Ugalla River National Park is a lesser-known but stunning national park in Tanzania, covering an area of 3,865 square kilometers. It was established in 2019, upgrading the status of the former Ugalla River Game Reserve to a national park. The park is located in the Tabora Region, in western Tanzania, and is characterized by vast floodplains, miombo woodlands, and seasonal rivers, with the Ugalla River as its main water source. The park’s terrain is a mix of savannah, woodlands, and floodplains, with the Ugalla River serving as the lifeblood of the ecosystem. During the rainy season, the area floods, creating rich wetlands, while in the dry season, the water recedes, exposing lush grasslands where wildlife gathers.
Climate
Ugalla River National Park boasts a tropical savannah climate, characterized by two distinct seasons, a dry period and a wet period. The park’s unique location in western Tanzania yields warm temperatures and seasonal rainfall patterns.
Dry Season (June to October)
This period is optimal for observing wildlife, as animals congregate around the Ugalla River. Daytime temperatures are balmy, ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 15°C (59°F), especially in June and July. The scarcity of rainfall during this time causes vegetation to become arid and sparse, making wildlife spotting easier.
Wet Season (November to May)
The park experiences two primary rainy periods, the short rains (November to December) which brings intermittent rainfall accompanied by warm temperatures and the long rains (March to May), with heavier rainfall during this time can render some roads impassable.
Daytime temperatures remain warm, averaging 26°C to 32°C (79°F to 90°F). Higher humidity levels and lush vegetation characterize this season, making it ideal for birdwatching and taking in the scenic landscapes. However, the abundance of water sources causes wildlife to disperse, making sightings less frequent.
Best Time to Visit
Like all the other National parks in Tanzania, can be accessed all year round. However the dry seasons (June to October) is perfect for safaris and wildlife viewing due to the dry conditions and easier animal spotting and the wet season (November to May) offer breathtaking landscapes and excellent birdwatching opportunities, travel can be challenging due to muddy roads.
Attractions
Wildlife
Ugalla River National Park is renowned for its incredible array of wildlife, boasting an impressive checklist of animal species. The park’s diverse fauna includes the elusive Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, the majestic leopard, and the regal lion. Other notable inhabitants include the intelligent baboon, the formidable buffalo, and the elusive bush pig. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of antelope species, such as the dik-dik, East African bush duiker, eland, and impala.
Vegetation
The park’s vegetation is equally impressive, featuring a mix of Miombo woodland, hill-top miombo woodland, and grassland in the flood plain. The Miombo woodland is particularly significant, as it contains valuable timber species, including Petrocorp’s angiogenesis and Dalbergia melanoxylon. These woodlands provide a habitat for a wide range of wildlife, while also supporting the local ecosystem.
Ugalla River
Ugalla River, which runs through the heart of the park, is a lifeline for the wildlife that inhabits this stunning national park. During the dry season, the river provides a vital source of water, attracting a diverse array of wildlife. The river’s catchment area is characterized by shallow hills and valleys, which support a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, and zebras. As the river flows through the park, it creates a network of waterways, wetlands, and floodplains, which provide a habitat for numerous aquatic and terrestrial species.
Birdlife
For bird enthusiasts, Ugalla River National Park is a paradise. The park’s wetlands and waterways support a wide range of bird species, including the iconic shoebill stork, the majestic wattled crane, and the diminutive pygmy goose. The park’s birdlife is incredibly diverse, with numerous species of water birds, raptors, and songbirds. The swampy stretches of the Ugalla River, particularly in the western regions of the park, are a haven for birdwatchers, offering a unique opportunity to spot some of Africa’s most elusive and endangered bird species.
How to get to the park.
Ugalla River National Park, nestled in western Tanzania, presents a logistical challenge for visitors due to its isolated location. However, determined travelers can reach the park via two primary routes that is by either air or road.
By air.
The fastest and most convenient option is to fly into one of the nearby airports and then transfer to a 4×4 vehicle for the remaining journey. Tabora Airport and Kigoma Airport are the closest aviation hubs, situated approximately 250 kilometers and 400 kilometers from the park, respectively. Domestic flights from Dar es Salaam or Arusha can be taken to reach these airports, after which a rugged vehicle will be necessary to navigate the park’s terrain.
By road.
For the more adventurous and patient traveler, driving to Ugalla River National Park is a viable option. This route requires a sturdy 4WD vehicle, as the roads can be treacherous, especially during the rainy season. The journey from Tabora takes around 6-7 hours, while the route from Kigoma is longer, clocking in at approximately 8-10 hours. Travelers from Dar es Salaam should be prepared for a lengthy 15-18 hour drive via Dodoma and Tabora. Regardless of the chosen route, the stunning natural beauty of Ugalla River National Park makes the journey well worthwhile.
Things to do
Wildlife viewing.
Ugalla River National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, providing a sanctuary for a diverse array of animals, from the majestic to the miniature. The park is home to an impressive collection of fauna, including baboons, leopards, elephants, giraffes, hyenas, bush pigs, and zebras, among many others. The swampy sections of the park are a hotspot for spotting sitatunga antelopes, cape clawless otters, and other elusive creatures. During the dry season, the park’s wildlife converges on the river, offering a thrilling spectacle of lions, elephants, buffalos, and giraffes gathering to quench their thirst. Witnessing these animals in their natural habitats is an unforgettable experience.
Walking Safaris
Embark on an immersive adventure with a guided walking safari, allowing you to connect with the park’s stunning landscapes and incredible wildlife. Under the expert guidance of trained tour guides, you’ll traverse known trails, discovering the park’s hidden gems and encountering an array of wildlife species, including dik-dik, elephants, zebras, hyenas, and colorful bird species. Don’t forget your camera to capture the memories of your wild encounters and the breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Sport Fishing
Experience the thrill of sport fishing in the Ugalla River, where you’ll have the opportunity to try your hand at catching fish like the locals. With the guidance of experienced fishermen, you’ll learn the art of capturing fish without harming them, before releasing them back into the river. The most common catch is tilapia, but the real prize is the chance to spot other wildlife along the riverbanks and waterways, including crocodiles.
Birding Safaris
Ugalla River National Park is a birdwatcher’s dream destination, boasting an impressive array of bird species. The park’s freshwater shores are home to iconic species like wattled cranes and shoebill storks, which can be spotted swimming or flying overhead. Other bird species to look out for include pygmy geese, honeyguide greenbul, African paradise fly-catcher, and African emerald cuckoo, among many others. With your camera at the ready, you’ll capture memories of these incredible birds to share with loved ones back home.
Visiting the Bee Keeping Gardens
The Miombo woodlands and savannah grasslands surrounding the park provide an abundance of wildflowers, which bees harvest to produce honey. Visitors are invited to participate in the honey harvesting process, offering a unique and enjoyable experience.
Indulge in the sweet delights of Ugalla River National Park’s honey, while learning about the importance of bee conservation and sustainable practices.
Where to stay
Nestled in central-western Tanzania, approximately 119 kilometers from the town of Tabora, lies the breathtaking Ugalla River National Park. The park owes its name to the majestic Ugalla River, which meanders through its lush landscape. Elevated from a game reserve to a national park in 2019, Ugalla River National Park has become a prized gem among Tanzania’s protected areas.
What sets this park apart is its unique designation as a licensed reserve for honey gatherers and fishermen for six months of the year. Visitors can indulge in a variety of activities, including game viewing, hunting, and birdwatching, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. The dry season is the ideal time to visit the park, as the rainy season brings intense flooding, rendering the park inaccessible. However, during the dry season, Ugalla River National Park transforms into a haven for wildlife, attracting an abundance of animals such as hippos, crocodiles, elephants, sable antelopes, lions, topis, roans, wild dogs, and greater kudus.
For those seeking comfort and luxury, Ugalla River National Park is home to an array of stunning hotels and resorts, offering the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure such as Barcelona lodge, Deluxe lodge, Golden Eagle hotel, Katavi wildlife camp, Lupita Island, Tabora Belmonte Hotels, Grand Penta Hotel, Two in One Kirari Executive lodge, White Rose lodge among others.