- Seguku Katale. Kampala
Kigosi National Park
Kigosi National Park
The Kigosi National Park is a protected area located in Shinyanga Region, Geita Region and northwest Tabora Region of Tanzania. The National Park has an area of 8265 km2 and is a part of the largest wetlands complex in East Africa, the Moyowosi/Malagarasi wetlands complex. The National Park was established in 2019 to protect the abundant diversity within the region.
The winding and turning tributaries of the Moyowosi River are responsible for exquisite riverine valleys, fresh springs and waterholes. To the south of the national park, you will witness much of the swampy terrain, while the drier woodlands dominate the northern part. The diverse environment in the National Park is just perfect for different wildlife and birdlife that has flourished in the area. The Swampy environment is the perfect habitat for rare water-loving birds such as the shoebill stork, wattled crane and Pel’s fishing-owl.
The landscape here is fascinating. 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 asgin. 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 eaten in pieces. Safaris here are really rewarding despite challenging in nature.
Thewetland and flood plains in Kigosi National Park
Kigosi houses Tanzania’s biggest wetland and floodplain ecosystem – a perfect environment for abundant wildlife.
The Malagarasi, Moyowosi, Nikonga, Ugalla, Kigosi, Nikonga, and Gombe are seven slow-moving rivers that weave their course through a vast and intricate network of marshes, plains lakes, and woodlands. These rivers should not be confused with the Gombe Stream where the chimps dwell. In the end, these rivers merge to form the Malagarasi River, which flows into Lake Tanganyika in Ilagala. With a total area of almost 92,000 square kilometers, the system is larger than the entire country of Portugal.
Wetland and flood plains in Kigosi National Park in the area which makes it larger than the whole of Portugal are estimated that to supplies almost 30% of Lake Tanganyika’s freshwater. The area is designated as a wetland of international Importance (Ramsar site).
Wildlife in Kigosi National Park
The National Park has a challenging terrain and not much of its parts have been explored on safaris by visitors, despite being endowed with an extravagant quantity and quality of wildlife. It is home to Africa’s largest populations of that rare and somewhat sinister stork, the shoebill, as well as the tall and elegant wattled crane. Safaris here are really challenging however rewarding at the same time.
The area is also home to huge flocks of pygmy geese (probably Africa’s largest). The Moyowosi wetlands also have Africa’s largest populations of Cape clawless otters. Big game abounds – Lion, leopard, buffalo, crocodile, topi, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, sitatunga, warthog, baboon, zebra, sable, roan, eland, bushbuck, oribi, common and Bohor reedbuck, hyena, hippo, and Defassa waterbuck.
Things to do
Several activities can be done in the national park. In the woodlands and plains, one can go game viewing by car, while shallow-draft inflatables and punt-style boats are perfect for enjoying the lakes and marshes. Walking safaris are also possible.
Best time to visit
Despite being open all year round, Safaris to Kigosi National Park during the rains in November – December and March – April will limit your safari activities to those that are based mostly around boating on the swamps.
The dry season extends from June to September is usually the best time to visit Kigosi National Park for safaris. During this period, the rains are few and the terrains are much dry and can allow you to navigate through easily. The other reason is that spotting wildlife becomes much easy than during the dry season that is associated with foliage.
How to get there?
This park can be accessed from private charter to bush airstrips, although access by road is also possible. We recommend a chattered flight since it is time conscious.
