Ibanda kyerwa national park

Ibanda Kyerwa National Park

Welcome to Ibanda–Kyerwa National Park an unseen treasure tucked away in the far western corner of Tanzania. This hidden paradise is defined by rolling hills, broad valleys, open acacia savannahs, and a central basin carved by seasonal rivers that feed scattered lakes and swamps.

Covering approximately 200 km², Ibanda–Kyerwa offers a raw, peaceful wilderness where nature remains largely untouched. Its quiet landscapes, dramatic river systems, and low visitor numbers create an authentic safari experience for travelers seeking solitude, exploration, and genuine connection with the wild.

Ibanda–Kyerwa is not a park of crowds , it is a park of discovery, where every drive and walk feels personal and rewarding.

Climate

Ibanda–Kyerwa experiences a tropical savannah climate with two distinct rainy seasons.

Rainfall

Short rains: October – November
Long rains: March – May
Annual rainfall: Moderate to high, supporting rivers, lakes, and wetlands

Altitude

The park lies at an altitude ranging from approximately 1,200 to 1,800 meters above sea level, creating mild temperatures and scenic highland views.

The dry months provide ideal conditions for wildlife viewing, while the rainy seasons transform the park into lush, green landscapes rich in birdlife.

Getting There

By Road

Bukoba – Murongo: approx. 220 km
Chato – Murongo: approx. 327 km
From Uganda or Rwanda: via Murongo Town (about 3.5 km from the park gate)

The park’s location near international borders makes it easily accessible from Uganda and Rwanda, ideal for cross-border safari circuits.

By Air

Scheduled or charter flights via Chato Airport or Kigoma Airport, followed by road transfer to the park.

Park Attractions

Ibanda–Kyerwa is exceptionally gifted with diverse natural attractions:

1. Savannahs, Rivers & Wetlands

Open grasslands and acacia savannahs
Seasonal rivers and basins
Scattered lakes and swamps

These ecosystems support wildlife year-round and create stunning scenery.

2. Wildlife

The park is home to:

African buffalo
Hippopotamus
Leopards
Antelopes such as roan and reedbuck
Zebras, waterbuck, impala, topi, eland, and giraffe
Rich birdlife

Wildlife encounters are natural and uncrowded.

3. Kagera River

The Kagera River is one of Tanzania’s largest rivers and a defining feature of the park.

Forms the natural boundary between Tanzania and Rwanda
Separates Ibanda–Kyerwa National Park from Akagera National Park (Rwanda)
Marks the northern boundary with Uganda

This unique location allows easy access from three countries and adds strong ecological and geopolitical significance to the park.