Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Udzungwa Mountains National Park, located in southern Tanzania, is a haven for biodiversity and natural beauty. Covering an area of approximately 1,990 square kilometers, the park is part of the ancient Eastern Arc Mountains, often referred to as the “Galápagos of Africa” due to their exceptional levels of endemism.
The park’s diverse habitats range from tropical rainforests and mountain forests to miombo woodlands, grasslands, and steppe, with elevations spanning from 250 meters to 2,576 meters at Lohomero Peak. This varied terrain supports over 2,500 plant species, 400 bird species, and six primate species, including the rare Iringa red colobus and the Sanje crested mangabey. Established in 1992, Udzungwa Mountains National Park offers a unique and enriching experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Special Bird Species to See in Udzungwa National Park.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park is a paradise for bird lovers, home to rare and endemic species. The vibrant Rufous-winged Sunbird and striking White-lined Barbet are must-sees, along with the elusive Kenya Crested Guinea Fowl and the beautiful Dappled Mountain-Robin and Udzungwa Forest Partridge. The Park also hosts the Grey-faced Sengi, a unique elephant-shrew-like creature. With the Udzungwa Forest Protected Area conserving this rich ecosystem, the park remains an exceptional destination for those seeking East Africa’s rarest wildlife.
Climate.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park has a tropical montane climate, characterized by high humidity and significant rainfall due to its location within the Eastern Arc Mountains. The Park experiences two rainy seasons:
- Long rains (March to May): Heavy rainfall, making some trails slippery and difficult to access.
- Short rains (November to December): Less intense but still bring periodic showers.
The dry season (June to October) offers cooler temperatures and clearer skies, making it the best time for hiking and wildlife viewing. The park’s temperature varies with altitude, ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) in the lowlands and dropping to around 10°C (50°F) in the higher elevations at night.
Best Time to Visit.
The best time to visit Udzungwa Mountains National Park is during the dry season from June to October, when the trails are more accessible and hiking conditions are ideal. This period offers:
- Clearer skies for scenic views and photography
- Easier hiking as the trails is dry and less slippery
- Better wildlife spotting near water sources
The wet season (November to May) brings lush green landscapes and is excellent for birdwatching, as migratory species arrive. However, trails can be muddy and challenging. If you don’t mind the rain, visiting between November and February can also be rewarding.
How to Get There
To get to Udzungwa Mountains National Park in Tanzania, you have several options depending on your starting point:
From Dar es Salaam
- By Road (Recommended Option)
- Drive or take a bus from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi (about 4-5 hours, 300 km).
- Continue from Mikumi to Mang’ula (the park’s main access point) via Ifakara road (about 1-2 hours, 60 km).
- Buses to Ifakara pass near the park entrance, and you can take a local taxi or boda-boda (motorbike) from the drop-off point to the park.
- Private vehicles or self-drives are also an option.
- By Train (Tazara Railway)
- Take the Tazara train from Dar es Salaam to Kidatu Station (a 6–8-hour journey).
- From Kidatu, hire a taxi or take a local minibus to Mang’ula (about 30 minutes).
- By Air
- The nearest airstrip is Mikumi Airstrip, served by flights from Dar es Salaam and other major locations.
- From Mikumi, take a car or taxi to Udzungwa (about 1-2 hours).
From Morogoro
- By Road: Drive or take a bus to Mikumi (about 1.5-2 hours), then continue to Udzungwa as described above.
Activities to Do in Udzungwa Mountains National Park.
- Birdwatching
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Camping
- Traditional Ngoma drumming
- Ifakara market tour
- Dugout Canoeing on the Kilombero River
- Mang’ula village tour
- Rubber plantation tour
- Prince Bernhard Falls
- Sonjo Waterfalls
Monkey Story with the Mysterious Hairstyle.
For many years, the Sanje Crested Mangabey remained one of Udzungwa’s best-kept secrets, hidden deep within its dense forests. It wasn’t until 1979 that researchers officially identified this remarkable primate, distinguished by its fluffy crest of hair that made it stand out from other monkeys.
However, one of the most amusing moments in its discovery came when scientists stumbled upon a young mangabey being kept as a pet by a local family. The monkey, completely at ease, played with children and ate scraps from their meals, sparking great interest among the researchers. But what truly puzzled them was its unusual hairstyle—its head seemed to have been styled into a high, puffy crest.
Seeing their confusion, the villagers couldn’t help but laugh, jokingly claiming that they had kunyoa nywele (shaved its head) and styled it that way. Some researchers initially believed them, thinking the villagers had playfully altered their appearance.
Only after further study did they realize this was how the species naturally looked! What started as a moment of humor became a defining characteristic of this rare primate, adding yet another fascinating layer to Udzungwa’s rich biodiversity.