Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park is located in Karagwe, Karagwe district of Kagera region. The national park covers an area of 247 km2, which is named after the Karagwe kingdom that peaked in the 19th century under the leadership of King Rumanyika I Orugundu, who ruled from 1855 to 1882. The Karagwe kingdom started way back in 1450 bit it was the year 1962 when all kingdoms were established in Tanzania after gaining its independence. The Park was once gazetted as Rumanyika Orugundu Game Reserve in his honor under the regional administration until when become a national project to be managed directly by the wildlife division and later declared a national park in 2019.
The national park is home to a variety of wildlife such as giraffes, buffalos, impalas, zebras, buck bucks, waterbucks and blackbucks baboons in the northwestern corner of Tanzania makes Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park unique. The park also encompasses of equatorial mountain forest, at an altitude of over 1700mm and is among the few remaining vegetation types. The vegetation of Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park ranges from grasslands to medium-high equatorial forests, swamps and open water bodies.
Climate
The annual average rainfall receives at Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park varies from 729mm to 995mm. Thats to say, January and February a periods of marginal or no rainfall. The peak rainfall occurs from March to May and then September to December with relatively the periods from June to September. The mean maximum and minimal temperatures range from 26.2 degrees Celsius to 13.7 degrees Celsius respectively. the best time to visit the park is between January to February and the June to early September.
Tourist attractions in Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park
wildlife
Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park houses a numerous number and remarkable wildlife species that can be enjoyed while on a Tanzanian safari in the park. Visitors to this fascinating national park will be able to witness a variety of wildlife such as buffaloes, waterbucks, leopards, giraffes, impalas, zebras, hippos, lions, antelopes monkeys and baboons, and a great variety of birds.
Bird species
Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park encompasses numerous habitats that support a huge amount of birdlife from lakes, swamps, and equatorial forest to grasslands that bird enthusiasts can enjoy. Some of the birds to be sighted at Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park include, African wattled lapwing, grey-headed kingfishers as well as wildflowers and butterflies
Beautiful landscape
Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park is characterized by diverse vegetation types that reflect its unique ecological zones. The park features equatorial montane forests, grasslands, woodlands, valleys, thick bushes, and hills which support a rich array of fauna. Dominant tree species in the park include varieties of Albizia and various Acacia alongside indigenous hardwoods. The undergrowth is filled with fern, shrubs, and herbaceous plants, providing habitats for numerous bird species and small mammals. The park’s vegetation not only plays a crucial role in soil conservation and water retention but also supports traditional livelihoods for nearby communities emphasizing the importance of sustainable management.
Tourist activities in Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park
The park offers a lot of safari opportunities for tourists to enjoy the beauty of this stunning national park such as;
Wildlife viewing
Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park is a home to a variety of wildlife including buffaloes, waterbucks, leopards, giraffes, impalas, zebras, hippos, lions, antelopes’ monkeys and baboons, and a great variety of birds. Guided game drives and walking safaris provide an opportunity to observe these animals in their natural habitat. wildlife viewing safaris in the park are done on a 4×4 Wheel Vehicle and they offer an opportunity to up-close view of the animals which can give the best moment of experience.
Birdwatching
The park is home to over 300 species recorded, including endemic and migratory birds, bird watching is a popular activity in the park for enthusiasts. This is normally done from December to February and that’s the best time for birds’ migration. During your bird-watching tour, you will have the chance to spot a variety of bird species such as Grey-Headed Kingfishers, African Wattled Lapwing, African Fish Eagle, Crowned Eagle, African Jacana, Yellow-Billed Duck, Great Blue Turaco, White-Tailed Bue Flycatcher, Mountain Greenbul, Rufous-Chested Swallow, Red-Cheeked Cordon bleu, African Grey Parrot, D’Arnaud Barbet among others, the tourist who are most bird admirers during the birdwatching can spot a variety of bird species along the way in the park.
Hiking and nature trails.
The park features well-established hiking trails that allow visitors to explore diverse ecosystems, including forests, wetlands and savannah. Guided hikes are offered to enhance the experience and provide insights into the flora and fauna.
Cultural experience.
Engaging with local communities around the park can provide visitors with insights into the cultures and traditions of the indigenous tribes including the Bahaya and the Chaga. cultural tours may include traditional dances, local crafts, and farming practices.
Camping
Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park offers the best fascinating camping sites to its visitors who are eager to experience the awe- of the park’s scenery at night. The park offers a large space for camping where visitors come and pitch their own tents and enjoy the wildness that is the campfire and late in the night, stars in the sky and sounds of various animals and birds can be experienced
Photography
The scenic landscapes, dynamic wildlife, and vibrant local culture provide ample opportunities for photography. Visitors can capture the beauty of the park during various times of the day.
Relaxation and scenic views.
Visitors can simply enjoy the tranquil environment and stunning views, making it an excellent spot for relaxation and unwinding in nature.
Accommodation facilities in Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park
The park has various accommodation facilities that are divided into Budget, Mid-range, and luxury more are situated outside the park town such as Morongo, Kayanga, and Bukoba for the guests who would like to stay in accommodations such as Rumanyika game lodge, and many more these provide the best accommodation beddings to the guests during their visit.
Getting to Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park
The park can be reached either by road or air,
By road: The park is accessible by road from Bukoba town via Kyaka, Omurushaka to Nyakatuntu about 185 kilometers, or from Kayanga, Kigororgoro to Nyakatuntu about 85 kilometers. Travelers from Uganda can also access the park by traveling through the official border post at Kikagati or Murongo about 8 kilometers to the Rugasha entrance gate.
By air: The park can also be accessed from Bukoba and Chato airports to airstrips located at Ibanda in Karagwe district or Kagaga airstrip at Ibanda -Kyerwa National Park
