Udzungwa Mountains National Park | Wildlife & Hiking in Tanzania’s Rainforest
Overview of Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Tanzania
Udzungwa Mountains National Park is nestled in the Eastern Arc Mountains of southern Tanzania. So, it is a unique destination and one of the most visited national parks in southern Tanzania for nature lovers, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Udzungwa Mountains National Park was once connected to the Congo Basin, and it has survived for over 30 million years. The park is located between Morogoro and Iringa, having about 80% of its perimeter in the kills district. So, leaving about 20% of the remaining perimeters in the Kilombero district in Tanzania.
Unlike the open savannahs and vehicle-driven safaris of other Tanzania national parks, Udzungwa National Park is aka the “Galápagos of Africa.” And this is because it is home to rare primates and colorful birds to breathtaking landscapes. Udzungwa covers about 1,990 km² (or about 770 square miles), and is one of the largest and most ecologically significant Tanzania National Parks.
Udzungwa National Park was established as a national park in 1992. Initially, it started as a wildlife sanctuary in the late 1990s before turning into a national park in Tanzania. Udzungwa Mountains National Park is made up of forests including West Kilombero, Matundu, Lwonde Forest, Mwanihana, and Nyanganje. Below is what you need to know about the park before your Tanzania safari.
What Animals Are In Udzungwa Mountains National Park?
Udzungwa is home to numerous species of wildlife in Tanzania such as birds, primates, and other mammals, which can be witnessed in the park. These animals make this Tanzania park just what all sightseers need for a thrilling safari in Tanzania.
- Primates: Udzungwa has over 11 primate species, including Sanje crested mangabey and Udzungwa red colobus. Both species are endemic to the area. Also, there are kipunji monkeys, and this area offers a great primates tour experience in Tanzania.
- Birds: This park has over 400 bird species, including the Udzungwa forest partridge, white-chested alethe, and Sharpe’s akalat. These birds are best witnessed in various areas of the national park.
- Reptiles & Amphibians: Udzungwa Mountains National Park has reptiles and amphibians, including the Udzungwa lizard (Cnemaspis udzungwae). Other various endemic chameleons and frogs like Phrynobatrachus udzungwensis are found in this park.
- Other mammals: other mammals in this park include some Tanzania big 5, like elephants and lions. Other mammals include kudu, civets, miombo genets, sun squirrels, rats, leopards, bushbucks.
Climate of Udzungwa in Tanzania
Udzungwa Mountains National Park experiences a tropical climate that varies with altitude. At its lowest elevations, around 250 meters, the temperatures can rise up to 31°C, especially during the hot months. In contrast, higher zones such as Luhomero Peak (which stands at 2,576 meters) can be considerably cooler. Hence, temperatures drop to around 21°C, particularly in the months of June and July.
This national park in Tanzania experiences abundant rainfall due to its mountainous terrain. The long rainy season is from November to April, and the short rains are in October–November. Hence, experiencing typically two seasons, the dry and wet seasons of the year.
Worst and best months to Visit the Udzungwa Mountains
Experiencing two seasons, you should know the best and worst times to visit Udzungwa Mountains National Park for a safari. These dry and wet seasons in this park determine which safari experiences are better in which months.
June–October are dry Season months and also the best time to go on a safari to the Udzungwa mountains in Tanzania. Udzungwa safari experiences in areas such as Kilombero Valley and forest canopies are mind-blowing during these months. During these dry months, there are fewer water bodies, and animals tend to gather around near waterholes such as Sanje water fall, thus increasing sighting chances of wildlife.
March to May are the worst months to visit Udzungwa Mountains National Park and are the peak wet Season periods. Trails such as Sanje Waterfall and Hidden Valley Trails that wind through grassy and rocky terrain become muddy and hard to walk on. Hence, limits the safari experiences in the national park, like nature walks and hiking. During this time, primate safaris are not favourable because the thick forests are tough to trail through for these experiences.
How do I get to Udzungwa Mountains National Park in Tanzania
Since this park is located in the remote areas of southern Tanzania, it is mostly accessible by road, rail, or air. Below are the details on how to get to the Udzungwa Mountains National Park.
- Getting there by Road: This is the commonly used means of transport to the national park. The road trip is 350 km, 5-6 hours via Morogoro town and Mikumi from Dar es Salaam. From Mikumi National Park, it is approximately a 60 km drive to Mang’ula, where the park headquarters are based.
- Getting to Udzungwa National Park by Air: There are small airstrips like Kilombero or Msolwa, which are used for charter flights. And the major airport is Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam). Once you are on the ground, you can drive or take a domestic flight to the region.
- By Train: Use the TAZARA railway line (from Dar to Zambia) and get off at Mang’ula Station, just outside the park.
Udzungwa National Park Map
Tourist Attractions in Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Udzungwa national park is famous for its tourist attractions such as Sanje Waterfall, Mountains and Peaks. So these attractions rank this park best for various Tanzania safari experiences. Udzungwa is mostly referred to as the “Galápagos Islands of Africa” with its attractions located in different areas of the park.
- Sanje Waterfall: This is one of the top attractions found in the park. Sanje waerfall is a stunning fall of over 170-meter cascade hence, the tallest feature in theUdzungwa National park. Hiking to this point of the park is as great kind of experienceand sightseers can also swim in the plunge pools at the base.
- Prince Bernhard, Njokamoni, Msolwa, and Sonjo Waterfalls: These are also great attractions found in the national park. These falls are accessible via moderate treks hence offering peaceful picnic spots and scenic views to all sightseers who visit.
- Mountains and Peaks: Mwanihana Peak and Luhomero Peak provide panoramic views over the Kilombero Valley, forest canopies, and into neighboring reserves. Also, they are great points to use most especially during Tanzania photo safari tours within the Udzungwa mountains.
Tanzania safari things to do in Udzungwa
There are various safari activities to do at Udzugwa Mountains national park. These Tanzania things to do are carried out in numerous areas of the park. Engage in activities to do in Tanzania such as primates tracking and birding via Sanje Waterfall and Hidden Valley Trails at Udzungwa mountains in Tanzania. These will permit you have an exciting trip in the park and they are as below;
Primate Tracking:
The park has over 11 primate species, including Sanje crested mangabey and Udzungwa red colobus. These are mostly witnessed within the forested zones of the Udzubgwa mountains near Mang’ula. Also, deeper into the park, you can see these primates in Africa swinging through the canopy.
Birdwatching:
This is among the fun things to do in Tanzania’s Udzungwa with family, friends on a budget. Udzungwa national park has over 400 bird species including, king fisher, forest partridge, white-chested alethe, and Sharpe’s akalat. Birdwatching in this destination is mostly done in the early mornings along forest edges, riverbanks, and high ridges.
Photography safaris:
Those thrilled by nature photography have chances to engage in Macro photography in Udzungwa Mountains National Park. Take shoots of insects, frogs, and flora, and also engage in landscape photography. Here, you capture waterfalls like Sanje, sunrise views from peaks, and mist-covered forests.
Cycling (Peripheral areas):
sightseers can as well engage inTanzania bicycle cycling experiences from nearby areas of the park such as Mang’ula. During this safari activity, sightseers can get to have a cultural glimpse into local life of the villagers near the Udzungwa National Park.
Park Entry Fees
Like other Tanzania national parks, Udzugwa’s entry fees to be paid by all sightseers before their safari. These Udzungwa entrance fees help in the management of the park and are not fixed so, vary any given time of the year. Current Udzungwa entry fees are below;
- Non-resident adults: Approx. USD $30 per day
- Children (5–16 years): About USD $10 per day
- East African residents: Around TZS 10,000 (≈ USD $4–5)
Entry Gates to the Park
Once you are at park, you are advised to go through trailheads and ranger stations. So, this is because the Uzungwa national park does not have large safari vehicle gates. Here are the main entry points to the national park.
- Main Entry Point: Located at Mang’ula, this is found at the headquarters of the national park
- Trail-specific entry points: When it comes to the specific points to use, these include; Sanje Waterfall, Njokamoni. The Hidden Valley has its own access point, usually with signage and a ranger post.
Accommodation in Udzungwa National Park
Udzungwa national park has limited lodges within it. However, there are other several excellent accommodations nearly Mang’ula with excellent views of the Udzungwa mountains. Also, these hotels are in different price ranges starting from luxury, mid-range and budget these are as below;
- Luxury Options: some of the lodges to opt for while on a luxury kind of budget include;
- Udzungwa Falls Lodge: this is located near Sanje Falls offers en-suite rooms, fine dining, beautiful forest views, and modern amenities
- Tan-Swiss Lodge (in Mikumi): Despite of the fact that this is a bit far from the park, this lodge provides high-end facilities with excellent access to both Mikumi and Udzungwa national parks
- Mid-Range lodges: For mid-range accommodations near Udzungwa, opt for these:
- Hondo Hondo Forest Camp, Mountain View Camp and Angalia Tented Camp. All these are comfortable, well-equipped options with great service, perfect for families or groups.
- Budget Options: Want budget hotel options near in Udzungwa? There are public Campsites and guest houses which are situated inside or near the park. They offer great accommodation for affordable Tanzania safari experiences to all those that opt for them.
Affordable luxury Udzungwa Safari Packages
Book a safari to Udzungwa Mountains National Park with us. Our holiday packages are customised depending on which Udzungwa safari experiences you would want to have.
