Known as the “Galapagos of Africa,” Udzungwa Mountains National Park is almost 2.000 sq km mountain range park in south central Tanzania with incredible diversity of tropical flora and fauna species.
The Udzungwa Mountains are part of the Eastern Arc Mountains and are mostly within the Iringa Region, south of Tanzania’s capital Dodoma.
The area was declared a national park in 1992.
Activities in the Udzungwa Mountains National Park revolves around hiking and trekking, as the park has no roads and is accessible only on foot.
A Udzungwa Mountains safari offers our guests the opportunity to explore the landscape on foot, with mountain ranges interspersed with rainforest and arid savannah.
Dense, rich vegetation thrives here due to the significant rainfall that forms as a result of humidity from the Indian Ocean that condenses at Luhomero, the highest peak in the park.
On foot, our guests will find large numbers of primates including the diurnal sanje crested mangabey, rungwecebus kipunji, the endangered iringa red colobus, matandu dwarf galago and mountain dwarf galago.
The vertical height of the Udzungwa forests ranges from 250m to 2.576m and with numerous forest trails, offering different kinds of activities, the park is a true hiker’s paradise.
A half day tour at Sanje waterfall at a towering 170m is also a key attraction.
The Udzungwa Mountains have a good variety of wildlife and is home to many animals, including Abbott’s duiker, Kipunji and unusual animals such as the grey-faced sengi.
Elephants live in the forests along the southern escarpment and six registered primate species call Udzungwa National Park their home.
The Iringa red colobus and the Sanje crested mangabey live only in this area and nowhere else in the world.
Stretching across the Eastern Arc mountain range, the park supports diverse wildlife, including the buffalo, lion, leopard, African wild dog and eland.
Other mammal species to be found in the Udzungwa Mountains include the: Bushbuck, Sable, Greater Kudu, Harvey’s Red Duiker, Bush Duiker, Palm Civets, Miombo Genet, Hyena, Sun Squirrel, Elephants Shrew.
Other primates include the Vervet Monkey, Sykes Monkey, Black and White Colobus, Yellow Baboon, Grant’s Galago, greater Galago, Highland Mangeby in the Ndundulu Forest, Matundu Dwarf Galago.
Bird-watchers regard the area among the top three African mainland bird conservation areas. More than 400 species of birds have been recorded here including the African marabou, Crowned eagle, Ruppells vulture and the African hobby.
There are multiple activities and things to do in Tanzania that can be added to your safari including walking safaris.
Here are some other activities which our guests can consider during their visit to Udzungwa Mountains NP:
Hiking
Explore the wildlife with Afrimine Tours authentic and economical means of exploring the wildlife and Njokamoni River, Moyer Rivers, grassy valleys with views of elephants and buffalo tracks, a hike of between 6 and 7 hours.
Cycling
During a bike ride, our guests will be able to view beautiful scenery, wildlife species like elephants, duikers, bushbucks, colorful bird species, experience African village life, interact with locals and visit rubber and sugarcane plantations.
Sanje waterfall viewing
Besides the incredible wildlife experience, our guests can head out and explore the gorgeous, commanding Sanje waterfall, a 4 hour hike.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park is about 360 km/7 hours drive west of Dar es Salaam, not far after Mikumi National Park.
Best time to visit
Wildlife viewing in Udzungwa is fine throughout the year, the best time to visit however is from late June to October (the Dry season).
Our trips to Udzungwa Mountains National Park offer a unique opportunity to explore one of Tanzania’s most beautiful and biodiverse areas. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including primates, birds, and rare plant species.
In addition to visiting Udzungwa Mountains National Park, our tailor-made tours also include visits to Mikumi and Ruaha National Parks. These parks offer a chance to see a wide range of animals, including elephants, lions, and giraffes, in their natural habitat.
Our travel consultants are experts in creating bespoke itineraries that cater to your interests and preferences. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a bird watcher, or simply looking to experience the beauty of Tanzania’s national parks, we can create a tour that is tailored to your needs.
Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable excursion to Udzungwa Mountains National Park and beyond.
