Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Tanzania
Udzugwa Mountains National Park is a wildlife sanctuary situated in central Tanzania, between the Iringa and Morogoro regions, among the Eastern Arc Mountains, 60 km south of Mikumi National Park along the Mikumi-Ifakara route. The national park was designated as such in 1992 by Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands, the founder of the World Wildlife Fund. It encompasses an area of 1,990 square kilometers, featuring various vegetation types including miombo woodland, grassland, tropical rainforest, and mountain forest, which serve as habitats for a diverse array of wildlife. This includes species such as elephants, bushbucks, palm civets, leopards, duikers, Miombo genets, hyenas, six primate species, over 400 bird species, and 2,500 plant species, with 25% endemic to the Udzugwa Mountains National Park, among others. Udzugwa Mountains National Park derives its name from “Wasungwa,” a Kihehe term signifying the inhabitants residing on the mountain slopes.
Attractions in Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Wildlife
The national park is recognized as a wildlife sanctuary due to its diverse array of species, including elephants, hunting dogs, leopards, duikers, buffaloes, bushbucks, and six primate species, such as the Iringa red colobus and Sanje mangabey, which are endemic to the Udzungwe Mountains National Park.
Birds
The Udzugwa Mountains National Park is home to over 400 bird species, including Eastern Arc endemics and forest birds, establishing it as a premier birding destination in Tanzania. Bird species observable include the green-headed oriole, marabou stork, crowned eagle, woodland kingfisher, Rüppell’s vulture, and silvery-cheeked hornbill, among others.
Major Activities in Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Bird watching
Bird watching in Udzungwa Mountains National Park is among the premier destinations in Tanzania, since it has over 400 bird species, including forest, aquatic, and unique varieties. Birdwatching in the park can be conducted early in the morning or in the evening with a knowledgeable bird guide who will assist in identifying various bird species, including the rufous-winged sunbird, African marabou, crowned eagle, Kilombero weaver, white-tailed cisticola, Uluguru violet-backed sunbird, Retz’s helmet shrike, black-and-white shrike flycatcher, Livingstone’s turaco, palm-nut vulture, trumpeter hornbill, green-backed woodpecker, grey cuckoo, fork-tailed drongo, and dark-billed weaver, among others.
Hiking
Hiking is the primary activity in Udzungwa Mountains National Park due to the absence of roads for game drives. Hiking safaris in the park commence with a briefing at the park headquarters, after which an armed park ranger will be assigned to ensure your safety and guide you along various paths. The park features various hiking trails, from brief 20-minute walks to extensive 5-day treks, including the Lumemo trail. The most frequented route is the Sonje waterfalls trail, which lasts approximately 4 hours and offers breathtaking views of a 170-meter waterfall, opportunities to observe monkeys, and the chance to swim in the waterfall’s plunge pools.
The Hidden Valleys Trail
The Hidden Valleys Trail is the longest hike in the park, requiring approximately one day to complete. While hiking, you will traverse the Njokamoni and Moyer Rivers, as well as grassy valleys featuring vistas of elephants and buffalo trails, which requires approximately 6 to 7 hours.
The Sonjo waterfall trail is suitable for less enthusiastic hikers due to its brevity and gentle incline. The hike to Sonjo waterfall lasts around 35 minutes, traversing unspoiled rainforest to reach the second falls, during which one may observe many bird species, primates, and plant species, among others.
Prince Bernhard’s Waterfall is a waterfall located in the park, named in honor of Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands. At approximately 84 years of age, he inaugurated Udzunghwa Mountains National Park; hence, he was unable to ascend to Sanje Waterfalls and instead hiked the shorter trail, which is 500 meters from the park headquarters.
The Mwanihana Peak Trail
The Mwanihana Peak Trail commences at Sonjo Village and traverses Miombo woodland, grassy plateaus, montane forest, bamboo forest, and diverse habitats, including the Sonjo Trail. Hiking the Mwanihana peak trail offers opportunities to observe elephants, various plant types, vibrant bird species, and picturesque landscapes, among other attractions.
The Njonkamoni waterfalls trail is comparable to the Sonje waterfalls trail in both length and elevation, measuring around 6.5 kilometers. The walk is less frequented, allowing for sightings of monkeys along the route.
Cycling
Cycling in Udzungwa Mountains National Park is a thrilling pastime in Tanzania, allowing for exploration of the area by bicycle. The cycling activity commences with a briefing at the park headquarters, where an expert park guide, knowledgeable about the species and routes, will be assigned to you. Throughout the cycling excursion, you will encounter picturesque landscapes, observe wildlife such as elephants, duikers, and bushbucks, appreciate vibrant avian species, and immerse yourself in African village life by engaging with local inhabitants, their educational institutions, markets, and agricultural lands. Additionally, you will visit rubber and sugarcane plantations, creating enduring memories. Bicycles for cycling are available for rent at Udzungwa Forest Camp or Hondo Hondo.
When is the best time to visit Udzungwa Mountains National Park?
Udzungwa Mountains National Park is accessible year-round; however, the optimal time for visitation is during the dry season, from June to October. During this period, rainfall is minimal, resulting in dry and navigable walking trails, in contrast to the wet season when trails become muddy and treacherous.
Accommodation options for your safari in Udzungwa National Park
Numerous lodges are available in Udzungwa Mountains National Park for your safari stay. Lodging options encompass luxury, midrange, and budget options, including Hondo Hondo Udzungwa Forest Tented Camp, Udzungwa Forest Tented Camp, Udzungwa Falls Lodge, Udzungwa Mountain View Camp, and Angalia Tented Camp, among others.
Directions to Udzungwa Mountains National Park
The national park is situated approximately 60 km from Mikumi National Park, 360 km west of Dar es Salaam, and is accessible via road, rail, and air transport.
Road transport offers various modes of travel to the park, including private, public, or self-drive options. Consequently, you will go from Dar es Salaam via Chalinze, Morogoro, Mikumi National Park, and Mikumi town to the park headquarters, a journey that requires around four hours of driving.
Udzungwa National Park can also be accessible by train, with the TAZARA railway departing from Dar es Salaam to Zambia on Tuesdays and Fridays. The drive from Dar es Salaam to the park headquarters takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, traversing the Selous Game Reserve, where one may observe several wildlife species.
Air travel to Udzungwa National Park is available through scheduled or charter flights from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar to Udzungwa or Kilombero. One may alternatively fly from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi Airport and subsequently drive to Udzungwa National Park.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park is a remarkable and exceptional wilderness location in Tanzania, despite its little appeal among tourists. A visit to Udzungwa Mountains National Park can be paired with a game drive in Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park, and Selous Game Reserve, where one can observe a plethora of wildlife. For further information regarding Udzungwa Mountains National Park, please contact All Tanzania Safaris