Kizigo Game Reserve

Kizigo Game Reserve is a protected area in Tanzania.

Kizigo Game Reserve at a Glance

Location
Southern Tanzania Wilderness, Tanzania, East Africa
Coordinates
-6.577619, 34.541836
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
High
Best Time to Visit
June to October (dry season) for best game viewing. January to March for wildebeest calving in the Serengeti.

Getting to Kizigo Game Reserve

Nearest airport: Old Airstrip, 127 km away.

Big Five in Kizigo Game Reserve

2 of the Big Five can be found here: African Buffalo, Lion.

Weather & Climate in Kizigo Game Reserve

The warmest temperatures in Kizigo Game Reserve occur in October, averaging 24.9°C (up to 31.5°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 20.4°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in September with average rainfall of 0.6mm. Average humidity: 45.7%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 21.7°C (rainfall: 172.4mm)
  • February: 21.9°C (rainfall: 135.5mm)
  • March: 21.9°C (rainfall: 141.0mm)
  • April: 21.5°C (rainfall: 102.2mm)
  • May: 21.7°C (rainfall: 6.6mm)
  • June: 21.0°C (rainfall: 0.8mm)
  • July: 20.4°C (rainfall: 1.0mm)
  • August: 21.8°C (rainfall: 0.9mm)
  • September: 23.4°C (rainfall: 0.6mm)
  • October: 24.9°C (rainfall: 9.7mm)
  • November: 24.6°C (rainfall: 68.0mm)
  • December: 22.8°C (rainfall: 144.7mm)

Best Time to Visit Kizigo Game Reserve

The best months to visit Kizigo Game Reserve are August, September, October, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 21.68°C, rainfall 172.4mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 77.2%
  • February: Good, temperature 21.9°C, rainfall 135.5mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 77.8%
  • March: Good, temperature 21.87°C, rainfall 141mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 77.8%
  • April: Good, temperature 21.53°C, rainfall 102.2mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 76.4%
  • May: Great, temperature 21.67°C, rainfall 6.6mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 60.7%
  • June: Great, temperature 20.97°C, rainfall 0.8mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 51.7%
  • July: Great, temperature 20.43°C, rainfall 1mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 49.1%
  • August: Great, temperature 21.76°C, rainfall 0.9mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 48.1%
  • September: Great, temperature 23.42°C, rainfall 0.6mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 45.7%
  • October: Great, temperature 24.87°C, rainfall 9.7mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 44.4%
  • November: Great, temperature 24.59°C, rainfall 68mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 53.9%
  • December: Great, temperature 22.83°C, rainfall 144.7mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 68.7%

Wildlife in Kizigo Game Reserve

Home to 12 recorded species including 6 antelope & gazelle, 2 big five, 2 big herbivores, 1 predators, 1 birds of prey.

Recommended Packing List for Kizigo Game Reserve

Based on average temperature of 22.3°C, typical conditions, humidity 61%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 22°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Similar Parks in Southern Tanzania Wilderness

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Tanzania

Travel advisory for Tanzania

Kizigo Game Reserve FAQs

When is the best time to visit Kizigo Game Reserve for optimal wildlife viewing, and what unique species can I expect to see?

The dry season, typically June to October, offers the best wildlife viewing as animals congregate around dwindling water sources, making them easier to spot. While Kizigo is home to the "Big Five," its vast, untouched wilderness provides excellent opportunities to witness large herds of buffalo and elephant, along with rarer sightings of wild dogs and roan antelope in a truly pristine setting.

What kind of safari experience can I expect at Kizigo Game Reserve, given its low crowding level, and are there unique activities available?

You can anticipate an exceptionally intimate and authentic wilderness experience, far removed from mass tourism, allowing for uninterrupted wildlife encounters. Beyond traditional game drives, some operators may offer walking safaris or fly-camping, providing a deeper connection to the untouched landscape and its inhabitants.

How do I get to Kizigo Game Reserve, and what are the typical accommodation options and cost considerations for a safari there?

Access to Kizigo often involves charter flights to a remote airstrip, followed by a game drive transfer, or a longer overland journey from major hubs. Accommodation typically consists of exclusive tented camps or eco-lodges, reflecting the reserve's commitment to low-impact tourism and offering a high-quality, albeit generally higher-priced, safari experience due to its remoteness and exclusivity.

What safety precautions should I take when planning a safari to Kizigo Game Reserve, particularly regarding health and wildlife encounters?

For health, it's crucial to consult your doctor about appropriate vaccinations and anti-malarial medication well before your trip, and pack insect repellent for evening use. When encountering wildlife, always follow your guide's instructions, remain inside your vehicle during game drives, and maintain a respectful distance to ensure both your safety and the animals' well-being.

What makes Kizigo Game Reserve a unique safari destination compared to other Tanzanian parks, and what is its role in conservation?

Kizigo stands out for its vast, undeveloped wilderness and extremely low visitor numbers, offering an unparalleled sense of solitude and adventure. As a critical protected area, it plays a vital role in conserving large mammal populations, including migratory routes for elephants, and preserving a significant portion of East Africa's miombo woodland ecosystem.

Recommended Books

  • Stuarts' Field Guide to National Parks & Game Reserves of East Africa by Chris & Mathilde Stuart - Park-by-park guide with maps, species lists, and practical information. Perfect for planning which parks to visit and what to expect.
  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Bradt Guide: Northern Tanzania by Philip Briggs - The best single-country safari guide - covers Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara in extraordinary detail with expert local knowledge.
  • Birds of East Africa by Terry Stevenson & John Fanshawe - Covers Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi - 1,388 species illustrated with range maps. The essential birding companion for East African safaris.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Lonely Planet East Africa by Lonely Planet - Comprehensive travel guide covering Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and beyond. Practical information on visas, transport, accommodation, and detailed park guides.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • Lonely Planet Tanzania by Lonely Planet - Comprehensive guide covering Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, and beyond. Practical transport, accommodation, and itinerary advice for independent and guided safari travellers.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • A Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa by Stephen Spawls, Kim Howell, Harald Hinkel & Michele Menegon - Comprehensive coverage of snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodilians found across East Africa. A niche but appreciated guide for the thorough naturalist.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Wildlife of East Africa (Princeton Pocket Guide) by Martin B. Withers & David Hosking - Compact pocket guide covering mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. 500+ colour photographs. The best quick-reference guide to carry on game drives.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.