Udzungwa Mountains National Park is in Central Tanzania.
The Udzungwa Mountains National Park is one of Tanzania's most outstanding and exciting wilderness areas, with unique wildlife species inhabiting this range of forests. Udzungwa is a primate park and there are 12 species of primate, including three found nowhere else in the world (the Sanje Mangabey, the Iringa Red Colobus and the Kipunji). Udzungwa is home to approximately 400 species of bird, many of which are endemic to the area. The park is treasured for the high level of biodiversity of birds and animals.
The mountain range is often referred to as "the Galapagos Islands of Africa" due to its rich levels of biodiversity and endemism.
The park's scenery is spectacular, with the rainforest spreading across rolling hills, valleys and mountains. The park has a number of impressive waterfalls, including Sanje Waterfalls, the highest waterfall in the National Parks system in Tanzania. Swimming in the plunge pools of the waterfalls is extremely refreshing following a hot hike!
Udzungwa Mountains National Park was established in 1992. The park was formed from five forest reserves established in 1950s. These forests survived over 30 million years and were once connected to the Congo Basin and West Africa. The park was inaugurated in 1992 by WWF founder and then-president, Prince Bernard of Netherlands.
The name Udzungwa comes form the Kihehe word "Wadzungwa" which means the people who live on the sides of the mountains. The vast areas of the Udzungwa Mountains are still pristine, where man has not disturbed the earth and its natural communities due to taboos and cultural beliefs.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park is one of Tanzania’s most outstanding, pristine, paradise and unique exciting wilderness mountains forested with greatest altitudinal range of forest. It is one of thirty-four “World Biodiversity Hotspot” and one of 200 WWF Ecoregion of global critical importance.
The Eastern Arc Mountains cover less than 2% of Tanzania's area but holds 30-40% of the country's plants and mammal species. The park provides a sanctuary for many unique plants, mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and butterfly species. Over 300 animal species have been recorded, including 96 vertebrate and 800 plant species found only in the Eastern Arc Mountains.
The park receives most of its annual rainfall from November to May. It is possible to visit the park at any time of year but it can be slippery during the rains. The maximum temperature is 31°C in October, with the minimum temperature of 21°C in July.
Entrance fees for non-citizens per 24 hours:
- US$30 for adult
- US$10 for child (5-15 yrs)
Camping fees for non-citizens per 24 hours:
- US$30 for adult
- US$5 for child (5-15 yrs)
Entrance fees for residents per 24 hours:
- US$15 for adult
- US$5 for child (5-15 yrs)
Camping fees for residents per 24 hours:
- US$15 for adult
- US$5 for child (5-15 yrs)
Entrance fees for Tanzanian citizens per 24 hours:
- Tsh 5000 for adult
- Tsh 2000 for child
Camping fees for Tanzanian citizens per 24 hours:
- Tsh 5000 for adult
- Tsh 2500 for child
Per group:
- Guide - US$20 per group ($10 for residents, Tsh 5000 for Tanzanians)
- Ranger - US$20 per group ($10 for residents, Tsh 5000 for Tanzanians) All visitors must be accompanied by a guide (for the longer hikes a ranger).
Maximum group size 6 people to 1 guide/ranger.
For keen bird watchers, taking a dug out canoe along the Kilombero river is a must. The locally carved canoes are the traditional means of transport along the river and its easy to spot the endemic Kilombero Weaver, bee eaters, pelicans and other seasonal water-birds. You'll might just see hippos, crocodiles and Nile monitor lizards. This is a great way to spend a relaxing afternoon, enjoying a picnic lunch.
Also in Ifakara, there is a wonderful hassle-free market for souvenir shopping as well as the excellent Women's Weavers, a local enterprise set up to empower women. They make and sell some wonderful material items including blankets, table mats and napkins and you can watch them whilst they work.
Udzungwa Forest Camp, Hondo Hondo can help to arrange these tours.
As well as hiking in the park, there are plenty of other activities in the surrounding area.
Hiring a bicycle and a local guide is a great way to explore the surrounding villages. From a bike, you get a wonderful first hand view of African village life with the opportunity to see the local markets, shops and school. The area is surrounded by local farms and sugar cane plantations. There is also a rubber plantation where it is possible to see the process from extraction from the trees all the way to the rubber being dried out and ready for transportation.
A visit to the local witch doctor is an unforgettable experience where you can learn more about the recipes, lotions and potions traditionally used.
There is a traditional Ngoma (drum and dance) group in the village who can perform for a thrilling evening of wild dancing, rhythmic drumming and singing. This is a fantastic evening spent around the campfire enjoying traditional, impromptu dance and song.
Udzungwa Forest Camp, Hondo Hondo can help to arrange all these tours.
Buy local souvenirs at the market in the village and the larger market at Ifakara where it is possible to buy second-hand clothes. Women's weavers in Ifakara is great for locally produced items.
Eating in the village is mainly confined to local houses and bars, where you can sample mishkaki (barbecued meat on a skewer), chips mayai (a chip omelette) or traditional ugali (maize flour cooked with water and eaten with your hands).
Within the park, it is often necessary to take a packed lunch.
Udzungwa Forest Camp, Hondo Hondo provides the best eating option in the area, see the lodging section.