Usangu Game Reserve

12 Days Kenya and Tanzania Wildlife Safari combo

12 Days Birding Safari in Tanzania

10 Days Wildlife Kenya and Tanzania Safari

10 days safari in Uganda and Tanzania

10-days Northern Circuit Route to Kilimanjaro

Tanzania safari tour here is about water dependent wildlife and large herds. On Tanzania safari tour at Usangu, you come for the buffalo. The reserve is famous for its massive buffalo herds, sometimes numbering in the thousands, that gather on the floodplains and around the Ihefu wetland. Elephants are also common, moving through the acacia woodlands and along the riverbanks. Lions are present, and they are known for preying on the buffalo herds. On Tanzania safari tour, leopards live in the riverine forests, and spotted hyenas patrol the open areas. The antelope diversity is impressive, with waterbuck, reedbuck, bushbuck, impala, and the beautiful sable antelope with its curved horns. On Tanzania safari tour, you can also see the rare roan antelope, Lichtenstein's hartebeest, and the elegant eland, the largest antelope in Africa. Hippos and crocodiles are abundant in the Ihefu wetland and the rivers. The reserve is also home to zebras, giraffes, warthogs, and baboons.

Tanzania safari tour birders will find Usangu a true paradise. The reserve has recorded over 350 bird species, thanks to its diverse habitats including papyrus swamps, open floodplains, acacia woodlands, and rivers. On Tanzania safari tour here, the Ihefu wetland is the main attraction for waterbirds. You will see African fish eagles calling loudly from their perches, and pelicans floating on the open water. The papyrus swamps are home to the rare shoebill stork, one of the most sought-after birds in Africa. On Tanzania safari tour, look for the stunning wattled cranes, saddle-billed storks, and African spoonbills wading in the shallows. The open floodplains are home to ostriches, kori bustards, and secretary birds hunting snakes. On Tanzania safari tour, the acacia woodlands hold many smaller birds like superb starlings, lilac breasted rollers, and various weavers. Raptors are abundant, with martial eagles, fish eagles, and vultures circling overhead.

Tanzania safari tour during the dry season from June to October is best for wildlife viewing. On Tanzania safari tour, the animals gather around the Ihefu wetland and the remaining water sources, which become scarce as the dry season progresses. The vegetation is also thinner, making it easier to spot buffalo, elephants, and antelopes. The dry season also offers the most comfortable weather for driving, with clear skies and little rain. On Tanzania safari tour, the months of July through October are considered the prime season for game viewing. The wet season from November to April brings green landscapes and the best birding, but the animals disperse across the reserve, making sightings somewhat harder. Some roads can become muddy after heavy rains.

Tanzania safari tour weather here is tropical with distinct wet and dry seasons. On Tanzania safari tour, daytime temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C year round. The warmest months are October to March. Nights are cooler, dropping to around 15°C to 18°C between June and August. The dry season runs from June to October, with very little rain, clear blue skies, and warm days. This is the best time for game viewing on Tanzania safari tour. The wet season runs from November to May, with the heaviest rains in March and April. Annual rainfall ranges from 800 mm to 1,000 mm. During the wet season, the floodplains and swamps fill with water, and the birding is excellent. On Tanzania safari tour, the biggest weather challenge is the heat during midday and the potential muddy roads during the wet season

Tanzania safari tour travelers reach Usangu by air or road. On Tanzania safari tour, the reserve is located about 100 kilometers south of Mbeya town and adjacent to Ruaha National Park. The nearest major airport is Mbeya Airport, which receives flights from Dar es Salaam via small domestic carriers. From Mbeya, it is a 2 to 3 hour drive on a mix of paved and unpaved roads to the reserve. On Tanzania safari tour, you can also fly into Ruaha National Park, which has several airstrips, and then drive into Usangu, as the two protected areas are connected. A 4x4 vehicle is essential. Most visitors combine Usangu with a trip to Ruaha National Park, which has more developed infrastructure. On Tanzania safari tour, your tour operator will arrange all transfers.

Tanzania safari tour is generally safe, but Usangu is remote, so you need to take extra precautions. On Tanzania safari tour, the main dangers are the wildlife and the environment. The reserve is wild, and animals are not accustomed to vehicles. Stay inside your vehicle during game drives unless your guide says otherwise. Never approach elephants, lions, or buffalo on foot. Malaria is a high risk on Tanzania safari tour because Usangu is a tropical area with swamps and rivers where mosquitoes breed. Bring insect repellent with DEET. Wear long sleeves in the evening. Sleep under a mosquito net. Consult your doctor about malaria pills. The reserve is remote, so medical facilities are limited. The nearest hospital is in Mbeya town, about 2 to 3 hours away. Have travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation. On Tanzania safari tour, it is essential to go with a professional tour operator who knows the area.

Tanzania safari tour accommodation in Usangu is basic but offers a true wilderness experience. On Tanzania safari tour, there are no permanent luxury lodges inside the reserve. The best option is mobile tented camping, designed for small groups to experience the remote wetlands. These mobile camps are adventurous, with comfortable tents, camp beds, and good food prepared by a camp chef. On Tanzania safari tour, there are also basic campsites for budget travelers, with pit toilets and no showers. You bring your own tent, food, and water. For those seeking more comfort, many visitors choose to stay in Ruaha National Park, which has excellent lodges and tented camps, and then do day trips into Usangu. Some of the lodges near Ruaha offer trips to Usangu as part of their safari packages.

On Tanzania safari tour at Usangu, there are several unique activities that set this reserve apart. Game drives are the primary activity, taking you through acacia woodlands, along the floodplains, and around the Ihefu wetland where large herds of buffalo and elephants gather. With the guidance of experienced rangers, you have the chance to spot lions, leopards, and the rare sable antelope. On Tanzania safari tour, birdwatching is a paradise for enthusiasts, with over 350 species to discover, including the rare shoebill stork, wattled cranes, and fish eagles. Walking safaris are also possible in some areas, allowing you to explore the bush on foot, learning about tracks, plants, and the smaller details of the ecosystem. On Tanzania safari tour, photography safaris are especially rewarding because the untouched landscapes, water reflections, and abundant birdlife create stunning images.

Tanzania safari tour with Dav Safaris offers reliable guided trips to Usangu Game Reserve. Their expert guides know the remote tracks, the best spots for wildlife viewing around the Ihefu wetland, and the safest routes through the acacia woodlands. On Tanzania safari tour with Dav Safaris, we handle everything including transport from Mbeya or Ruaha, 4x4 vehicle, camping equipment or lodge bookings, food, water, and a professional guide. You just show up with your camera and binoculars. Our itineraries are flexible on Tanzania safari tour. Want to focus on buffalo herds and the shoebill stork? We can do that. Want to combine Usangu with Ruaha National Park for a comprehensive southern Tanzania wilderness experience? We can arrange it.