- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
History
Udzungwa Mountains National Park was established in 1992. The park was formed from five forest reserves established in 1950s. These forests survived over 30 million years and were once connected to the Congo Basin and West Africa. The park was inaugurated in 1992 by WWF founder and then-president, Prince Bernard of Netherlands.
The name Udzungwa comes form the Kihehe word "Wadzungwa" which means the people who live on the sides of the mountains. The vast areas of the Udzungwa Mountains are still pristine, where man has not disturbed the earth and its natural communities due to taboos and cultural beliefs.
Landscape
Udzungwa Mountains National Park is one of Tanzania’s most outstanding, pristine, paradise and unique exciting wilderness mountains forested with greatest altitudinal range of forest. It is one of thirty-four “World Biodiversity Hotspot” and one of 200 WWF Ecoregion of global critical importance.
Flora and fauna
The Eastern Arc Mountains cover less than 2% of Tanzania's area but holds 30-40% of the country's plants and mammal species. The park provides a sanctuary for many unique plants, mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and butterfly species. Over 300 animal species have been recorded, including 96 vertebrate and 800 plant species found only in the Eastern Arc Mountains.
Climate
The park receives most of its annual rainfall from November to May. It is possible to visit the park at any time of year but it can be slippery during the rains. The maximum temperature is 31°C in October, with the minimum temperature of 21°C in July.
4 Days Trekking Udzungwa Mountains
Trekking Udzungwa Mountains through Mwanihana trail takes 3 days with overnight stay in tents in the mid of the virgin and charming forest. Starting few kilometers from the Udzungwa Mountains National Park headquarters in Mang’ula village this trail develops through the eastern side of Mt. Mwanihana, across semi-humid hilly forests, humid sub-mountain forests, pluvial mountain forests, and short stretches of high-mountain moorlands, and reaches the highest peak at about 2,400 meters of height. While hiking Udzungwa you will encounter several species of animals and vegetation.
The total distance for this route is about 20 kilometers and trekking is easy with some short steep distances. Since the night is spent in the forest where the weather and climatic condition is somehow difficult then this trail is recommended for adventure travelers and wilderness lovers.
Itineraries
Day 1 -2
Picking to Mikumi National Park
Pick up from the hotel at Dar es Salaam or Airport for the drive to Mikumi national park with a short stop in Morogoro town for breakfast. Continue to Mikumi national park and upon the arrival at the park conduct game drive with the possibility to see animal such as lion, leopard, cheetah, elephants, buffaloes and several species of antelopes. This park is also the best spot for bird watching safari with about 400 bird species recorded. Meals and overnight at Camp Bastian.
Day 3
Mikumi National Park to Mang’ula
Early morning leave Mikumi to Udzungwa Mountains National Park at Mang’ula for registrations thereafter transfer to the starting point of Sanje trail for a half day trek. While hiking you will see several endemic primates such as Sanje Crested Mangabey and the Iringa red Colobus. Arrive at Sanje waterfalls which water drops at the height of about 180 meters. Spend some moments relax at the waterfalls and enjoy your picnic lunch overlooking the panoramic view of the Kilombero Valley. In the afternoon descend back to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 4
Trekking Udzungwa – Mwanihana trail
Breakfast at the lodge then transfer to Sonjo Village which is begin point for the Mwanihana trek. Trek Mwanihana trail escorted by an armed ranger and encounter some game animals such as elephant and buffalo. As you track in the forest your guide will help you identify various medicinal plants. Today you will camp at Njia panda area.
Day 5
Trekking Udzungwa Mountains
Early breakfast, proceed with the Udzungwa Mountains trek through the changing forest to the Mwanihana summit. Encounter true montane vegetation amongst the Giant Ericas. Below you will view a spider’s web of elephant trails crisscrossing the park. Descend and trek through the forest until you reach your camp for the night.
Day of retun
Udzungwa Mountains – back to Dar es Salaam.or hotel
Early morning after breakfast descend the trek with possibility to encounter some primates and antelopes such as red duiker. As you arrive at the starting point catch up the vehicle back to the lodge then proceed to Dar es Salaam.
- Transport in a Private Safari Vehicle
- All park entrance fees
- Game drive in Mikumi
- Full board accommodation whilst on Safari
- Trekking at Udzungwa Mountains
- Transfer from the Lodge to Mwanihana Trail
- Accommodation at Dar es Salaam
- Flying doctors services
- Any expenses of the personal nature
