Discover Rukwa Region of Tanzania

Discover Rukwa Region of Tanzania

Rukwa is a remote region, located in the southwestern part of Tanzania, with an estimated area of 27,765 sq kilometers (10,720 sq miles). The Rukwa region is bordered to the north by the Katavi region, to the east by the Songwe region, to the west by Lake Tanganyika, and to the south by the nation of Zambia. The region’s headquarters is known as Sumbawanga municipality, which is its administrative district.

Rukwa is a pristine region that will give you the true African bush experience. You will get the chance to explore and participate in a real-time African lifestyle and engage in the activities of the people found here. The following are the highlights of the top tourist attractions and activities that you will get the chance to explore.

Top Tourist Attractions and Activities in Rukwa

Rukwa has a wide number of tourist attractions to choose from, with different kinds of aspects, including

Lake Rukwa

This is the third-largest lake in Tanzania, which covers an estimated area of 5,760 sq kilometers (2,220 sq miles). The lake has large fluctuations in size due to the nature of the lake, which lies in a valley and also has two varying inflow streams. Lake Rukwa boasts an untouched nature that will offer you an escape from the crowds and a closer connection to nature. You will get to see different kinds of wildlife, as the lake is home to a number of animals and birds.

You will get to see a number of hippos, a few elephants, and buffalo. The lake is also home to the largest population of crocodiles in the country; you will clearly see many crocs here. As for the bird lovers, this is a top spot for birdwatching, as both endemic and migratory birds can be found here. Rukwa is home to over 400 bird species. Notable species include great white pelicans, African skimmers, Spur-winged Geese, and Tanzanian Masked-Weavers, among many others.

Kalambo Falls

Kalambo waterfalls are the second-tallest falls in Africa, with a single drop of over 250 meters. The falls also serve as the border mark between Tanzania and Zambia. These wonderful waterfalls will give you the true sense of closeness to nature. The Kalambo Falls will give you a chance to relax your mind, let go of all your problems, and find peace in the moment.

Mbizi Forest Reserve

Mbizi Forest Reserve is a wonderful tourist destination in Rukwa, specifically for nature lovers. You will get to enjoy ecotourism by participating in eco-friendly activities like watching primates (especially the Ashy Red Colobus Monkey), birdwatching, hiking, visiting caves, and sightseeing at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint. There are also waterfalls in the reserve, which offer a wonderful getaway experience in nature. Some other tourist activities include cultural tourism with the Fipa tribe and camping activities near Kasanga and Sumbawanga.

The Old Bismarckburg Fort

If you are passionate about historical tourism, you can enjoy these historical buildings found at this site. This was a colonial-era structure, strategically built by the Germans near Lake Tanganyika during the late 19th century. It was specifically built for military activities in and around the region. Here, you will get to learn more about how the Germans conducted administrative activities as well as military activities during the colonial period.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Rukwa?

You can visit Rukwa at any time of the year, but the best time to visit Rukwa is during the dry season over the wet season. This is due to the nature of infrastructures like muddy roads and limited lodging options.

Dry Season: During the dry season (June – October), you will enjoy a number of tourist activities like game drives, fishing, and cultural and historical tourism. Activities like bush trekking are at their peak season during this time of the year.

Wet Season: During the wet season (November – April), you will get to enjoy a number of activities like game viewing, specifically more hippos and crocodiles. For bird lovers, this is the best time to explore and enjoy birdwatching at its peak.

How to Get There

Rukwa can easily be reached by both air and road travel. Although the region is considered remote, you will have no problem reaching the regional capital of Sumbawanga. The following will explain to you in detail how to access the Rukwa region.

By air

Rukwa can be easily accessed by air travel through regional flights from all over the country. You can fly from Dar es Salaam Airport or Arusha to Sumbawanga Airport. The flights are usually short (not more than 2 hours) and less tiring compared to the road travel route.

By road

As for road travel, Rukwa is connected by trunk roads from neighboring towns and major cities like Dar es Salaam. The drive from Dar es Salaam is possible but not advisable, as it’s very long and tiring. If you want to explore road travel, the most ideal way will be driving from Mbeya city center to Sumbawanga town center. The trip is 6 hours by bus or private car, making it more ideal than the one directly from Dar es Salaam. At Focus East Africa Tours, we’ve known Tanzania for more than 15 years. So, we can take you to any destination of your interest.