UDZUNGWA MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Brooding and primeval, the forests of Udzungwa
seem positively enchanted: 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 largest and most biodiverse of a
chain of a dozen large forest-swazthed 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 accorded 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.
seem positively enchanted: 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 largest and most biodiverse of a
chain of a dozen large forest-swazthed 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 accorded 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.
About Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Size: 1,990 sq km (770 sq miles).
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.
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.
What to do
From a two-hour hike to the waterfall to camping
safaris.
Combine with nearby Mikumi or en route to Ruaha.
es Salaam; 65 kms (40 miles) 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.
Possible year round although slippery in the rains.
The dry season is June-October before the short
rains but be prepared for rain anytime.
rains but be prepared for rain anytime.
Accommodation
Camping inside the park.
Bring all food and supplies.
Two modest but comfortable lodges with en-suite
rooms within 1km of the park entrance.
Camping inside the park.
Bring all food and supplies.
Two modest but comfortable lodges with en-suite
rooms within 1km of the park entrance.
More info on accomodation
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UDZUNGWA MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
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