Uwanda game reserve is located near Katavi national park in the Sumbawanga district found in the southwestern part of Tanzania. The park covers an area of 4,100 square kilometers, with 80% being Lake Rukwa, which is renowned for its large population of crocodiles. Despite most of the park being covered by the lake, the land areas feature scenic shores set against acacia and miombo trees. It’s an interesting place to visit for safaris in Tanzania.
The Uwanda game reserve was established in 1974 and Lake Rukwa is majorly known for the highest population of crocodiles. Uwanda is also a breeding place for red locusts, which attract many birds. You can visit it for affordable holidays in Tanzania.
Lake Rukwa is being fed by hot brine springs; excavations have been carried out and proved that Stone Age people lived at the lake’s shores from the 13th century. There are also salt pans at Ivuna, which is 25 kilometers from the shores. Lake Rukwa of Uwanda national park was also a stopover for the slave trade caravan route in the 19th century. The lake’s water is alkaline and support Tilapia life which has made it a fishing destination and the fish has been exported as far as Congo and Zambia.
Tourist activities at Uwanda game reserve:
Game viewing: Uwanda game reserve is blessed with various animals like antelopes, reedbucks, elands, topi, elephants, giraffes, and the rare Kobus vardonii species of puku and many others.
Birding: For tourists interested in birding, Uwanda game reserve is a birder’s paradise with over 400 species of birds, some of which are endemic to this area examples of birds found in the park are; red shark, wood pecker, Grey parrots among the rest.
Guided nature walks: Guided nature walks at Uwanda national park can be conducted with a tourist guide to lake Rukwa; here tourists can come across many wildlife and bird species as well as enjoy the striking lake views
Boat cruise: A boat cruise at the beautiful lake Rukwa is rewarding with extensive views of the swamps and wetlands at the shores while getting close to the crocodiles and hippos tourists can easily view from their boat, to make the boat cruise superb, tourists can pack a lunch box to enjoy on the lake.
Fishing: Tourists interested in this recreational activity can go for fishing after obtaining a permit and must fish in restricted areas some of the fish species found on lake Rukwa are mudfish, tilapia and sardines. These fish can be enjoyed as an evening meal at your respective lodge if you wish.
The best time of the year to visit Uwanda national park is during the dry season from June to October and then in January and December.
Uwanda game reserve can be accessed by road or air. From Mbala airport to Sumbuwannga can take about four to five hours by road; scheduled domestic flights can also be organized to Mbala, the nearest airport. The park is also easily accessible via Katavi national park. From Usumbwanga via ufipa plateau, from Mbeya via chunya.
Accommodation at the Uwanda game reserve will vary according to the tourist’s choice; some of the accommodation options available in the park include the New Mexican Hotel, Mbeya Hotel, Utengule Hotel, Hill View Hotel, Beaco Resort, Mount Livingstone, and Mbeya Peak Hotel.
The best time for visiting is from March to October.
