temperature ranges between 130 C to 410 C depending on the area elevation.
Rainfall
Rain seasons are between January to April. This is a wonderful time for birdlife watchers although accessibility through most of the roads becomes impossible because of heavy rains
Safari Ideas
Ugalla National Park is centrally located between the National Parks Kigosi, Mahale, Katavi, and Ruaha. It is wild and remote and makes a great compliment to itineraries that feature National Parks
