Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park is situated in Kyerwa District, Kagera region in northwest part of Tanzania and covers an area of 247 sq.km and is a wild and beautiful area with great opportunities for photographic tourism. The Park was previously gazetted as Rumanyika Orugundu Game Reserve to honor the Karagwe Chiefdom established in the 19th century under the chief Rumanyika I Orugundu who ruled from the year 1855 -1882.
The Karagwe Chiefdom began in 1450 but came to an end in it was ended in 1962 when all Chiefdoms were eliminated in Tanzania after the country gained independence. In 1965, the Rumanyika Orugundu are was designated as Game Controlled area, and by 1974, it became Game Reserve. For many years, it was managed by Regional Administration until 1996 when it became a National Project to be managed directly by Wildlife Division and later upgraded as a National Park in 2019.
The Park harbors equatorial montane forest, at an attitude of over 1700m and is among the few representatives of this vegetation type. The vegetation of Rumanyika-Karagwe national park ranges from grassland to medium height equatorial forest, marsh/swamps and open water bodies occurs in certain areas. The park hosts a significant number and diversity of wildlife that can be enjoyed. Tourists to this area will be able to witness a variety of wildlife such as buffalo, waterbuck, leopard, bushbuck, monkeys and baboons, and a great variety of birds.
Climate
The average yearly rainfall in Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park ranges from about 729mm to 995mm. January to February is a period of marginal or no rainfall. Peak rainfall season occurs in March to May and September to December with a relative dry period from June to September. The mean maximum and minimum temperature ranges from 26.2°C to 13.7°C respectively. The best time to visit the Park is between January to February and June to Au
Attractions
Wildlife
Currently, there aren’t many well-developed paths for watching wildlife, but once they are created, visitors will be able to see different animals like buffalo, sitatunga, waterbuck, leopards, duikers, monkeys, and more.
Birdlife
The park has habitats that favor number of birds that bird lovers can enjoy. Some of these includes some species of forest birds and water birds due to presence of lakes and other waterbodies. More than 300 species of birds can be seen here. you may bird such as African wattled lapwing, grey headed, king fisher, ostriches, emerald-spotted wood-doves, flamingos, helmeted guineafowl, and Egyptian geese.
Vegetation
This park has exceptional scenic beauty due to presence of deep valleys, forests and thick bushes and hills. The lower parts of the valley are thick with forests and dense bushes, while the higher parts feature tall acacia trees and grassy woodlands that look nice and are kept open by occasional seasonal fires.
Tourism Activities
There are opportunities for visitors to enjoy the beauty of this park through various activities like Game driving, walking safaris, Bird watching, Sport fishing, and canoeing among others
Game Drives
One of the most exciting ways to explore Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park is through game driving. Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park is home to a variety of animals, lion, leopards, elephants, hippopotamus, impala, waterbuck, giraffes, antelopes and many others. During a game drive, visitors can see these animals up close while riding in their 4WD vehicles, allowing for an unforgettable experience as they observe wildlife in their natural habitat. This is a very popular activity in this park and the visitor will be able to use well chosen tracks and roads to see and photography wildlife during the game drives.
Birding
The park has the diminutive slopes of the valley which are heavily covered by forest and bush making the area a pleasing place of bird’s home. During your birding tour, you’ll be amazed by the variety of birds you spot, thanks to the beautiful plants and varying heights of the land that make it appealing. Some of the bird species in the park includes African wattled lapwing, grey headed and king fisher. Early morning is the best time to spot various birds as they are most active at dawn
Walking Safaris
For a more intimate experience with nature, consider joining a walking safari in Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park. For the travelers that are keen and wish to see nature in close proximity will enjoy walking in this beautiful park. This activity which is normally accompanied by an armed ranger will give an opportunity to see wildlife in a close encounter. You’ll learn to identify animal tracks and signs of wildlife activity while taking in the sounds and smells of the forest. Walking safaris usually move at a slower pace, enabling you to appreciate the environment fully. This hands-on experience gives you a unique perspective and a deeper connection to the natural world around you.
Sport Fishing
If you enjoy fishing, then sport fishing in the lakes of Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park is a must-try activity. The park’s waters are filled with various fish species, making it a fantastic spot for both amateur and experienced anglers. Rentals of fishing gear are often available, and local guides can help you learn the best techniques and spots to catch fish. Whether you’re casting from a boat or the shore, it’s a peaceful way to spend your day surrounded by nature. After a day of fishing, you might even have the chance to cook and enjoy your catch!
Canoeing
Canoeing in the serene waters of Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park is a wonderful way to explore the area from a different perspective. As you glide along the lakes, you’ll have the opportunity to take in the views of lush scenery and spot wildlife along the banks. Canoeing allows you to travel at your own pace, making it easy to appreciate the calmness of nature. It’s also a great way to observe birds and other animals that might be more easily seen from the water.
Camping
Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park is a fantastic place for camping lovers in Tanzania. The park as well- furnished designated camping area for those who want to enjoy nature. There is an enough space provided in the park for camping and there you come and pitch your own tent and enjoy the wildness in that is the camp fire and late in the night, stars in the sky and sound of various animals and birds can be experienced.
The Best time of your safaris at Rumanyika – Karagwe National Park
The ideal time to go on a safari in Rumanyika-Karagwe National park is during the dry season which runs from June to August. During these months, you can see beautiful Wild flowers and Butterflies. if you’re a bird lover, the period from December to February is the time for birds’ migration. With these exciting experiences, you’ll find that a safari at Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park Safari is the most rewarding tour.
Getting there
By Air: The park can reach the ark by flying into Bukoba and Chato airports to airstrips. From there you can catch a flight to airstrips at Ihanda in Karagwe district or Kagaga airstrip at Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park.
By Road: If you prefer to drive, you can get to the park from Bukoba town. there are two routes: one 185Km starting from Kyaka, Omurushaka to Nyakatuntu; the other is 85Km staring from Kayanga (Mgakorongo), Kigororgoro to Nyakatuntu. You can also cross from Uganda through the official border post at Kikagati/Murongo about 8km to Rugasha entrance gate
Best accommodation at Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park
Currently the available accommodation facility in the park is to arrange your own camp. There also affordable accommodation at the nearest towns such as Morongo, Kayanga Bukoba.
