Kijereshi Game Reserve is part of Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem which forms an integral part of the Western Corridor for the Great wildebeest’s migration. Kijereshi Game Reserve is situated in the northwestern part of Serengeti national park and surrounded by districts like Magu district, and Bariadi districts of Simiyu region in Tanzania mainland. In the western part Kijereshi Game Reserve is bordering with Lukungu village, Mwabayanda, Mwakiroba, Kijilishi, Nyamikoma and Senta villages are all bordering Kijereshi Game Reserve at southern side. Kijereshi Game Reserve covers an area of approximately 66 square kilometers and encompasses of lush and open plains. The reserve was established in 1994, making one of the oldest game reserves in the country.
One of the most exciting features of Kijereshi Game Reserve is its diverse array of wildlife including mammals’ birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates that thrive in the lush riverine forest, open grassland and wooded grassland. The habitat diversity ranging from open grasslands to thickets and woodlands, creates a unique ecosystem that supports dynamic interplay of fora and fauna.
Climate
Kijereshi Game Reserve experiences moderate temperatures ranging from an average of 18 degree Celsius to 31 degrees Celsius annually. The rainfall season normally starts in October and ends in May. The annual rainfall ranges from 750 millimetres to 850 millimetres and is concentrated in two peaks periods. In the first one, from October to December, rains are shorter; the second is from February to mid-May and has longer and heavier rains.
Attractions
Wildlife
Kijereshi Game Reserve home to numerous and rich variety of wildlife species including mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Wildlife species that call the reserve home mammals, reptiles include wildebeest, spotted hyenas, bushbucks, black-backed jackal, zebras, buffalo, impala, Thomson’s gazelle, elephant and monitor lizards among others.
Birdlife
Kijereshi Game Reserve is a paradise for birding safaris in Tanzania, bosting over 300 species of birds. Some of the bird’s species found in the reserve’s boundaries include Common ostrich, white-faced whistling- duck, helmeted guineafowl, mourning collared-dove, red-eyed dove, ring-necked dove, Kori bustard, common cuckoo, square-tailed nightjar, black-winged stilt, long-toed lapwing and African openbill mention but few.
Landscape
The reserve is dominated by open grassland vegetation, unfortunately, the Geographic Information System Unit from Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA)has categorised the reserve into three categories such as riverine forest, open grassland and wooded grassland.
Activities
Day game drives
Game drives is the main tourist activity in Kijereshi Game Reserve that allows tourist to explore the diverse wildlife in a comfortable, open vehicle. Kijereshi Game Reserve is home to a variety of wildlife species including wildebeest, black-backed jackal, zebras, buffalo, impala, Thomson’s gazelle and elephant among others. During your day game drive safaris, you will have the chance to spot these creatures in their natural habitat.
Guided nature walks
One of the most and best way to experience Kijereshi Game Reserve is through guided nature walks. Accompanied by expert guides, these walks navigate you in to the vast savannah to animals’ tracks. During your guided nature walks, you will have the chance to learn about local flora and fauna while gaining insights into the conservation efforts. Walking thorough the reserve offers a closed connection with nature, allowing visitors to appreciate the sounds, smells and texture of wilderness.
Camping
Camping in Kijereshi Game Reserve is another exciting activity in the park, which allows tourist to connect with nature. The reserve has well-equipped and designated area where tourists can fall asleep under a blanket of stars, surrounded by the sounds of the African night.
Night game drives
Night game drives at Kijereshi Game Reserve presents a unique opportunity to witness the nocturnal side of wilder. Equipped with spotlights and guided by experienced rangers. While on your night game drive safaris, you will have the opportunity to spot a variety of nocturnal animals such as leopards, hyenas and bushbabies that roam under the cover of darkness.
Birdwatching
Kijereshi Game Reserve is a haven for birding safaris in Tanzania, bosting an impressive array of bird species. while on your bird watching tours, you will have the chance to spot variety of bird species such as African woolly-necked stork, marabou stork, little egret, hamerkop, African sacred ibis, hadada ibis, African-harrier-hawk, long-crested eagle, brown-snaked eagle, African gray hornbill, pied kingfisher, African pygmy kingfisher and greater honeyguide among others.
Commercial photography
For photographers, Kijereshi Game Reserve offers breathtaking landscape and diverse wildlife that creates endless opportunities for stunning shots. Whether you’re a professional or an enthusiastic amateur, the varying terrains provides rich views for photography. The golden hours of dawn and dusk illumate the scene, enhancing the natural beauty of both flora and fauna.
Getting to
The reserves can be access in various way and routes such as by air means, road transport and by water.
By air
Kijereshi Game Reserve can be accessed from Mwanza Airstrip and Musoma Airport which can be accessible through Mwanza- Musoma highway about 86 km.
By Road
The reserve can be accessed by road from, Lamadi which is about 3 kilometers, tarima about 137 kilometers, Bunda about 20 kilometers, and 135 kilometers from Mwanza city centre.
Tourist coming from arusha to Kijereshi Game Reserve can be accessed via Serengeti Road which is about 471 kilometers and Arusha-Shinganga- Simiyu and road which takes approximately 840 kilometers.
By Water
Kijereshi Game Reserve can also be accessed by water through Lake Victoria which is about 2.5 km from the western part of the reserve.
Where to stay
Accommodation available inside the reserve includes camping sites (special and public) and the Kijereshi Tented Camp at affordable prices for all visitors.
