Destinations | Udzungwa Mountains NP
Situated in one of the country's most beautiful wilderness areas, Udzungwa Mountains National Park is very special indeed. The 1000 km² park features scenic mountains and forests that are home to animals found nowhere else on earth. Six species of primates, including the rare Iringa Red Colobus monkey and the Sange crested Mangabey Monkey can be found here. The park also has Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard and a rich birdlife. Udzungwa is the largest and most bio diverse of a chain of a dozen large forest-swathed mountains that rise majestically from the flat coastal scrub of eastern Tanzania. Known collectively as the Eastern Arc Mountains, this archipelago of isolated massifs has also been dubbed the African Galapagos for its treasure-trove of endemic plants and animals.
Udzungwa is a magnet for hikers. An excellent network of forest trails includes the popular half-day ramble to Sanje Waterfall, which plunges 170 metres through a misty spray into the forested valley below.
The more challenging two-night Mwanihana Trail leads to the high plateau, with its panoramic views over surrounding sugar plantations, before ascending to Mwanihana peak, the second-highest point in the range.
Ornithologists are attracted to Udzungwa for an avian wealth embracing more than 400 species, from the lovely and readily-located Green-Headed Oriole to more than a dozen secretive Eastern Arc endemics.
About Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Size: 1,990 sq km
Location:
Five hours (350 km) from Dar es Salaam; 65 km southwest of Mikumi.
Getting there:
Drive from Dar es Salaam or Mikumi National Park.
What to do:
From a two-hour hike to the waterfall to camping safaris. Combine with nearby Mikumi or en route to Ruaha.
When to go:
Possible year round although slippery in the rains. The dry season is June-October before the short rains but be prepared for rain anytime.