Pugu Forest Reserve (Birding Area & Nature walk)
Pugu Kazimzumbwi Forest Reserve.
Just a short drive from the hustle of Dar es Salaam, Pugu Hills offers a peaceful escape into nature, where ancient forests, scenic hills, and wildlife create a world away from the city. Covering around 22 km², Pugu Hills is part of the larger Pugu-Kazimzumbwi Forest Reserve, which together spans over 120 km² of protected land. These connected forests are not just a haven for rare birds, monkeys, and butterflies — they also play a vital role as a green lung for Dar es Salaam, supporting biodiversity, protecting water catchment systems, and offering fresh air and tranquility to visitors. Whether you’re hiking to panoramic viewpoints, exploring forest trails, or simply enjoying the sounds of nature, Pugu Hills is a hidden gem that reconnects you with the wild side of Tanzania.
Best Time To Visit Pugu Kazimzumbwi Forest Reserve.
The best time to visit Pugu Hills is during the dry season from June to October, when the weather is cooler, the hiking trails are more accessible, and wildlife is easier to spot. As you explore the hills and forests, you might encounter monkeys, baboons, dik-dik, bush pigs, and a variety of birds and butterflies.
The area is also home to some rare and endemic species, making it a great spot for nature lovers. You can also visit between January and February, when the short rains have passed and the landscape remains lush and green. It’s best to avoid the long rainy season from March to May, as heavy rains can make trails muddy and harder to navigate.
How To Get To Pugu Kazimzumbwi Forest Reserve
By Car or Taxi
- Drive southwest from Dar es Salaam along Julius K. Nyerere Road (formerly Pugu Road), passing the airport. After about 20–35 km and around 30–60 minutes, follow signs to the reserve—parking is available at the entrance.
- Taxis offer a direct and comfortable option.
By Train + Taxi
- Take the commuter train (TRC or TAZARA) from Magufuli SGR Station to Pugu Station, a quick 10-minute.
- From Pugu Station, grab a taxi or boda boda for ~10 minutes.
Public Transport (Dala Dala) + Boda Boda
- Catch a dala dala from Kariakoo or Ubungo heading towards Pugu or Kisarawe.
- Disembark near the Pugu Road turn-off, then hop on a boda boda for the final 2–5 km to the reserve.
By Bicycle
- Adventurous travelers can ride about 20 km from Dar along Julius Nyerere Road—expect 1–1.5 hours, so bring water and wear a helmet.
By Foot
- The trek from the city spans 12–15 km and takes 2–3 hours on foot. It’s an option for the fit and fearless—don’t forget sun protection and plenty of water.
Pro Tips
- Start early to enjoy cooler temperatures and better wildlife activity.
- Hiring a local guide or ranger can add rich insights into the forest’s ecology, wildlife, and cultural history.
Facts About Pugu Hills.
- Pugu Hills Forest Reserve is believed to be part of one of the world’s oldest surviving forests, with biodiversity dating back millions of years, older even than the Amazon!
- The forest is home to rare species found nowhere else, including endemic birds like the Pugu Flycatcher and unique plants. It’s a hotspot for biodiversity lovers and birdwatchers.
- Pugu Hills is home to one of Tanzania’s largest deposits of kaolin, a fine white clay used in making ceramics, paper, paints, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
- Pugu Hills is considered sacred by the Zaramo people, the local ethnic community, who have traditional beliefs and rituals connected to the forest.
