UDZUNGWA MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
In the Iringa and Morogoro regions of south-central Tanzania lies Udzungwa
Mountain National Park. This is a conservation area of about 2,000 sq km
with wild, lushly forested slopes bordering the Great Ruaha River to the
north and the Mikumi-Ifakara road to the east. This unique rainforest has
more than 2500 plants species, many not found anywhere else in the world.
These range from tiny African violet to 30 metre high trees and over 160
species known as medical plants.
The park, which lies about 65 km south west of Mikumi National Park, is also home to a great number of rare forest birds. Ornithologist are attracted to Park for an avian wealth as the forest is rich in birds habitat embracing more than 400 species.
The plateau supports populations of elephant, buffalo, lion and leopard and is as well home to a healthy population of primates, including two endemic and endangered species – the Iringa red Columbus monkey and the Sanje crested mangabey. The larger species however are tend to be found in the less accessible area of the park and are seldom seen along the main hiking routes. Bush pig, bush baby, duiker, civet, honey badger and mongoose are more likely to be seen.
Hiking trails are winding through various sections of the park. The most
popular route is a short (three to five hours) but steep circuit from Sanje
village through the forest to Sanje Falls, where swimming and camping is
possible. More exiting is the two nights, three-days hike up to Mwanihana
Peak, the park’s second highest point.
Size: 1,990 sq km.
Location: 350 km from Dar es Salaam and 65 km southwest
of Mikumi.
How to get there: A roughly 5 hours drive from Dar es
Salaam and 2 hours drive from Mikumi National Park. Charter flights can
be arranged from Dar es Salaam to the airstrip at Mikumi National Park.
What to do: Bird watching, Hiking, Mountain climbing and camping safaris. We suggest combining the park with Mikumi National Park and Ruaha, which are close.
When to visit: Accessible year round, but muddy and slippery in the rains. The dry season is June-October, but be prepared that rain can be expected anytime.
Accommodation: Self contained accommodation is available near the Park gate. There are no hotel facilities in the Park itself. The closest up market accommodation is located at Mikumi National Park and day trips can be arranged from here. About 500 m south of the park entrance, along the road, lays the budget hotel, Udzungwa Mountain View Hotel, for those who would like to stay close to the park.