Ugalla River National Park

Location: Tabora Region, Western Tanzania
Best Time to Visit: June to October (dry season) and November to May (wet season for lush landscapes and migratory birds)
Famous For: Untouched wilderness, rare antelope species, extensive wetlands, birdwatching
Ecosystem: Miombo woodlands, seasonal floodplains, grassy swamps, riverine forests
Key Wildlife: Elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, sable and roan antelope, hippos, crocodiles, wild dogs, over 400 bird species

Overview

Ugalla River National Park is a vast, untamed wilderness in western Tanzania offering an authentic and raw African safari experience. Established as a national park in 2019, it spans approximately 3,865 square kilometers and centers around the seasonal Ugalla River. The park features expansive miombo woodlands, floodplains, and wetlands that attract diverse wildlife. It’s a prime destination for those seeking solitude and rare species off the beaten safari tracks.

Location and Accessibility

Located in the Tabora Region, Ugalla is accessible by long, rough roads requiring a 4WD vehicle, or by small charter flights to nearby airstrips. The nearest regional airport is Tabora. Due to poor road conditions, it is best visited in the dry season.

Landscape and Ecosystems

The Ugalla River creates vast wetlands and seasonal floodplains amid miombo woodlands and riverine forests. During the rainy season, much of the park floods, transforming it into a lush, vibrant oasis. In the dry season, wildlife concentrates near water sources, creating excellent viewing opportunities.

Wildlife of Ugalla

Mammals found here include elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, rare sable and roan antelope, topi, hartebeest, impala, hippos, crocodiles, wild dogs, and numerous smaller grazers.
Birdlife is rich, with over 400 species such as Pel’s fishing owl, African fish eagle, saddle-billed stork, goliath heron, martial eagle, and various bee-eaters and kingfishers.
The Ugalla River supports aquatic species including tilapia, catfish, and lungfish.

Activities in the Park

1. Game Drives

Best during dry months, game drives offer chances to see rare antelopes and big cats.

2. Boat Safaris

When water levels allow, boat trips provide close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and birds.

3. Walking Safaris

Guided walks with TANAPA rangers immerse visitors in the wilderness through tracking and wildlife observation.

4. Birdwatching

The park’s diverse habitats attract resident and migratory birds, especially December to March.

Best Time to Visit

Dry Season (June to October)

Optimal for wildlife viewing and road accessibility.

Wet Season (November to May)

Lush green scenery with abundant birds, but some areas may be inaccessible.

Accommodation

Options are extremely limited:

• Basic camping sites (supplies and tents must be brought by visitors)
• Mobile safaris organized by specialist operators
• Guesthouses in nearby towns like Urambo or Tabora

Conservation and Significance

The park protects vital wetlands, serves as a migration corridor, conserves rare species, and provides freshwater for wildlife and communities. Its recent national park status means conservation and tourism infrastructure are still developing, offering potential for sustainable ecotourism.

Why Visit Ugalla?

Ugalla is perfect for wilderness lovers, birdwatchers, photographers, and those seeking remote, pristine African safari experiences far from tourist crowds.

Quick Facts

• Location: Tabora Region, Western Tanzania
• Size: Approximately 3,865 km²
• Accessibility: Long 4WD road journeys or charter flights to nearby airstrips
• Best Time to Visit: June–October (dry), November–May (wet for birdwatching)
• Famous For: Remote wilderness, rare antelope species, rich birdlife
• Key Wildlife: Elephants, lions, leopards, sable and roan antelope, hippos, crocodiles
• Activities: Game drives, boat safaris, walking safaris, birdwatching
• Accommodation: Camping, mobile safaris, guesthouses in nearby towns