Moyowosi Game Reserve
Moyowosi Game Reserve is situated in the western part of Tanzania, close to the border with Burundi, in the Kigoma region. It borders Ugalla river national park and Kigosi National Park, making it an important part of a larger conservation area. The reserve spans approximately area of 11,430 square kilometers, providing a vast and diverse habitat for many species of wildlife. Established in 1981 by upgrading Moyowosi Game Controlled area. Moyowosi Game Reserve is also part of the Malagarasi-Muyovozi Ramsar Site which is the third largest in the world and the first Ramsar Site to be declared in Tanzania. Moyowosi Game Reserve serves as a protected space animals and plants, ensuring that the natural beauty of the region remains intact. The reserve was named after an important river called Moyowosi. According to Ha tribe, the name Moyowosi originated from “Muyovozi” that means “a huge river which flows throughout the year and difficult to cross”.
Moyowosi Game Reserve is endowed with unique features comprising of water bodies like Lakes, Rivers and Swamps. Moyowosi River runs in the Eastern part of the reserve marking the boundary between Moyowosi Game Reserve and Kigosi National Park while Malagarasi River flows along the south western of the reserve marking the boundary with Makere forest reserve. The rivers within the Reserve are the important source of water for Lake Tanganyika and the only area in East Africa where slander snouted crocodile has been recorded. The reserve has average of 29°C and obtains rainfall between 1000 mm and 1,500mm per annum
wildlife
The wildlife Moyowosi Game Reserve is remarkable and varied. The reserve is home to Four of the Big Five game animals except Rhino are found in the reserve. You can find many animals including large populations of Buffalo, Topi, Elands. Elephants, Giraffe, Zebra, Sable antelopes, Roan Antelopes, Greater Kudu, Hippos, Reedbucks, Waterbucks, Hyenas, Jackals are find also found in the area. The reserve is also home to predators like Lions and Leopards, offering a chance to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The Reserve is also a home of wild dogs (painted dogs) which is endangered species. The rich ecosystem within the reserve provides food and shelter for these animals, making it an essential area for conservation effort in Tanzania.
Birds.
In additional to the larger mammals. Moyowosi Game Reserve is a haven for birdwatchers. Over 400 species of birds been recorded in the reserve. Visistors can spot beautiful birds such as shoebill stork, wattled crane, herons, plovers, spoonbills, African open bills, yellow-billed stork, saddle-billed stork, African fish eagle, bateleur, and white-backed vulture, Grey-headed Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Great Egret, Little Egret, Yellow-billed Stork, African Jacana, African Jacana, Marabou Stork, Cattle Egret, Village Weaver and Pulley’s Long-legged Buzzard among others.
Moyowosi river
Moyowosi River is the main source of water for the wildlife populations in the Game Reserve and therefore saves as the heart of Moyowosi Game Reserve. The Reserve is located in Kibondo and Kakonko Districts within Kigoma region in the western part of Tanzania. It is part of Ugalla – Moyowosi/Kigosi-Malagarasi ecosystem. It Borders Kigosi National Park on the North.
Scenery
The Reserve comprises of various vegetation types. These include miombo woodlands and open grassland with short grasses along Moyowosi and Malagarasi Rivers that form Malagarasi-Muyovozi Ramsar Convention Site, the third largest such site in the world and the first Ramsar Site declared in Tanzania. The reserve has The Malagarasi River which is important feeder for Lake Tanganyika, In the reserve there are also hills and plains and it is found at Latitudes 3° 15’’ to 5° S and Longitude 30°30’’ to 31°30 E. Its Altitudes ranges from 800-1,600 meters above sea level.
The miombo woodland covers about 60% of the reserve representing a large tract of undisturbed miombo vegetation as is modified elsewhere in Tanzania. This vegetation type is increasingly becoming important habitat for bees which support burgeoning honey collection industry.
Other attractive features include the flood plains of Malagarasi and Samase-Nyemela, the meanders of Malagarasi River, the beautiful lakes (Nyamagoma, Ibanda and Tanga), dams (Kiagama and Murungu), swamp Kabele as well as spectacular scenery of Mwalye and Mava hills.
Tourist activities to do at Moyowosi Game Reserve
Game drives
Game drives in Moyowosi Game Reserve offers an exciting way to explore the diverse wildlife and stunning landscape. The park is home to Four of the Big Five game animal expert rhinos. Visitors can embark on thrilling safaris rides in open vehicles, guided by experienced rangers who know the best spot for animal sightings. During these dries, you can encounter with majestic elephants, giraffes, lions, buffalos, Zebra, Sable antelopes, Roan Antelopes, Greater Kudu, Hippos and Reedbuck as well as colorful birds.
Walking safaris
Walking safaris in Moyowosi Game Reserve allows visitors to experience the beauty of the reserve up close and personal. Led by experienced guides, these leisurely hikes offer a chance to explore the flora and fauna oft he area while gaining insights into animal tracks, plants and birdlife. Walking safaris provides a unique perspective in the African wilderness, allowing participants to connect more deeply with nature. The chance to encounter wildlife on foot makes for an exhilarating and memorable adventure that many travelers cherish.
Birdwatching
Birdwatching in Moyowosi Game Reserve is a delight for enthusiasts and casual observers alike. The reserve is hoe to over 400 species recorded, the reserve is a Tanzania’s birding paradise. Tourists while on a Tanzania birding safaris in Moyowosi Game Reserve, have the chance to spot different colorful birds such as Pulley’s Long-legged Buzzard, White-cheeked Barbet, Rufous-crowned Roller, Red-billed Hornbill, African Hoopoe, Common Redstart, Black-headed Heron, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, Sourate Species and Lesser Kestrel among others
Sport fishing
Sport fishing is another popular activity in Moyowosi Game Reserve, especially along the its rivers and lakes. Sport fishing in Moyowosi Game Reserve is mostly done along the Moyowosi Rivers. The fishing activity on the river water of Moyowosi involves less than 15 individuals sitting on a river boat. During your guided sport fishing, you will enable the catch different fish types that dwell in the river such as Cat fish, Tiger fish and Electric fish among others.
Best time to visit Moyowosi Game Reserve
The best time to visit the Moyowosi Game Reserve is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. During this period, the weather is pleasantly warm and the animals are more likely to gather around the water sources, making them easier to spot. The dry seasons also offers clear skies, making it perfect for photography and enjoying the beauty of the landscape. However, the rainy season, from November to May, brings a different experience. The lush greenery during this time provides a beautiful view, and many birds are nesting and breeding, making it an excellent time for birdwatching.
How to get to
Moyowosi Game Reserve can be accessed both by air and road transport means;
By Road:
Visitors can get to the reserve’s headquarters – Kifura which located about 30 Km from Kibondo town and about 115 Km from Kasulu town. It can be accessed by road from Kigoma to Kifura, or Nyakanazi via Kibondo.
By Air:
It can also be accessed by air through air strips situated at Kifura, Fish Eagle and Samase.
Accommodation facilities
Travelers planning to uncover the hidden beauty of Moyowosi Game Reserve shouldn’t worry about where to stay. The reserve has got accommodation facilities that suite its visitors. Such accommodation includes Samase and Fish Eagle tented camps. Other options for low budget accommodation facilities are available in Kibondo town.
