Ugalla River National Park
OVERVIEW
Once a game reserve in 1965 dotted by thousands of miombo woodlands and grasslands. It was a place where honey gatherers and fishermen were permitted to visit for harvesting honey and fish for just six months per year. Later in 2019 the reserve was upgraded to a national park rank with a total coverage area of 5000km2 under Tanzania National Park Authority.
Ugalla River National Park is located in west-central Tanzania specifically in Tabora region. Featuring Ugalla river the river flows slowly westwards beyond the boundaries of the park into the wetlands of the Moyowosi swamps which will eventually drain into Lake Tanganyika.
WILDLIFE
The miombo woodlands and tall grass savannah in the park are home to animals like lions, leopards, giraffes, antelopes, buffalos, zebra and baboons. Moreover hartebeests, greater kudu, wild dogs, oribi, jackals, reedbucks and cape clawless otters are present. The park also hosts water birds, migrant and static birds like wattled cranes, shoe bills stork and pygmy geese. The presence of Ugalla River where the park’s name originates it inhabits reptiles including hippos and crocodiles.
WHY VISIT UGALLA RIVER
The abundance of animals, bees that produce honey and birds are indicators of nature alive. Also the presence of stunning landscapes like Ugalla River which runs through the mid of the park will attract your visit in the area.
HOW TO GET THERE
By road, the park can be accessed by a four wheel car which is 100km from Tabora town.
By Air, private charters can transfer you from Arusha or Dar Es Salaam and land at Ugalla, Muhuba or Siri airstrip.
ACTIVITIES
There are woodlands which dive you opportunity to conduct game viewing and walking safari and bird watching. You can as well do honey gathering because of the availability of many bees but also the spectacular view of Ugalla river and the close landscapes can motivate you to take photos making it part of photographic tourism.
WHEN TO GO
The scenery experiences both dry and wet seasons that range from June to October and January to April respectively. Because of road accessibility the best times to explore in this attractive wilderness is during the dry season of June – October for a lot of animals tend to concentrate in Ugalla River.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Private camping are allowed and arranged through TANAPA headquarters in Arusha. However there are hotels and lodges located on the outskirt of the park and have fundamental amenities.
The hotels are found in Mpanda district and Tabora region including Mpanda lodge situated a kilometer away from Mpanda railway station, deluxe lodge situated 500m from the station and Kinday lodge also in Mpanda. All the lodges offer food, rest and beverage services hence making you feel comfortable.