Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Brooding and primeval, the forests of Udzungwa have a magical aura: a verdant refuge of sunshine-dappled glades enclosed by 30-metre (100 foot) high trees, their buttresses layered with fungi, lichens, mosses and ferns.
Udzungwa is the biggest and most biodiverse 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, most familiarly the delicate African violet.
Udzungwa alone among the ancient ranges of the Eastern Arc has been given national park status. It is also unique within Tanzania in that its closed-canopy forest spans altitudes of 250 metres (820 feet) to above 2,000 metres (6,560 ft) without interruption.
Not a conventional game viewing destination, 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 (550 feet) 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.
Four bird species are peculiar to Udzungwa, including a forest partridge first discovered in 1991 and more closely related to an Asian genus than to any other African fowl.
Of six primate species recorded, the Iringa red colobus and Sanje Crested Mangabey both occur nowhere else in the world – the latter, remarkably, remained undetected by biologists prior to 1979.
Undoubtedly, this great forest has yet to reveal all its treasures: ongoing scientific exploration will surely add to its diverse catalogue of endemics. Discover them for yourself on an Authentic Tanzanian safari!
Location: Five hours (350 km/215 miles) from Dar es Salaam; 65 kms (40 miles) southwest of Mikumi.
Please note the TAZARA train is a public service and as such can be subject to delayed departures or variations in seat allocations to those shown on tickets.
Udzungwa is the biggest and most biodiverse 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, most familiarly the delicate African violet.
Udzungwa alone among the ancient ranges of the Eastern Arc has been given national park status. It is also unique within Tanzania in that its closed-canopy forest spans altitudes of 250 metres (820 feet) to above 2,000 metres (6,560 ft) without interruption.
Not a conventional game viewing destination, 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 (550 feet) 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.
Four bird species are peculiar to Udzungwa, including a forest partridge first discovered in 1991 and more closely related to an Asian genus than to any other African fowl.
Of six primate species recorded, the Iringa red colobus and Sanje Crested Mangabey both occur nowhere else in the world – the latter, remarkably, remained undetected by biologists prior to 1979.
Undoubtedly, this great forest has yet to reveal all its treasures: ongoing scientific exploration will surely add to its diverse catalogue of endemics. Discover them for yourself on an Authentic Tanzanian safari!
Udzungwa Mountains National Park Fast Facts
About Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Size: 1,990 sq km (770 sq miles).Location: Five hours (350 km/215 miles) from Dar es Salaam; 65 kms (40 miles) southwest of Mikumi.
Getting there
Drive from Dar es Salaam or Mikumi National Park, or if you’re feeling adventurous, take the TAZARA train for about 8 hours to Mangula station, the gateway to the Udzungwas.Please note the TAZARA train is a public service and as such can be subject to delayed departures or variations in seat allocations to those shown on tickets.
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.Udzungwa Mountains National Park
South central Tanzania in Iringa and Morogoro regions in the Eastern Arc Mountains. The park offers the greatest altitudinal range of the Eastern Arc Mountains and has an incredible range of biological species as well as several endemic species. The undisturbed forest areas offer good hiking opportunities and birdwatching and the park receives very few tourists.
Park HQ is at Mangula.
UDZUNGWA PHOTO GALLERY
From Dar es Salaam its about 8 hours to Mangula station, the gateway to the Udzungwas.
Please note the TAZARA train is a public service and as such can be subject to delayed departures or variations in seat allocations to those shown on tickets.
By Road
Its about a 6 hour drive from Dar es Salaam and 2 hours from Mikumi NP.
UDZUNGWA MOUNTAINS PHOTO GALLERY
Attractions
Sanje waterfallsThe falls are in 3 stages that drop from 200m, 70m and 40m respectively. All the falls have natural pools which provide refreshing swimming.
A primate park with 10 species of primates with 4 endemics :
Sanje Mangabey, Iringa red colobus, Matundu galago and Mountain dwarf galago
Hiking trailsSeveral hiking trails have been established.
Sonjo Trail – 6 km/3 hrs
Attractions – 2 waterfalls, primates, birds, miombo vegetation
Sanje Circuit – 5 km/4 hrs
Attractions – 3 waterfalls, primates, birds, butterflies, a variety of vegetation
Prince Bernhard Trail – 1 km/40 min
Small waterfall, baboons, primates, red duiker, birds, good views of Bokela Mountain
Mwanihama Trail – 38km, 3 days/2 nights
The summit is at 2500m and trail passes through different vegetation types according to altitude
Mwanihana Trail article
Lumemo Trail – 65 km, 5 days/4 nights
The trail passes along the saddle between Luhomero and Mwanihama peaks. May encounter herds of buffalo, elephant and good birdwatching.
For further information on alternative trails and specialized guided hiking trips for groups please ask for further information
Where to Stay
There are 2 basic hotels in Mangula. Campsites are being developed along the hiking trails.
Day trips are possible from lodges in Mikumi.
In 2009 a new campsite has opened in Mangula - Udzungwa Forest Campsite
Park Fees $20p.p., guide fees $10/group
Park HQ is at Mangula.
UDZUNGWA PHOTO GALLERY
How to get there:
TAZARA TrainFrom Dar es Salaam its about 8 hours to Mangula station, the gateway to the Udzungwas.
Please note the TAZARA train is a public service and as such can be subject to delayed departures or variations in seat allocations to those shown on tickets.
By Road
Its about a 6 hour drive from Dar es Salaam and 2 hours from Mikumi NP.
UDZUNGWA MOUNTAINS PHOTO GALLERY
Attractions
Sanje waterfallsThe falls are in 3 stages that drop from 200m, 70m and 40m respectively. All the falls have natural pools which provide refreshing swimming.
A primate park with 10 species of primates with 4 endemics :
Sanje Mangabey, Iringa red colobus, Matundu galago and Mountain dwarf galago
Hiking trailsSeveral hiking trails have been established.
Sonjo Trail – 6 km/3 hrs
Attractions – 2 waterfalls, primates, birds, miombo vegetation
Sanje Circuit – 5 km/4 hrs
Attractions – 3 waterfalls, primates, birds, butterflies, a variety of vegetation
Prince Bernhard Trail – 1 km/40 min
Small waterfall, baboons, primates, red duiker, birds, good views of Bokela Mountain
Mwanihama Trail – 38km, 3 days/2 nights
The summit is at 2500m and trail passes through different vegetation types according to altitude
Mwanihana Trail article
Lumemo Trail – 65 km, 5 days/4 nights
The trail passes along the saddle between Luhomero and Mwanihama peaks. May encounter herds of buffalo, elephant and good birdwatching.
For further information on alternative trails and specialized guided hiking trips for groups please ask for further information
Where to Stay
There are 2 basic hotels in Mangula. Campsites are being developed along the hiking trails.
Day trips are possible from lodges in Mikumi.
In 2009 a new campsite has opened in Mangula - Udzungwa Forest Campsite
Park Fees $20p.p., guide fees $10/group
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