Udzungwa Mountains National Park
OVERVIEW
The park is the largest with the most biodiversity alive and mountains that rise from the flat coastal scrub of eastern Tanzania. Identified as the eastern arc mountain among the ancient ranges of the eastern arc that was established as a national park in 1992. It is located between Morogoro and Iringa regions bordering the great Ruaha river in the north. It is close to Dar Es Salaam region 350km and 65km from Mikumi.
The coverage area of the park is 1990km2, its closed-canopy forest spans altitudes of 250m to above 2000m without interruption makes it unique. The topography of the area includes tropical rainforest, mountain forest, miombo woodland, grassland, steppe, waterfalls and rolling hills which are a home to variety of wildlife.
UNIQUE FEATURES
The park has more than 2500 plant species but also the attractive biggest Sanje waterfall with 170km.
WILDLIFE
The scenery hosts about 400 bird species hence motivating bird watching but also the park’s plateau is a home to lions, leopards, buffaloes and elephants. In this beautiful wilderness you will encounter 6 primate species of which 5 among them are endemic, amazingly the Iring red colobus and Sanje crested mangabey are only found in Udzungwa.
WHY VISIT UDZUNGWA
Plenty of plants, animal and bird species. It is an undisturbed destinations that gives you opportunity to see the 6 primate species and the spectacular view of the mountain.
HOW TO GET THERE
By road, the park can be accessed by road transport from Dar Es Salaam 350km, Morogoro 150km and Mikumi 65km.
By Air, you can use chattered air planes from Dar Es Salaam and Zanzibar to Mikumi airport.
By Rail, you can use the railway line to travel using TAZARA railway from Dar Es Salaam to Mang’ula where the park’s headquarter is situated.
WHAT TO DO
The park allows you mostly to do hiking in the mountain which involves 1hr sonjo hike and a 6 day trek along the Lemomo trail. Also you can conduct a camping safari and swimming in the waterfall plunge pool.
WHEN TO GO
All months of the year are worth visiting the park but the best time for hiking are during the dry season from May to October because the place won’t be slippery.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Camps around the park are available also you can place you order in the nearby village of Mang’ula where comfortable guest houses are present.
Some of the accommodations that can be found include Udzungwa falls lodge which is 2.8miles away, Mantis Lodge & camping site 25.3miles away and Hondohondo udzungwa forest tented camp that is 4.8miles away from the park.