Kigosi National Park : It was designed as a national park in in 2019. It is 8265 km2 in size and a part of the largest wetlands complex in East Africa, the Moyowosi/Malagarasi wetlands complex. The Malagarasi, Moyowosi, Ugalla, Kigosi, Nikonga, and Gombe (not to be confused with the Gombe Stream, where the chimpanzees dwell) are seven slow-moving rivers that wind their ways through a large and intricate network of marshes, plains lakes, and woodlands. In the end, these rivers merge to form the Malagarasi River, which flows into Lake Tanganyika in Ilagala. More than 92,000 sq. km. make up the entire system in area, making it bigger than the entire country of Portugal! It is thought to provide close to 30% of Lake Tanganyika’s freshwater.
The entire region has been recognized as a wetland of international significance (the Ramsar site). The Nikonga River joins the complex of the Moyowosi wetlands in the northeastern part of the complex, draining the shallow, undulating Miombo forests. This area is home to Kigosi National Park. Africa is gifted with an excessive quantity and quality of wildlife due to its difficult topography, which has prevented many areas from being traveled to or explored. The tall and magnificent wattled crane, as well as the uncommon and somewhat ominous shoebill stork, have their highest populations in Africa here.
KIGOSI NATIONAL PARK BY NATURE
The largest flocks of pygmy geese in Africa are present. The largest concentrations of Cape clawless otters in Africa can be found in the Moyowosi wetlands. Lion, leopard, buffalo, crocodile, topi, sitatunga, warthog, baboon, zebra, sable, roan, eland, bushbuck, Oribi, common and Bohor reedbuck, hyena, hippo, and Defassa waterbuck are just a few examples of the abundant big game. The landscape is interesting. Miombo woodlands surround vast lakes and marshes, many of which have floating palm and papyrus islands, and grassy flood plains dotted with palm trees. The water is as clear as gin. Many of the lion prides in this area have mastered the art of luring buffalo into small marshes, where they can be killed by drowning and then dragged out to be torn apart and eaten.
The 8,265 square kilometers of Miombo woodland that make up Tanzania’s exclusive and protected Kigosi Game Reserve are studded with open grasslands and interesting granite outcrops. Kigosi and its neighbor, the Moyowosi Game Reserve, are separated by the Moyowosi River. Beautiful riverine valleys, fresh springs, and waterholes are the result of the Moyowosi River’s winding tributaries.
The reserve’s southernmost region is mainly characterized by swampy terrain, while its northernmost region is dominated by dry forests. Rare water-loving species like the shoebill stork, wattled crane, and Pel’s fishing owl thrive in this kind of environment. The largest marsh and floodplain ecosystem in Tanzania is found at Kigosi, which is the ideal habitat for an abundance of species. Kigosi, albeit not a well-known travel location, has unquestionably earned its position there. The reserve is in the Kigoma Area and is reachable by both air and road. Commercial flights are available from Dar es Salaam’s international airport to Kigoma and Mwanza on Lake Victoria.
WILDLIFE
The lion populations in western Tanzania are well known, and Kigosi is no exception. The Miombo forests are home to big game in addition to lions. Many buffalo, sable, roan, kudu, leopards, and topis are present.
Sightings of the elusive, water-loving sitatunga in the south’s swamps For the Sitatunga, this is one of the biggest protected areas in East Africa. Waterbuck, hippo, and crocodiles have the ideal habitat in the wet areas. The marshes are also the ideal habitat for rare water birds, such as the great snipe, wattled cranes, and shoebills.
BIRDS AT KIGOSI GAME RESERVE
This wildlife reserve is home to a variety of bird species, including uncommon water-loving species like the wattled crane, pelicans, kingfishers, and shoebill storks. Because it is moist throughout the year, this game reserve is also the preferred location for bird breeding.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time of year to go is during the dry season, which lasts from June to September. The roads are less muddy and clearer. As the thickets thin, it becomes easier to see wildlife. The area gets a lot of rain between February and November, which causes flooding and swamping, especially in the southern part of the park.
ACTIVITIES TO DO WHILE IN THE KIGOSI GAME RESERVE
The game drive in the woodlands and on the plains, where you may use the car to get closer to the wildlife, is the main thing to do while visiting the Kigosi game reserve. Animals including lions, leopards, buffalos, baboons, and many more can be seen in the northern section of these game reserves. In the distance, you can also hear the lovely bird calls that will enchant you during the game drive. The southern region of this game reserve is home to the water-loving antelopes known as Sitatunga. Crocodiles, hippos, and waterbucks are some of the other wildlife that can be seen in this southern region.
Nature walks
As you will have the opportunity to go in groups and discover this lovely area on your feet, nature walks are the ideal and most exploratory experience. For protection from dangerous animals, armed rangers are typically present. Have the best opportunity to observe birds and animals in the distance.
Bird watching
There are also bird-watching opportunities here; the majority of the species are often found in the southern portion of this game reserve. For those who enjoy watching birds, it is a veritable wonderland as they flit from one tree to another.
KIGOSI DURING RAINY SEASONS
You must have rain boots, warm clothing, and rain clothing if you plan to explore Kigosi Game Reserve during a wet season. In fact, the guide will show you some stunning locations you may visit during the rainy season without encountering any issues or getting stuck in the mud. The iconic Toyota Land Cruiser GRJ7 Series A, which is straightforward and easy to maintain in African bushes, makes up about 99% of the vehicles used for tourism activities in Tanzania during the wet seasons. This vehicle is built to last because of its sturdy framework, rigid axle, strong diesel engine, and large (290-liter) fuel tank. In Tanzania, they have been utilized for tourism-related activities since the 1990s. The ease with which Land Cruisers can navigate through muddy puddles, rocky gravel, and deep water will astound you.
SAFARI AVAILABLE
When it comes to tourism, Kigosi is comparatively unknown. It’s one of those undiscovered locations that is primarily recognized for its environmentally friendly travel. As one of Tanzania’s least visited areas, the reserve currently focuses on tourism and provides privately led photographic safaris.
Safari-goers who are aware of the delights of Kigosi charter private jets to the area. Tourists will need permission to visit the reserve, and getting there is a journey in and of itself.
The reserve has 4WD pathways and trails that provide for a thrilling self-drive experience. Exploring unexplored areas in search of life, large wildlife, and magnificent landscape panoramas is undoubtedly the best thing you can do.
ACCOMMODATION
The reserve doesn’t offer any places to stay. Although it is advised, camping in the region requires permission from the locals. On the outskirts of the park, visitors can stay in conventional safari hotels and tented lodging or in modest A-frame tents at the neighboring Moyowosi Game Reserve.
