Ugalla river

The Ugalla River in west central Tanzania is a broad, slow moving river of sand banks, shallow pools, oxbow lakes and swamps that winds its way in meandering loops westwards through a remote and almost forgotten world of extraordinary wildlife richness. It became a National park in 2019. It is just under 5000 sq. km in area.

Wildlife

The river drains a vast landscape of shallow hills and valleys dominated by Miombo woodlands and tall grass savannas that are home to elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, giraffe, zebra etc. and also the largest herds of sable and roan antelope to be found in Tanzania. In the swampy stretches to the west are found the swamp dwelling Sitatunga antelope, Cape clawless otters, and a host of exciting water birds such as shoe bill storks, wattled cranes, pygmy geese etc.In the dry season lasting from July to October, these animals concentrate more and more on the Ugalla river and it becomes a place where exciting wildlife lies around almost every corner.

Hippo and crocodile abound in the river, and indeed the Ugalla River is reputed to have some of the largest crocodiles ever recorded in Africa. During the wet season they are feeding on catfish and other fish but as the dry season progresses they supplement their diet with animals coming down to drink may grow to over 21 foot in length.