Ibanda Kyerwa National Park is one of Tanzania’s newest national parks, located in the Kagera Region, near the borders of Uganda and Rwanda. It was upgraded from a game reserve to a national park in 2019 and covers approximately 200 square kilometers. Despite being smaller than other Tanzanian parks, it offers a pristine and remote safari experience with rich biodiversity and beautiful landscapes. The park is less crowded, offering an exclusive safari experience compared to more famous destinations like Serengeti or Ngorongoro. The park features a mix of savannah grasslands, woodlands, providing cover for predators and primates and the Kagera River, a key water source, attracting wildlife, especially during the dry season. The Kagera River, which flows along the park’s boundary, also forms part of Tanzania’s border with Rwanda and Uganda.
How to get to the park
Reaching Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park is a relatively straightforward process, by either road or air.
By road.
For those who prefer to drive, the park is accessible via a well-maintained road network. One option is to take the route from Bukoba to Morongo, which spans approximately 220 kilometers. Alternatively, visitors can travel from Chaco to Morongo, covering a distance of around 327 kilometers. Additionally, the park can be reached from neighboring Uganda via the charming town of Morongo, which lies just 3.5 kilometers from the park’s entrance. This convenient proximity makes Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park an ideal destination for those exploring the region.
By air
Visitors who opt to travel by air, scheduled flights can be taken to either chats or Kigoma Airports, both of which offer convenient access to the park. Upon arrival, visitors can arrange for transportation to the park, which is typically a short and scenic drive. Regardless of the chosen mode of transportation, the journey to Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park is sure to be an exciting and memorable experience, culminating in the opportunity to explore one of Tanzania’s most breathtaking natural treasures.
What to see
Wildlife
Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, boasting an impressive array of species that inhabit its lush landscapes. The park is home to a diverse range of antelopes, including the majestic eland, agile impala, shy reedbuck, and elusive bushbuck, which roam freely throughout the park.
One of the park’s standout attractions is the presence of large herds of roan antelopes, known for their striking appearance and impressive horns. These magnificent creatures can be seen grazing in the park’s grasslands and woodlands, offering a thrilling sight for visitors.
In addition to its antelope populations, Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park is also home to a variety of other wildlife species. Buffaloes and hippos can be found in the Kagera River and in several lakes and swamps scattered throughout the park, providing a glimpse into the lives of these semi-aquatic creatures.
The park’s predator population is equally impressive, with leopards, hyenas, and other carnivores playing a vital role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. These skilled hunters can be seen stalking their prey in the park’s woodlands and grasslands, offering a glimpse into the eternal cycle of life and death in the wild.
Overall, Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park offers a unique and unforgettable wildlife experience, with its diverse range of species and habitats providing a true marvel of nature.
Kagera River
The Kagera River is one of Tanzania’s most significant waterways, serving as a natural boundary between Tanzania and Rwanda. This majestic river separates not only the two nations but also two renowned national parks: Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park in Tanzania and Akagera National Park in Rwanda. Furthermore, the Kagera River forms a northern boundary with Uganda, making it easily accessible from all three countries. This unique geography allows visitors from Uganda and Rwanda to conveniently explore the park’s natural wonders.
Savannah Grasslands
Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park boasts an expansive savannah grassland, dotted with scattered individual trees. This landscape serves as a vital habitat for the park’s diverse wildlife, providing shelter, food, and breeding grounds. The savannah grassland is also the park’s main attraction, drawing tourists from far and wide. The open grasslands offer breathtaking vistas, while the scattered trees provide shade and a sense of tranquility, making it an ideal setting for game drives, birdwatching, and nature walks.
Birdlife
Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting an incredible array of avifauna. The park’s diverse habitats, including savannah grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands, support a wide range of bird species. Visitors can spot a variety of shorebirds, such as the African jacana, black-winged stilt, and wattled plover, along the park’s wetlands and riverine areas.
The park is also home to several raptor species, including the martial eagle, tawny eagle, and lanner falcon, which can be seen soaring overhead or perched in trees. Water birds, such as the African fish eagle, grey heron, and purple heron, can be spotted in the park’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands. The savannah grasslands are home to a variety of bird species, including the ostrich, Kori bustard, and secretary bird.
Birdwatching enthusiasts can enjoy a range of activities in the park, including guided bird walks, game drives, and boat safaris. Guided bird walks provide an opportunity to explore the park’s diverse habitats with a knowledgeable guide, while game drives allow visitors to spot birds in their natural habitats. Boat safaris offer a unique perspective on the park’s water birds and shorebirds, providing a thrilling experience for birdwatchers.
Activities done in the park.
Game Drives
Embark on an exhilarating game drive through Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park, where vast grasslands, scattered acacia trees, rolling hills, and the winding Kagera River set the stage for an unforgettable safari. Game drives typically take place early in the morning and late in the afternoon, when wildlife is most active, providing prime opportunities to witness the park’s incredible biodiversity. As you traverse the park with an experienced guide, you’ll have the chance to observe a variety of animals in their natural habitat, including buffalo, leopards, hippos, giraffes, zebras, Thomson’s gazelles, baboons, elands, waterbucks, reedbucks, topis, roan antelopes, and impalas, among others.
Birdwatching
With over 300 recorded bird species, Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts. The park’s diverse ecosystems—from woodlands and open plains to scattered lakes, valleys, and meandering rivers—attract both migratory and endemic birds. While exploring the park, birdwatchers can spot a variety of fascinating species, including the Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Great Blue Turaco, Purple-Breasted Sunbird, African Thrush, Blue-Headed Sunbird, Black-Headed Gonolek, Grey Crowned Crane, Red-Rumped Tinkerbird, Black Bee-Eater, Black-Capped Apalis, Black-Throated Apalis, Blue-Breasted Kingfisher, Shoebill Stork, African Fish Eagle, African Olive Pigeon, Augur Buzzard, Bar-Tailed Trogon, Bearded Vulture, Black Saw-Wing, Egyptian Goose, Great Crested Grebe, and Hartlaub’s Little Grebe. The combination of tranquil surroundings and rich avian diversity makes for an extraordinary birdwatching experience.
Nature Walks
For those looking to explore the park on foot, guided nature walks provide a unique way to connect with the environment. Led by experienced ranger guides, these 2-3 hour treks take visitors through scenic trails, allowing for an up-close look at the park’s flora and fauna. Walking safaris offer a chance to observe insects, butterflies, and diverse plant species that might be overlooked during a traditional game drive. As you hike, enjoy the refreshing breeze, panoramic views of rolling hills, and the melodious sounds of various bird species. These guided walks offer a peaceful yet engaging way to immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of the park.
Camping Safaris
For a deeper connection with nature, camping in Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park offers an unforgettable experience under the starlit African sky. Designated campsites, equipped with basic amenities, allow visitors to fully embrace the wilderness. Evenings around a campfire create a sense of camaraderie among fellow travelers, as stories and experiences are shared beneath the vast, open sky. The sounds of nocturnal wildlife add to the magic of the night, providing an immersive and adventurous atmosphere. Waking up to the gentle calls of birds and the golden glow of sunrise makes for an extraordinary start to the day, leaving campers with memories that will last a lifetime.
When to visit
The ideal time to visit Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park largely depends on your preferred activities and experiences. Generally, the park can be visited year-round, but the dry and wet seasons offer distinct advantages.
Dry Season (June to October)
The dry season, spanning from June to October, is considered the best period for wildlife viewing in Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park. During this time, animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot. The roads and trails are also more accessible, ensuring smooth and enjoyable game drives. Additionally, the dry season presents a lower risk of malaria due to fewer mosquitoes, and the temperatures are pleasant, with warm days and cool nights.
However, it’s worth noting that the landscape may appear drier and less lush during the dry season, which might detract from the overall aesthetic experience.
Wet Season (November to May)
In contrast, the wet season, which runs from November to May, is perfect for birdwatching enthusiasts and those who appreciate scenic beauty. The park transforms into a lush and green oasis, creating breathtaking landscapes. This period also marks the arrival of migratory birds, making it an excellent time for birdwatching. Furthermore, the wet season attracts fewer tourists, providing a more peaceful and serene experience.
However, it’s essential to be aware that some roads may become muddy and challenging to navigate during the wet season. Additionally, the abundance of water sources during this time can cause wildlife to disperse, making them more difficult to spot.