Udzungwa Mountains National Park was established in 1992 and officially opened by the former President and founder of WWF (World Wildlife Fund for Nature) Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands. The word “Udzungwa” comes from the word “Wadsungwa” referring to one of the native sub tribes of the “Hehe” people who once lived in the slopes of the mountains.
The park covers an area of 1990km2 where geographically, 20% of the total area lies in Morogoro region while the remaining 80% being in the southern highland region of Iringa.
Dry season (June – September) and wet season (November – March) when wild flowers are flourishing and plentiful of butterflies. For bird watchers, December – February is their best time as most migratory birds are nesting in the park.
By road network from Dar es Salaam (380km) as well as Arusha, Kilimanjaro and Mbeya. There are two airstrips Msolwa and Kilombero which can be used by tourist through air transport before they connect using hired vehicles to the park’s main gate.
NOTE: Transport arrangements must be made with the bus companies, tour operators and air travelling agents for those who use charter/air transport through provided timetables for dates and times of both departure and arrival for park visit.
These are places of interest inside the park, where t ourists can visit, typically for its inherent or exhibited natural or cultural value, historical significance, natural or built beauty, offering leisure, adventure and amusement.
The park has a lot of natural water falls as river streams are flowing producing the fascinating sounds in the heavy forest.
The Park offers chance to go summit to highest peaks of Luhomero and Mwanihana. The activity can best be carried out throughout the year, but dry season is the most convenient time for most mountain climbers.
Reptiles and Amphibians with the endemic Udzungwa lizards (Cnemaspis Udzungwae) and Phrynobatrachus Udzungwensis together with endemic chameleon (Bearded pygmy chameleon).
Tropical Rainforest with 2500 different plant species including three endemic plants and 160 plant species of medicinal value.
Eleven primate species with two being endemic (Sanje Crested Mangabey and Iringa Red Colobus Monkeys).
The park has various tourism activities that visitors can do during their stay. These activities includes; Mountain Climbing to the highest Peaks of Mwanihana (2500m amsl) and Luhomero (2576m amsl), Bird Watching, Swimming, Nature Walks on the Forest and Waterfalls, Picnicking, Filming, Cycling (Organized by the Park and carried outside the Park), Camping and Cultural Tourism.
Mountain climbing – Offers chance to go summit to highest peaks of Luhomero and Mwanihana. The activity can best be carried out throughout the year, but dry season is the most convenient time for most mountain climbers.
Bird Watching – Done along all trails, roads and entire forest where most bird species (native and migratory) depending on seasonal variations, availability of food and materials for nesting can be seen. The endemic Udzungwa Forest Partridge and Rufous Winged Sunbird can be seen through specific details of their location and behavior provided by the park guides.
Camping – Nature camping is mainly done in specified areas for camping in the park called campsites. While at resting potential at a campsite, one can view and feel the natural forest, the voices from forest birds, insects and nocturnal animals without forgetting amazing sounds of water flowing downstream the whole night through.
Cycling is organized and done outside the park to villages close to the park and rubber plantations. Tourists can take time to learn the native farming and irrigation patterns, view the local dress patterns, traditional dances and taste the local foodstuff and beverages. It is one of the exciting muscle stretching activity that complements the nature based tourism.
The eastern part of the park is covered by a dense evergreen tropical rainforest which is a source of so many permanent rivers that pour water into the great Kilombero valley, having these rivers and natural ponds just at the bottom of several waterfalls make the swimming in the park to be carried out throughout the year in specified locations inside the park. Visitors are advised to bring in their swimming gears/costumes in order to enjoy the activity.
Cycling is organized and done outside the park to villages close to the park and rubber plantations. Tourists can take time to learn the native farming and irrigation patterns, view the local dress patterns, traditional dances and taste the local foodstuff and beverages. It is one of the exciting muscle stretching activity that complements the nature based tourism.
Click one of our contacts below to chat on WhatsApp
