Udzungwa Mountains National Park, which has an area of 1990 square kilometers and protects one of East Africa’s largest forests, is bordered to the north by the Great Ruaha River, with Mikumi National Park and Selous Game Reserve to the north and east. The Udzungwa Mountains, which were protected as a national forest reserve until 1992, when they were designated as a national park, are unquestionably one of the few really pristine and distinctive forested territories left in the world. The biologically diverse forest, which is home to several plant species that are unique to this area and range in size from a little African violet to trees 30 meters tall, is one of the main attractions.
In addition to the forest, which serves as a water catchment area and is home to many indigenous species of animals and plants, the park also includes breathtaking views of the mountains, meadows, rocks, rivers, and waterfalls. The existence of two native primate species—the Sanje crimped mangabey, which was first discovered in 1979, and the Iringa red colobus monkey—is among the most fascinating sights. Its plateau is home to herds of elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, African hunting dogs, and various forest bird species, in addition to six species of primates.
Walking safaris to the Sanje River’s (170 m) waterfalls are among the park’s most well-liked activity. It is feasible to combine Udzungwa Mountains excursions with wildlife game drives in the nearby Mikumi National Park, which is an hour’s drive to the north, or with trips to Ruaha National Park (a 4-5 hour drive) and the Selous Game Reserve. The park is open all year, although during the wet, rainy season, it can be a little treacherous. June through October are considered the dry season.
CLIMATE AND THE BEST TIME TO VISIT
The dry season, which runs from the cooler months of June to the warmer ones of October, is the ideal time to explore the park.
There is a rainy season in Udzungwa Mountains National Park as well. March through May are the wet months. The rain can cause the roadways to become very slick.
Visitors may see the numerous beautiful butterflies thriving in the park during the rainy season. Your activities might be affected by the woodland’s reaction to the recent heavy rain.
UDZUNGWA WILDLIFE
There is a good variety of fauna in the Udzungwa Mountains. Many creatures live there, including the Abbott’s duiker, Kipunji, and uncommon species like the grey-faced sange. The forests around the southern escarpment are home to elephants. Moreover, six listed species of primates reside in Udzungwa National Park. Only in this region and nowhere else in the entire globe do the Iringa red colobus and the Sanje crested mangabey exist.
In the Kihansi River, a waterfall is home to the Kihansi spray toad. Because of a habitat change caused by an upstream dam in 2009, it was briefly extinct in the wild. After a successful captive breeding experiment, scientists were able to successfully reintroduce them.
BIRDS IN THE NATIONAL PARK
With more than 400 different species of birds, the Udzungwa Mountains National Park will appeal to bird lovers. The region is ranked among the top three mainland African bird protection zones by birdwatchers.
African hobby, crowned eagles, Ruppell’s vultures, and African marabou are a few of the bird species found in Udzungwa. The Francolin and Rufous-winged Sunbird were only recently found by scientists. Also, it is home to species such as the White-chested Alethe, Sharpe’s Akalat, Olive-flanked Robin-chat, and Dappled Mountain Robin. The Udzungwa forest partridge, a species that wasn’t known until 1991, appears to have Asian hill partridges as its closest relatives.
THE MOST COMMON ANIMALS IN UDZUNGWA NATIONAL PARK
- Elephants
- Abbott’s duiker
- Kipunji
- Grey-faced sengi
- Iringa red colobus
- Sanje crested mangabey
- African marabou
- Crowned eagle
- Ruppells vulture
- African hobby
- Francolin
- Rufous-winged Sunbird
- Dappled mountain-robin
- Sharpe’s akalat
- Olive-flanked robin-chat
- White-chested alethe
- Udzungwa forest partridge
NEARBY NATIONAL PARKS
Both Ruaha National Park and Mikumi National Park can be easy accessible from Udzungwa National Park. A diverse and enjoyable safari circuit can be made using the three destinations. You can extend the tour to include the Selous Game Reserve if you’d like.
FACTS ABOUT UDZUNGWA NATIONAL PARK:
- Size of the National Park: 1990 km2
- Tropical rainforest, forest, grassland, and steppe
- More than 400 species of birds
- 2500 species of plants
- 6 species of monkeys
ACTIVITIES: THINGS TO DO AT UDZUNGWA MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK INCLUDE
Sanje Waterfall in Udzungwa
In addition to bird watchers, trekkers are drawn to Udzungwa. There are no paved roads leading to Udzungwa National Park; all access is via foot. The well-known half-day climb to the Sanje Waterfall, which cascades 170 meters through a misty spray into the forested valley below, is part of an excellent network of forest trails. It is one of Tanzania’s largest waterfalls and is isolated from the outside world by a thicket of rain forest.
Night at the Camp
Enjoy musical performances while spending the night at the camp. It is a genuinely atmospheric experience. A small group of farmers has established a drumming ensemble that performs a traditional “Ngoma,” which is Kiswahili for drum, with Hondo Hondo’s assistance and encouragement.
The group also plays at festivals, weddings, and the conclusion of the harvest season. Whistles, drums, and various wind instruments are used in some of the instrumental music performances, which have a fast-paced rhythm.
Local Activities
Cycling is one of the neighborhood’s activities. Rent a bike or bring your own. All ages can ride a variety of bike sizes. There aren’t any riding paths inside the national park, but there is plenty of scenic cycling terrain in the valley.
Cycling can be combined with other activities, like visiting a rubber plantation or a community. You can travel with a guide to see the nearby rural communities, giving you a fantastic opportunity for photography and connection with Tanzanian culture.
Overnight Adventure
Enjoy the true pleasures of isolation by paddling down the Kilombero River while seeing birds, hippopotamuses, and other wildlife. Situated 4 hours from Ifakara on the banks of the Kilombero River, with a stunning sunset over the river and fine food,
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
- Traditional Ngoma drumming
- Ifakara market tour
- Dugout canoeing on the Kilombero River
- Mang’ula village tour
- Rubber plantation tour
- Prince Bernhard Falls
