A Tanzania Safari Adventure in Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park
Ibanda Kyerwa is one of the least visited national parks in Tanzania, with visitor statistics frequently absent from popular sources. The Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park, previously Ibanda Game Reserve, is a national park in Tanzania. Originally established in 1974, it was designated a national park in 2019, has an area of 200 square kilometres. This stunning national park was first gazetted as game reserve in 1974 and later upgraded as a national park in 2019.
The Park is located in the north west of Tanzania where it borders Rwanda to the west and shares a short boundary with Akagera National Park. The actual Park boundary is the Kagera River. To the north the Park shares a boundary with Uganda where again the actual boundary is the Kagera River.
This stunning national park is encompassed by open Acacia savannahs, with some of them medium grass are characteristic of this remote and beautiful corner of Tanzania, a line of rolling hills and valleys to the west and south border a central basin with low hills and plains dissected by seasonal rivers and with scattered lakes and swamps.
The park is truly special, featuring a mix of attractions like savannahs, lakes, rivers, and swamps, all home to a wide range of wildlife. You’ll find a variety of animals here, including Buffaloes, Leopard, Hippopotamus, Roan Antelope, Topi, Eland, Waterbuck and Impala are everywhere inhabiting as well as many species of birds. The area was the ancestral home to the Nyambo community and a domain of the former Karagwe Kingdom prior to European Colonialism.
Climate and weather of Ibanda-Kyerwa
The park experiences two rainy periods each year: the short rains happen from October to November, while the long rains occur from March to May. If you’re planning a visit, the ideal times are from July to September and December to February.
Tourist attractions
The Park is exceptional gifted with a variety of attractions ranging from savannah, hills and plains inhabited with different kinds of wildlife.
Wildlife
Ibanda-Kyerwa is a home to variety of stunning wildlife species such as Plains game, especially topi, eland, impala, waterbuck, reedbuck and bushbuck are everywhere. Roan antelopes known for their size and striking appearance, can be spotted in large groups. You’ll also find plenty of buffalos in the rea. There are currently no lion in Ibanda, and so the main large predators are leopard and hyena. The Kagera River and some nearby lakes and swamps are teeming with hippos and crocodiles. The Thomson gazelles and baboons can also be spotted here.
Kagera River
The Kagera River is one of the biggest rivers in Tanzania and serves as a natural border with Rwanda. It divides the two countries and also separates their national parks: Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park in Tanzania and Akagera National Park in Rwanda. Additionally, to the north, the river acts as a boundary with Uganda, making it convenient for visitors from both Uganda and Rwanda. The grassy banks leading down to heavy vegetation with forest trees and palms, and there are places with beautiful overlooks of the river where one can relax with a picnic or take a tea break during a game drive.
Vegetation
Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park features vast savannah grasslands dotted with individual trees. This unique landscape provides a habitat for a variety of wildlife, making it a key part of the park’s ecosystem. The savannah grasslands are the park’s main draw for visitors, who come to enjoy the beautiful scenery and observe the diverse animals that call this area home.
Birdlife
For bird lovers this place, is a bird watching paradise. More than 200 species of birds have been recorded. The park is a haven of bird species such as the African fish eagle, African olive pigeon, Augur buzzard, Bar-tailed trogon, Beared vulture, Black saw-wing, Egyptian goose, Great creasted grebe, Hartlaub’s little grebe, Narina trogon, Peregrine and many more
Tourist activities
Game Drive:
A game drive in Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park is an exciting way to explore the wildlife from the comfort of a vehicle. The park is encompassed by open savannah grasslands, the scattered acacias, hills, Kagera river. During your game drive safari, you’ll have a chance to Buffaloes, Leopard, Hippopotamus, Roan Antelope, Topi, Eland, Waterbuck and Impala as you drive through the park’s scenic landscapes, all while guided by knowledgeable park rangers. Don’t wait come and explore the nature!
Walking Safari:
For the tourists that wish to see nature in close proximity, walking is an ideal activity to do. Experience the park up close with a walking safari, where you can venture on foot through the stunning landscapes. This activity which is normally accompanied by an armed ranger will give an opportunity to see wildlife in a close encounter. Guided by trained experts, you’ll learn about the flora and fauna while observing animals in their natural habitat. This immersive experience allows you to truly connect with the environment.
Night Game Drive:
Embark on a night game drive for a unique adventure in Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park. As the sun sets, different animals emerge, including nocturnal species. Riding in a safari vehicle equipped with spotlights, you’ll marvel at the sights and sounds of the night, creating unforgettable memories along the way.
Birdwatching:
Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park is one of the birdwatching paradises. the park is home to more than 200 species of birds can be seen here. The park has a variety of natural vegetation ranging from savannah woodlands, plains, hills, valleys and rivers acting as the habitats for birdlife. During your birdwatching tour, you will have the chance to spot different bird such as African fish eagle, African olive pigeon, augur buzzard, bar-tailed trogon, black saw-wing, cinnamon –chested bee-eater, Egyptian goose, great creasted grebe and hartlaub’s little grebe among others.
Picnicking:
Take a break and enjoy a relaxing picnic in designated areas of Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park. Surrounded by nature, you can savor your meal while listening to the sounds of wildlife nearby. It’s a perfect way to unwind and appreciate the beautiful scenery during your visit.
Camping:
Camping in Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park offers a chance to sleep under the stars and immerse yourself in nature. With designated campgrounds, you can enjoy the thrill of outdoor living while being close to wildlife and stunning landscapes, making it an adventurous experience for all nature lovers.
How to get to Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park
By Air: The park can be accessed by flight through Bukoba or Chato Airports, which light aircrafts can fly to Ibanda Karagwe district or to an airstrip located inside the park.
By Road: The park can also be reached by road from Bukoba to Murongo through Omurushaka which is about 221km or from Biharamulo, Benako, Omurushaka to Murongo roughly 327km and also from Uganda through the official border post at Kikagati/Murongo about 4km to Kifurusa gate.
Accommodation facilities in Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park
Currently there is a public camping sites where you can arrange your own camp. Camping can be arranged through the park authorities at National Park sites, and simple accommodations are available in the nearest town Murongo which is about 3 and half km from the park boundary. Simple accommodations are available in the nearest town Murongo which is about 3 and half km from the park boundary.
