About Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Udzungwa Mountains National Park protects the largest area of Eastern Arc forest in Tanzania, a sweep of rainforest and montane grassland that climbs from about 250 metres to 2,576 metres. Gazetted in 1992, it covers 1,990 square kilometres, and there are no roads inside: every visit is made on foot. That makes it a good fit for active travellers, birders and anyone who loves primates, and a change of pace after days spent in a safari vehicle.
What you will see
Two primates here live nowhere else on earth: the Udzungwa red colobus and the Sanje crested mangabey. Troops are often heard before they are seen, crashing through the canopy above the trail. Udzungwa is just as rich below the treetops. Around 2,500 plant species have been recorded, roughly a quarter of them endemic, and the grey-faced sengi, a small long-nosed mammal, forages on the forest floor. More than 400 kinds of bird have been noted, including the Udzungwa forest partridge.
Hiking in Udzungwa
- Sanje Falls: the classic walk, about four hours there and back, to a waterfall that drops roughly 170 metres off the escarpment
- Primate walks: shorter forest trails with a ranger, good for colobus and mangabey
- Mwanihana Peak: a two- to three-day trek for keen hikers, camping on the way
Trails are steep in places and can be hot and humid lower down, so bring water, good shoes and a light rain layer.
When to go
June to October is the time to come for walking, with drier paths and clearer views. The waterfalls are at their fullest just after the rains, which tempts some hikers to come early in the dry season. From March to May the trails are slippery and leeches are common. Our Tanzania weather guide has more on the seasons.
Getting there
From Dar es Salaam the drive via Morogoro and Mikumi takes about five to six hours. Udzungwa is only one to one and a half hours from Mikumi National Park, which makes the two an easy pair. The TAZARA railway also stops at Mang'ula, near the park.
How it fits your trip
Udzungwa fits neatly into a southern safari alongside Mikumi, Ruaha or Nyerere, adding a day or two of forest walking between game drives. For anyone who has finished a Kilimanjaro climb, the hiking here is a pleasant contrast: lower, greener and full of life, with no altitude to think about. One full day covers Sanje Falls and a primate walk; add more if you plan the Mwanihana trek.
Where to stay
Lodges near the park entrance are simple and practical, built around early starts and muddy boots. Expect hearty meals and early nights, ready for the next morning on the trail. Send us your dates and we will combine Udzungwa with the parks that suit you.
