UDZUNGWA NATIONAL PARK

This Park is made up of a broad arc running 500 miles down the eastern side of Tanzania, where there are seven ancient mountain ranges known as Eastern arc mountain. These forested islands are surrounded by seas of drier savannas, and their isolation has led to the evolution of the most unique and varied plant and animal life in all of Africa. The fascinating thing about them is how unexplored they are.  A completely new species of monkey, the Sanje mangabey was discovered as recently as 1979, and a new species of francolin (partridge family) was first discovered by scientists in 1992 – the Udzungwa Forest Francolin. 

Moreover, The vegetation is absolutely pristine closed canopy forest, with woodland and moorland in some of the surrounding and higher areas. In addition , the park is it is a naturalist’s paradise with dozens of unique species across the animal spectrum from insects to reptiles and frogs to birds and primates. Six monkey species live in the forests and woodlands, two of which are found only here (the Sanje Mangabey and the Iringa Red Colobus). There are more than 400 bird species, and thousands of different plant species. Wildlife also is found here , these include  buffalo, elephant, leopard, forest antelope, warthog, and bush pig. Lion live in the woodlands and upper moorlands but are rarely seen.

ACTIVITIES

• Hiking and swimming. Udzungwa has a well-designed network of hiking trails for hill walkers. These range from an hour’s walk (Sonjo hike) to a strenuous 6-day trek along the Lumemo Trail. A popular half day climb takes you to the 170-meter Sanje Waterfall which cascades over a huge rock buttress protruding from the forest canopy and down into a large pool at its base, making a perfect natural swimming pool.