Kizigo Game Reserve

Kizigo Game Reserve is situated in the southern portion of Tanzania, specifically within Iringa. The Reserve is situated between Ruaha National Park and the more secluded grasslands of the area. It additionally offers an essential wildlife corridor. Its strategic location facilitates access to other protected areas, rendering it a crucial site for animal and ecological research.

The Reserve commences at the junction of the Nzombe and Kizigo rivers, with the boundary extending upstream along the eastern right bank of the Kizigo river to the confluence of the Kizigo and Jamono rivers; thereafter, the boundary delineates the Singida – Manyoni District. 4,000 square kilometers extends upstream along the right bank of the Jamono River to Nayirago village; from this point, the boundary proceeds along a marked and graded line in a southeast direction to the boundary of the Rungwa Game Reserve near the former site of Usuhilo village; it then follows the boundary of the Rungwa Game Reserve to its intersection with the Nzombe River; subsequently, it continues downstream along the northern bank of the Nzombe River to the point of commencement.

Kizigo Game Reserve, established in 1997, encompasses over 2,000 square kilometers. It was established to safeguard the varied habitat types, including miombo woods, savannahs, and wetlands. The reserve sought to conserve the area’s abundant biodiversity while fostering sustainable tourism.

Kizigo Game Reserve hosts a diverse array of wildlife species, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, Nile crocodiles, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and other antelope species such as kudu and impalas. Bird watchers value the area for its diverse avian population. Including species such as the African fish eagle, grey-headed kingfisher, yellow-billed stork, and greater honeyguide, among others.

The reserve’s varied environment serves as a refuge for both large mammals and numerous smaller species, rendering it essential for biodiversity conservation.

Tourist activities to do at Kizigo Game Reserve

Bird watching

Kizigo Game Reserve is an avian enthusiast’s utopia. Exhibiting a remarkable variety of avian species. During your birdwatching safaris, you will encounter a vibrant array of bird species, including migratory varieties. Birds that can be observed include the Kori bustard, lilac-breasted roller, banded martin, woodland kingfisher, African openbill, African fish eagle, grey-headed kingfisher, yellow-billed stork, and greater honeyguide, among others. A birding tour will provide an opportunity to observe the vibrant treetops of Kizigo from a fresh perspective.

Safari adventures

Game drives in Kizigo Game Reserve provide exhilarating opportunity to discover the region’s natural animal beauty. Game drives in the reserve occur early in the morning and late in the afternoon in a safari 4×4 vehicle. On your game drive trips, you will get the opportunity to observe several animal species, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, Nile crocodiles, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and multiple species of antelopes. The drives provide distinct viewpoints of the ecology and abundant opportunities for memorable photography.

Guided walks

This excursion allows guests to discover the reserve’s concealed treasures on foot, accompanied by armed park officers. These rangers possess extensive knowledge of the reserve’s several walking trails. The Reserve provides short excursions lasting around 1-2 hours and extended walks exceeding 3 hours. During your guided excursions, you will have the opportunity to observe creatures in their natural habitat, examine flora and trees, appreciate vibrant birds, and relish the tranquil surroundings.

Photography

Photography aficionados will discover Kizigo Game Reserve to be a breathtaking tableau replete with scenic vistas and remarkable fauna. The Reserve’s vivid hues and varied environment offer numerous opportunity for captivating photographs. A guided photography trip provides insights into capturing exquisite photographs, guaranteeing that each visit in the Reserve is unforgettable.

Cultural tours

Cultural tours at Kizigo Game Reserve enable guests to interact with local communities and immerse themselves in their rich traditions. During the cultural tours, you will engage with the local populace, gaining insights into their lifestyle, culture, attire, history, observing their residences, hearing historical narratives, sampling traditional cuisine, visiting their agricultural grounds, and purchasing various goods, among other activities.

Best time to visit Kizigo Game Reserve

Kizigo Game Reserve is accessible year-round, albeit the dry seasons are the most advisable periods for visitation. Typically conducted from June to October, owing to reduced foliage in the reserve, which facilitates unobstructed views of wildlife grazing in the expansive terrain. In the dry season, animals congregate around water sources to hydrate, providing an opportunity for exceptional wildlife observation and photography.

How to access the Reserve

Access to Kizigo Game Reserve is available via road or plane, contingent upon the traveler’s preference.

Most journeys to Kizigo Game Reserve commence from Julius Nyerere Airport in Dar-es-Salaam. The travel requires approximately 10 to 12 hours. Visitors to Kizigo Game Reserve can conveniently combine their trip with Ruaha National Park and Mikumi National Park, as the travel time between the reserve and these parks is approximately five hours.

For air travel, you may utilize chartered or scheduled flights, such as Auric Link or Coastal Aviation. The flights depart from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Kigoma, and Dodoma to Msembe airstrip and Jongomero airstrip in the Ruaha Iringa region, followed by a drive to Kizigo Game Reserve.

Lodges in Kizigo Game Reserve

The Reserve may lack permanent lodges for safaris; nonetheless, travelers on Tanzania safaris have the option of staying in the adjacent Ruaha National Park. The park offers many housing options, including cheap, mid-range, and premium facilities. The facilities include Kigali Camp, Jongomero Camp, Ruaha River Lodge, Mwagusi Safari Camp, Tandala Tented Camp, Sunset Mountain Lodge, Ruaha Hilltop Lodge, and Jabali Ridge, among others.