UDZUNGWA MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

Short Overview

A paradise for bird watchers, flower lovers and the primate seeking visitors.

Udzungwa Mountains National Park is perhaps Tanzania's most important sanctuary of terrestrial biodiversity. Udzungwe has many other mammals and maybe safari is not typical safari game you'd expect of Tanzanian National Parks. Is an esoteric safari destination for true nature lovers.

Its mountains are fascinating to bird watchers, with at least 400 recorded species, 25 endemic.

Info

Size: 1,990 square kilometres.
Location: Five hours from Dar es Salaam.
Best Time: June to October.
To Do: Game drives and waterfall hikes.
Known For: Hiking.

Details of Udzungwa Mountains National Park

Not your conventional game viewing destination, mountainous Udzungwa is best known for its network of hiking trails through its tropical rainforest. Hikers may wish to pay a visit to the startling 170m high Sanje Waterfall or brave the more challenging two day trek to the top of the Mwanihana Peak for its spectacular views of the park.

Along the way, hikers can expect to see some of the park's endemic flora and fauna, the most famous of which is the beautiful African violet.

Large game cannot be found in the park, but birds exist in plenty – with more than 400 species calling the park home. Six species of primate can also be spotted cavorting in the trees as well.