Udzungwa Mountains National Park covers an area of 1,990km2( 770 miles2), Udzungwa is the only national park found along the Eastern Arc located in South- central Tanzania and covers 80% of the land lying in the Kilolo district and the remaining 20% in the Kilombero district. Udzungwa mountains national park was established in 1992 and was 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, habitats contains within the national park includes the tropical rainforest, mountain forest, miombo woodland, grassland and steppe to thrill while on Tanzania Safaris.
Attractions in Udzungwa Mountains National Park.
Wildlife.
Udzungwa mountains national park supports a diverse of wildlife including the elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, African wild dog, eland, there are 6 species of primate that are found in the park of which the two are endemic, the Iringa red colobus monkey and the Sanje crested mangabey monkey. Udzungwa mountains national park has more than 2500 plant species in the park.
Bird species.
Udzungwa mountains national park has over 400 species of birds where the Udzungwa forest is a most for bird watchers for the best birding safari in Tanzania as it is among the top three African mainland bird conservation areas, the bird species in the park includes the African Marabou, Crowned Eagle, R and uuml; pell’s Vulture, African Hobby, Francolin, Rufous-winged sunbird and money more.
Tropical Rain forest.
Tropical Rain forest is situated in Udzungwa mountains national park which has over 2500 species of different plant species including the three endemic plants and 160 plant species of medicinal value to the tourists and people living around the park.
Waterfalls.
Udzungwa mountains national park has got various natural water falls such as the river streams are flowing producing the fascinating sounds in the heavy forest that attracts more tourists in the park.
Activities done in Udzungwa Mountains National Park.
Bird watching.
Bird watching in the park is done along all trails, through the road and entire forest where most bird species both the native and migratory depend on seasonal variations. 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, other birds expected to be seen includes the African Marabou, Crowned Eagle, Rufous-winged and more.
Photographing and Filming.
Photographing and filming is the most recreational activity that can be done in the park throughout the year, these activities require the most silent and calm environment, during the short rains the photographic safaris can be more exciting in the park that’s when the wild flower flourish and the presence of more butterflies however also the most of migratory birds can be seen during this time which is between December and February.
Cycling.
Cycling is organized and done especially outside the park mostly in the villages close to the park and to rubber plantations, the tourists can learn many farming methods, local dressing patterns, view the local dressing codes, traditional dances, taste the local food stuffs and their beverages, it is the exciting healthy activity which leads to stretching of muscles and complements the nature base tourism.
Cultural tourism.
Udzungwa mountains national park is covered by a dense evergreen tropical rainforest which acts as the source of many permanent rivers that pour water to the great Kilombero valley and having these rivers and natural ponds just at the bottom of waterfalls which makes swimming activity to take place in the park, here swimming gears are requested to be brought by the tourists to enjoy the activity.
Camping.
Camping activity is as well done in the park, there are specific areas for camping in the park that are campsites, while during the camping the tourist can be able to view the natural forest in the park, hearing the voices from forest birds, insects, nocturnal animals, the sounds of water flowing downstream the whole night which experience the tourists to the wild nature of Tanzania.
Mountain Climbing.
Mountain climbing offers the tourists to summit to the highest peaks of Luhomeo and Mwanihana which gives the tourists the most pleasure time during their touring, this activity is most convenient during the dry season for most mountain climbers.
Where to stay in Udzungwa Mountains National Park.
The park provides many accommodations which are found inside and others outside the park, the amazing public and special camping grounds are available inside the park. Like Twinga hotel, Hondo Hondo luxury camp, Hondo Hondo Udzungwa Forest Tented camp, Udzungwa Falls Lodge, Udzungwa Forest Tented camp, Udzungwa Mountain View camp and many more.
Best time to visit Udzungwa Mountains national park.
The best time to visit the park is during the dry season (June to September) and wet season (November to March) that’s when the wild flowers are flourishing and plentiful of butterflies. For bird watchers December to February is their best time as most migratory birds are nesting in the park.
Entrance fees of Udzungwa Mountains national park.
| Category | JULY TO JUNE | ||
| EA (Tshs) | Non EA Citizen(USD) | Expatriate/Residents(USD) | |
| Of above the age of 16 years | 5000 | 30 | 15 |
| Between the age of 5 to 15 years | 2000 | 10 | 5 |
| Children below the age of 5 years | Free | Free | Free |
How to get to Udzungwa mountains national park.
The park can be accessed by both the air and road means of transport from Dar es Salaam to the park.
By Road means.
Driving from Dar es Salaam, you take the Morogoro road and continue for around 4 hours through the Chalinze, Morogoro and Mikumi National Park to Mikuni town. In Mikumi town, take a left turn following the signs for Ifakara and the park.
By Flight means.
Coastal operate daily flights to/from Udzungwa/Kilombero to Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, this flight runs very afternoon and links udzungwa to the rest of the safari circuit. It is also possible to fly to Mikumi airport using Safari Airlink and drive down the valley to Udzungwa.
Being part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, the park is unique because of its closed-canopy forest spans altitudes of 250 meters (820 feet) to above 2000 meters (6,560 ft.) without interruption, the park is a home for fascinating diversity of life, the Eastern Arc Mountain that are famous for its high concentration of endemic species of animals and plants is important biodiversity hotspot on earth, the Eastern Arc Mountains covers less than 2% of Tanzania’s area but holds 30-40%of the country’s plants and mammal species.
