Enjoy strengthened conservation and protection in Pololeti Game Reserve

LOLIONDO: A THRIVING array of wildlife and birds can now be seen roaming freely in Pololeti Game Reserve, with the natural vegetation flourishing beautifully across the landscape.

This positive development is a strong indication that conservation and protection efforts in Pololeti Game Reserve (PGR) have significantly improved, following the government’s 2022 decision to restructure the former Loliondo Game Controlled Area.

The 4,000 square kilometres were divided into two: 2,500 square kilometres allocated to communities and 1,500 square kilometres upgraded to Game Reserve status, dedicated exclusively to conservation.

Since then, Pololeti Game Reserve has been under the management of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA). The progress so far clearly demonstrates that this management structure has been effective.

Pololeti Game Reserve, is part of the Loliondo Game Controlled Area, operating under the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA), an important area for breeding wildebeest, and a corridor for the animals coming from the Serengeti National Park. Because wildlife knows no boundaries, you will find a wide variety of animals in the game reserve, such as hunting lions, roaming elephants, grazing buffalo, running antelope and more.

It is an important area for breeding wildebeest, and a corridor for the animals coming from the Serengeti. Because wildlife knows no boundaries, you will find a wide variety of animals in the game reserve, such as hunting lions, roaming elephants, grazing buffalo, running antelope and more.

In this part, you will have an excellent chance to exploit a unique area with no crowds, offroad game drives, night game drives, nature walks and experience Maasai culture.

Thanks to professional conservation efforts, the reserve has become a safe haven for diverse species, including elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, impalas, hartebeests, lions, leopards and a wide variety of birds.

Unlike in the past, when wildlife was constantly displaced by unregulated human activities such as livestock grazing and settlement, animals now have secure access to water, grazing grounds and safe habitats.

Mr Mlungwana Mchomvu, the Chief Conservation Officer for Pololeti, states that the reserve has significantly improved its protection. The Authority has increased the number of rangers and ranger posts, ensuring round-the-clock patrols across the reserve.

“We have sufficient personnel and the right equipment to safeguard our resources and support sustainable investments within the reserve. These measures have enabled us to control poaching and prevent illegal grazing, ensuring the area remains secure,” explained PCO Mchomvu.

He further highlighted that to improve grazing lands for wildlife; the Wildlife and Research Department has conducted ecological reviews and introduced planned burning exercises. These activities, alongside efforts to control invasive species, allow fresh grasslands to regenerate, especially during the rainy season, ensuring animals have ample pasture.

Strategically located, Pololeti Game Reserve serves as a vital corridor for wildlife breeding and migration. It borders Serengeti National Park to the east; Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the north; and Maasai Mara to the west and northwest, with Loliondo as a neighbouring community area.

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Pololeti Game Reserve forms an integral part of the greater Serengeti–Ngorongoro–Maasai Mara ecosystem. It facilitates seasonal wildlife migration, providing critical grazing and breeding grounds that sustain one of the world’s most iconic ecological systems.