Udzungwa Mountains National Park: A Pristine Mountain Paradise
Location: Nestled in the Iringa region, south of Tanzania’s capital, Dodoma, Udzungwa Mountains National Park is a pristine tract of mountain forests. The park encompasses the Udzungwa Mountains, part of the ancient Eastern Arc Mountains range stretching across Kenya and Tanzania. Bordered by the Ruaha River, it covers 1,990 square km.
Highlights:
- Largest of the Eastern Arc Mountains, Udzungwa is home to diverse plant and animal species.
- The highest peak, Luhomero, stands at 2,579 meters, offering breathtaking landscapes.
Tourist Attractions:
- Primates:
- Endangered species like the Iringa Red Colobus Monkey and Sanje Crested Mangabey are unique to Udzungwa.
- Other primates include Matunda Galago, Angola colobus monkeys, blue and vervet monkeys, and yellow baboons.
- Birdlife:
- Over 400 bird species, including the Iringa Akalat, white-winged Apalis, and Rufous red-winged sunbird.
- A paradise for birdwatchers with a variety of species to capture.
- Mammals:
- Habitat for about 12 primate species, elephants, buffaloes, lions, hunting dogs, leopards, and more.
- Endemic reptile and amphibian species add to the park’s biodiversity.
- Waterfalls:
- Sanje Waterfalls, plunging 170 meters, is a major attraction offering spectacular views.
- A refreshing destination for visitors to enjoy the misty spray and natural beauty.
- Hiking:
- A network of forest trails, including the half-day hike to Sanje waterfall.
- Trails of varying difficulty levels, suitable for all types of hikers.
- The challenging two-night Mwanihana Trail leads to the high plateau and offers panoramic views.
Access to the Park:
- By road: Approximately 360 km west of Dar es Salaam, a 4-5 hour drive through Mikumi National Park and Kilombero to Sanje Village.
- By air: Daily charter flights to/from Udzungwa/Kilombero Airstrip connect to Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.
Best Time to Visit:
- June to October: Little rainfall, making trails less slippery and suitable for hiking.
- November to May: Higher humidity and unpredictable rains may affect hiking conditions.
Accommodation:
- Camping is an option within the park.
- Hondo Hondo Udzungwa Forest Tented Camp near the park’s headquarters offers ensuite accommodation.
- Local guesthouses in the nearby village of Mang’ula provide budget options.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park beckons with its untouched beauty, diverse wildlife, and hiking adventures. Contact us for more information and plan your exploration of this mountain paradise!