Tanzania’s Enchanted Hiking Paradise
Brooding and primeval, Udzungwa Mountains National Park is a lush, magical wilderness in eastern Tanzania. Its towering 30-metre trees are draped in mosses, lichens, and ferns, creating a rainforest canopy that shelters rare wildlife, waterfalls, and unique plant species found nowhere else on Earth.
A Biodiversity Hotspot
Udzungwa is the largest and most biodiverse of the Eastern Arc Mountains, often called the African Galápagos for its wealth of endemic flora and fauna. Unlike other ranges, Udzungwa’s forest stretches uninterrupted from 250 m (820 ft) to over 2,000 m (6,560 ft), offering an unparalleled range of habitats.
Wildlife & Birdwatching
Home to over 400 bird species, Udzungwa attracts birdwatchers from around the world. Highlights include the rare green-headed oriole, four bird species found only here, and the Udzungwa forest partridge, a species first discovered in 1991. Six primate species live in the park, including the Iringa red colobus and the Sanje crested mangabey, both found nowhere else on Earth.
Hiking & Waterfalls
Udzungwa is a hiking paradise. Popular trails include the Sanje Waterfall Trail, a half-day hike leading to a 170-metre cascade, and the Mwanihana Trail, a challenging two-night trek to panoramic plateaus and Mwanihana Peak.
Quick Facts – Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Size: 1,990 sq km (770 sq miles)
Location: 5 Hours (350 km) from Dar es Salaam; 65 km southwest of Mikumi National Park
Activites
- Guided hiking and camping safaris
- Birdwatching expeditions
- Waterfall photography
- Combine with nearby Mikumi or Ruaha National Park
Why Visit Udzungwa Mountains National Park?
- Perfect for nature lovers, hikers, and bird enthusiasts
- Offers a unique, off-the-beaten-path Tanzania safari experience, blending adventure with unmatched biodiversity
Best Time to Visit
June – October for drier trails, though rain is possible year-round.