Udzungwa Mountains National Park

About Udzungwa Mountains National Park

Udzungwa Mountains National Park is one of Tanzania’s most beautiful and ecologically important natural destinations, offering a completely different experience from traditional wildlife safaris. Covering approximately 1,990 square kilometres, the park is located in south-central Tanzania, mainly within the Morogoro and Iringa Regions. It forms part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, an ancient mountain range recognised for its exceptional biodiversity and unique natural ecosystems. Established as a national park in 1992, Udzungwa is internationally recognised for its rich tropical forests, extraordinary plant diversity and rare wildlife species. The park’s elevation ranges from approximately 250 metres to 2,576 metres above sea level at Lohomero Peak, creating a variety of climatic conditions and habitats.

The park is characterised by dense tropical rainforests, mountain forests, grasslands, woodlands and spectacular mountain landscapes. It is particularly famous for its exceptional biodiversity, including numerous endemic plant and animal species that cannot easily be found anywhere else in the world. Udzungwa is home to several primate species, including the endemic Sanje mangabey and the Udzungwa red colobus monkey. More than 400 bird species have been recorded in the wider park ecosystem, making it an exciting destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Unlike conventional safari destinations where game drives are the main attraction, Udzungwa is best explored through guided hiking, forest walks, birdwatching and mountain trekking.

Top Attractions and Experiences

• Sanje Waterfalls: Discover one of Tanzania’s most spectacular waterfalls, cascading approximately 170 metres through lush tropical forest.

• Sanje Waterfall Hiking Trail: Enjoy an exciting forest hike leading to breathtaking waterfall viewpoints.

• Lohomero Peak: Challenge yourself with a mountain trekking adventure to one of the park’s highest points.

• Tropical Rainforests: Explore beautiful evergreen forests filled with unique plants, trees and wildlife.

• Sanje Mangabey: Look out for this rare and endemic primate found naturally in the Udzungwa Mountains.

• Udzungwa Red Colobus Monkey: Discover another special primate species associated with this remarkable ecosystem.

• Birdwatching: Experience excellent birdwatching opportunities in one of Tanzania’s richest forest environments.

• Nature Walks: Explore the forest trails while learning about the park’s biodiversity and conservation importance.

• Mountain Photography: Capture breathtaking views of waterfalls, forest-covered mountains and natural landscapes.

• Cultural Experiences: Discover the surrounding communities and their traditional ways of life.

Best Time to Visit: June to October is generally an excellent period for hiking and trekking because of the relatively drier weather. The rainy seasons also offer beautiful green landscapes and impressive waterfall scenery, although some trails can become slippery.