List of Game Reserves in Tanzania: Tanzania’s game reserves are vital for wildlife conservation and biodiversity. Established to protect diverse ecosystems, these reserves offer unique experiences for visitors, showcasing Africa’s rich wildlife. Key reserves include Selous and Grumeti renowned for their stunning landscapes and abundant animal populations, making Tanzania a prime destination for eco-tourism and adventure.
Selous Game Reserve
The Selous Game Reserve, now partially designed as Nyerere National Park, is a protected wilderness area located in southern Tanzania, east Africa. The reserve covers an area of approximately 50,000 square kilomates, with additional buffer zones, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 due to its exceptional biodiverse and vast, unspoiled natural landscapes, including expansive grasslands and miombo woodlands.
This remarkable park is home to some of Africa’s largest and most iconic species, many of which are vulnerable or endangered. Notable inhabitants include bush elephants, black rhino cries, hippopotami, lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, pained dogs, cape buffalo, Maasai giraffes, plain zebras, white-bearded gnu and the giant Nile crocodiles.
Grumeti Game Reserve
Grumeti Game Reserve is a remarkable wildlife sanctuary located in the western region of Tanzania, close to the Serengeti National Park. Encompassing an area of approximately 411 square kilometers, it offered a pristine habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna. the reserve was established in 1993, with a commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism that helps protect wildlife and ecosystems while benefiting local communities.
One of the most enchanting features of Grumeti Game Reserve Grumeti Game Reserve is its stunning landscapes, which range from rolling grasslands to lush riverine forests. It serves as a migration corridor for herds great migration, where thousands of wildebeests and zebras cross the landscape in search of grazing grounds.
It is one of the best places in East Africa to see large lion pride. There’s also a good chance that you’ll see cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, wildebeest, waterbucks, elands, kudu, bushbucks, zebra and black-and-white colobus monkeys, as well as hippo and crocodile.
Grumeti Game Reserve is home to a variety of bird species including migratory species such as Common ostrich, helmeted guineafowl, Kori bustard, white-bellied bustard, ross’s turaco, and white-browed coucal among others.
Mpanga-Kipengere Game Reserve
Mpanga-Kipengere Game Reserve is a reserve that borders three districts namely Wanging’ombe to the East, Makete to the South, and Mbarali to the North and North-West. The reserve forms part of what is known as the “Southern Highlands.” The highlands form a Great Arc of high ground 1,300 – 3,000 meters. The Reserve with a total size of 1,574.25 square kilometers was gazetted on 25th October 2002. Mpanga-Kipengere Game Reserve has unique flora and fauna and scenic beauty. The cultural heritage features of Mkwawa Hide and Kimani waterfalls are very attractive for nature tourism.
The Kipengere ranges, Mpanga highlands, and Chafukwe mountains are lovely landscapes for recreation, where tourists can enjoy the beautiful scenery of green mountains, plains, and dramatic valleys. The mountains are ideal for trekking, mountaineering, walking, and hiking. Visiting the reserve is quite special and a lifetime experience. Mpanga-Kipengere Game Reserve is known for its diverse ecosystems and rich wildlife, making it an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts. Some of the notable wildlife include Buffalo, Lions, Leopards, Hyenas, Greater Kudu, Common duiker, Baboon, Steinbuck, Dik-dik, klipspringer, and Senegal dwarf galago among others. The reserve is home to a wide variety of birds, including the African Fish Eagle, Grey-headed Kingfisher, and several species of weavers, attracting avid birdwatchers.
The reserve is also home to beautiful natural wonders including cascading waterfalls of special hydrological features, rivers, and beautiful flowers. Plant species with attractive flowers include tuberous orchids, Helichrysum species, Protea group, rhizome, and corm bearing Iridaceous species.
Swaga Swaga Game Reserve
Swaga Swaga Game Reserve is situated in the northwest of the Dodoma region in Tanzania, specifically nestled within the Batata District. It is situated approximately 50.6 miles from the city of Babati, making it accessible yet relatively off-the-beaten-path for travelers. The reserve was officially gazetted in 1997 by upgrading Songa and Simbo Forest Reserves, Swaga Swaga Game Controlled Area, and Handa Forest. The Reserve has an area of 871 km2 which lies in Chemba and Kondoa districts in Dodoma region and a small piece of land falls in Singida District in Singida Region.
The name Swaga Swaga is anchored back to the colonial epoch when the Arabs created a route from the interior part of Tanganyika heading to Tanga via the Singida region which was used to transport slaves, ivory, and other products for shipping to Asia. When executing their business, the Arabs used to say “Songa Songa” to instruct slaves to move forward. Then, the native of Mtiryangwi village in Kondoa district called the forest where the route was traversing “Songa” to commemorate the event.
Swaga Swaga Game Reserve is famous for being a sanctuary for over 102 lions. Offering them with safe habitat amidst threats from habitat loss and poaching. In addition, visitors can encounter a diverse array of wildlife including Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra, Buffalo, Impala, Leopard, and Spotted Hyen to mention but few. The Reserve is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, harboring over 300 recorded bird species, making it an attractive destination for bird lovers.
Moyowosi Game Reserve
Moyowosi Game Reserve is located in the western part of Tanzania, close to the border with Burundi, in the Kigoma region. It borders Ugalla River National Park and Kigosi National Park, making it an important part of a larger conservation area. The reserve spans approximately area of 11,430 square kilometers, providing a vast and diverse habitat for many species of wildlife. Established in 1981 by upgrading Moyowosi Game Controlled area. Moyowosi Game Reserve is also part of the Malagarasi-Muyovozi Ramsar Site which is the third largest in the world and the first Ramsar Site to be declared in Tanzania. Moyowosi Game Reserve serves as a protected space for animals and plants, ensuring that the natural beauty of the region remains intact. The reserve was named after an important river called Moyowosi. According to the Ha tribe, the name Moyowosi originated from “Muyovozi” which means “a huge river which flows throughout the year and is difficult to cross”.
Moyowosi Game Reserve is endowed with unique features comprising water bodies like Lakes, Rivers, and Swamps. Moyowosi River runs in the Eastern part of the reserve marking the boundary between Moyowosi Game Reserve and Kigosi National Park while Malagarasi River flows along the southwestern western of the reserve marking the boundary with Makere Forest Reserve. The rivers within the Reserve are the important source of water for Lake Tanganyika and the only area in East Africa where slander-snouted crocodiles have been recorded.
The reserve is home to Four of the Big Five game animals except Rhino are found in the reserve. You can find many animals including large populations of Buffalo, Topi, and Elands. Elephants, giraffes, Zebra, Sable antelopes, Roan Antelopes, Greater Kudu, Hippos, Reedbucks, Waterbucks, Hyenas, and Jackals are found also found in the area. Visitors can spot beautiful birds such as shoebill stork, wattled crane, herons, plovers, spoonbills, African open bills, yellow-billed stork, saddle-billed stork, African fish eagle, bateleur, and white-backed vultures among others. Visitors to the reserve have the chance to engage in activities such as Game drives, Walking safaris, Birdwatching and Sportfishing among others
Uwanda Game Reserve,
Uwanda Game Reserve, also known as Uwanda Rukwa Game Reserve, is located in Rukwa Valley in southwestern Tanzania. This beautiful reserve covers an area of about 4100 square kilometers and includes the nearby half of Lake Rukwa. Established in 1971, Uwanda Game Reserve is an extension of Katavi National Park, making it a vital part of the local ecology. The reserve is known for its remarkable landscapes, ranging from grasslands to wetlands, which provide a home to various wildlife species.
The wildlife in Uwanda Game Reserve is diverse and abundant. Visitors can encounter many wildlife including crocodiles and hippos; and fish species such as tilapia and mudfish. The shores of the lake attract game such as elephant, buffalo, zebra, topi, puku, eland and kudu. Other animals: Antelopes, giraffes, reedbucks, and leopards. Over 400 species of birds have been recorded in the reserve. Some of these include red sharks, woodpeckers, grey parrots, pelicans, lesser flamingo,s and the African skimmer. Visitors while on a Tanzania to the reserve can engage in activities such as game drives, Birdwatching, Guided nature walks, Fishing, and boat cruises among others.
Msanjesi Game Reserve
Msanjesi Game Reserve is a hidden gem in Tanzania located in the hinterlands of Nanyumbu District within the Mtwara Region, the entrance to the reserves is located a mere 2,5 kilometers from Mpombe village. This Reserve is bordered by several notable geographical landmarks and communities, making it an undiscovered treasure for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Msanjesi Game Reserve is bordered by districts such as Masai to the north and Newala to the east. The closest major city is Mtwara, which lies to the southeast near the Indian Ocean, serving as an important access point for tourists to the region.
In close proximity to Msanjesi Game Reserve is the Selous Game Reserve now renamed as Nyerere National Park designated as a national park in 2019. A UNESCO World Heritage Site is known as the largest national park in Tanzania and also one of the world’s largest wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Selous Game Reserve is approximately 60 km to the southwest of Msanjesi and is acclaimed for its biodiversity including the large population of elephants and African wild dog. More so, the reserve is also close to the Udzungwa Mountains National Park, known for its endemic species of plants and animals.
Msanjesi Game Reserve is home to a wide array of wildlife, making it a significant destination for wildlife safaris in Tanzania. The reserve hosts various species including elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and smaller antelopes such as bushbucks and impalas. The reserve is also home to various species of reptiles such as crocodiles and snakes, which can be found within the waterways and grasslands.
Kizigo Game Reserve
Kizigo Game Reserve is located in the southern part of Tanzania, especially within the Iringa region. The Reserve is also located between the Ruaha National Park and the more remote grasslands of the region. It also provides a crucial wildlife corridor. Its strategic location allows for each access to other nearby conservation areas, making it a significant site for both wildlife and ecological research.
The Reserve started at the confluence of the Nzombe and Kizigo Rivers the boundary follows upstream along the right east bank of the Kizigo River to the confluence of the Kizigo and Jamono Rivers; then the boundary Singida – Manyoni District. 4,000 square kilometers follow upstream along the right-hand bank of the Jamono River to the site of Nayirago village; from here the boundary follows a demarcated and graded line in a south-easterly direction to the boundary of the Rungwa Game Reserve near the old site of Usuhilo village; from along the boundary of the Rungwa Game Reserve to where it meets the Nzombe river; thence downstream along the north bank of the Nzombe river to the point of commencement.”
Established in 1997, the Kizigo game reserve covers an area of approximately 2,000 square kilometers. Kizigo Game Reserve is home to a variety of wildlife species, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, Nile crocodiles, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and several antelope species such as kudu and impalas. Bird watchers also appreciate the reserve for its extensive bird population. Featuring species such as the African fish eagle, grey-headed kingfisher, yellow-billed stork, and greater honeyguide among others.
Kijereshi Game Reserve
Kijereshi Game Reserve is part of the Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem which forms an integral part of the Western Corridor for the Great wildebeest’s migration. Kijereshi Game Reserve is situated in the northwestern part of Serengeti National Park and surrounded by districts like Magu district, and Bariadi districts of Simiyu region in Tanzania mainland. In the western part Kijereshi Game Reserve is bordering with Lukungu village, Mwabayanda, Mwakiroba, Kijilishi, Nyamikoma, and Senta villages are all bordering Kijereshi Game Reserve on the southern side. Kijereshi Game Reserve covers an area of approximately 66 square kilometers and encompasses lush and open plains. The reserve was established in 1994, making it one of the oldest game reserves in the country.
One of the most exciting features of Kijereshi Game Reserve is its diverse array of wildlife including mammals’ birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates that thrive in the lush riverine forest, open grassland, and wooded grassland. The habitat diversity ranging from open grasslands to thickets and woodlands, creates a unique ecosystem that supports the dynamic interplay of fora and fauna.
Kijereshi Game Reserve is home to numerous and rich variety of wildlife species including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Wildlife species that call the reserve home mammals, and reptiles include wildebeest, spotted hyenas, and bushbucks among others. Kijereshi Game Reserve is a paradise for birding safaris in Tanzania, boasting over 300 species of birds. Some of the bird species found in the reserve’s boundaries include the Common ostrich, white-faced whistling- duck, and helmeted guineafowl among others.
