Ibanda Kyerwa National Park

Overview

Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park is a hidden gem located in the far northwest of Tanzania, in the Kagera Region, near the border with Rwanda and Uganda. Officially designated as a national park in 2019, this park was formerly known as Ibanda Game Reserve and is now managed by Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA).
Spanning approximately 200 square kilometers, Ibanda-Kyerwa is one of Tanzania’s smallest and most secluded national parks. It offers a raw and unspoiled safari experience, rich in wildlife, scenic beauty, and cultural heritage — but with virtually no crowds. Its remote location makes it ideal for adventurous travelers and conservation enthusiasts eager to explore Tanzania’s less-traveled northern frontier.

Location and Accessibility

Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park lies in the Kagera Region, bordering Uganda to the north and Rwanda to the west, near Lake Victoria. The closest town is Murongo, and the Kagera River flows along the park’s edge, forming a natural boundary.
Getting There:

• By Air: The nearest airport is Bukoba Airport. From there, one can travel overland to the park — roughly a 6- to 8-hour drive on mostly unpaved roads.
• By Road: Access is possible by 4WD from Bukoba, Muleba, or Karagwe. Due to poor infrastructure, road travel is challenging and best done in the dry season.

Because it’s still developing as a tourist destination, infrastructure remains minimal — which contributes to its untouched atmosphere.

Landscape and Ecosystems

The park lies within the East African savannah-woodland belt, with a mix of:

• Open grasslands
• Acacia woodlands
• Riverine forests along the Kagera River
• Seasonal swamps and wetlands

The terrain is gently rolling with scattered hills, providing scenic views across the park. During the rainy season, the landscape turns lush and green, while in the dry season, wildlife congregates around permanent water sources, making for easier viewing.
The Kagera River, one of Africa’s great rivers and the source of the Nile, is a defining feature of the park and supports both wildlife and birdlife year-round.

Wildlife

Though not as densely populated as Serengeti or Ruaha, Ibanda-Kyerwa hosts a surprising diversity of wildlife, particularly during the dry season.
Common Species:

• Buffaloes – Large herds roam the open plains.
• Elephants – Occasionally seen near the river and woodlands.
• Topis – Among the park’s signature species.
• Waterbucks, reedbucks, and bushbucks
• Warthogs, giraffes, and zebras
• Baboons, vervet monkeys, and bush babies

Predators:

• Leopards – Rarely seen, but present in forested areas.
• Hyenas – More commonly sighted, especially near the plains.
• Jackals and possibly civets and genets

While lions and cheetahs are not confirmed as permanent residents, seasonal migrations and occasional sightings may occur from neighboring areas.

Birdlife

Ibanda-Kyerwa is an excellent birding destination, particularly because of its wetlands and proximity to the Kagera River. More than 200 species of birds have been recorded or are expected in the area.
Notable birds include:

• African fish eagle
• Malachite kingfisher
• Saddle-billed stork
• Grey crowned crane
• Weavers, sunbirds, and various raptors
• Migratory waterbirds from Europe during the green season

For birdwatchers, the riverine areas and floodplains offer rich rewards, especially from November to April.

Safari Activities

As a relatively undeveloped park, Ibanda-Kyerwa offers a more raw and flexible safari experience, suitable for private guides or travelers seeking exploration rather than luxury.
Available activities include:

• Game Drives – Best in the dry season (June–October) when wildlife congregates around the Kagera River and open plains.
• Walking Safaris – Likely possible with armed rangers; an immersive way to explore the wilderness.
• Birdwatching – Particularly productive in the wet season.
• Cultural Visits – Opportunities exist to visit nearby Karagwe communities, known for their rich cultural history and traditional lifestyles.

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (June to October) – Ideal for wildlife viewing, as vegetation thins out and animals gather at water sources.
• Wet Season (November to April) – The park becomes lush and green, birding is at its best, and landscapes are photogenic. However, road access can be poor.

The park is open year-round, but dry season is recommended for general safari travel.

Accommodation

As of now, there are no formal lodges or camps within Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park. Visitors must either:

• Camp within the park (with permission from TANAPA)
• Stay in basic guesthouses in nearby towns like Murongo or Karagwe
• Arrange mobile camps through a licensed tour operator

Given the park’s potential, private investments and eco-lodges may emerge in the coming years.

Conservation and Significance

Ibanda-Kyerwa’s upgrade to national park status reflects Tanzania’s commitment to preserving lesser-known ecosystems. It serves as an important refuge for wildlife displaced by human encroachment and offers cross-border ecological continuity with Uganda and Rwanda.
Key conservation goals include:

• Preventing poaching and illegal grazing
• Promoting community conservation partnerships
• Developing sustainable tourism to fund park operations and local development

By visiting, tourists can directly support both the park’s conservation and the economic upliftment of surrounding rural communities.

Why Visit Ibanda-Kyerwa?

This park is perfect for:

• Off-the-beaten-path explorers
• Birders and nature lovers seeking solitude
• Conservation-minded travelers
• Cultural tourists interested in combining nature with history and heritage

In a country known for famous destinations like Serengeti and Ngorongoro, Ibanda-Kyerwa offers a chance to discover Africa at its quietest and most authentic.

Quick Facts

• Location: Kagera Region, northwest Tanzania
• Size: Approx. 200 km²
• Bordering: Uganda (north), Rwanda (west)
• Best Time to Visit: June–October (dry), November–April (wet for birds)
• Famous For: Remote wilderness, diverse birdlife, cultural heritage
• Key Wildlife: Buffalo, elephants, topis, leopards, hyenas, 200+ bird species
• Activities: Game drives, walking safaris, birdwatching, cultural visits
• Accessibility: 6-8 hour drive from Bukoba Airport on unpaved roads