Minziro Forest Reserve

Ana checking out the canopy

As natural forest lovers, we were drawn to Minziro Forest Reserve in Kagera Region. Extremely unique to Tanzania, the forest is really a fragment of the eastern most limit of the west and central Africa rainforests and thus has unique flora and fauna that can't be found anywhere else in Tanzania. It shares a border with Malabigambo Forest Reserve in nearby Uganda border and is about 25,000 ha (62,000 acres) in size. It consists of 3/4 seasonal swamp forest and 1/4 seasonally flooded grassland with Acacia woodland.

I'd never heard of a flooded forest before I visited and we knew it was a risk to visit in such a short proximity from the end of the rainy season. Our fears were somewhat justified as nearly all the walking trails were impassable within 5-10 minutes of walking. Even the vast grasslands surrounding the forest were too soggy to attempt crossing. 

The parts of the forest we did see definitely reminded us of the forests of Uganda. Unfortunately most of the larger native trees have long been cut so the area surrounding the road feels a bit thinned out for a natural forest. We attempted to enter from several directions but everywhere we found it was flooded. The surrounding area does have some nice points for views over the lowland forest and we enjoyed the trip nevertheless. However, it's advised that if you visit, wait till at least July for things to dry up!

View of the forest from the north looking south

Along the main road