Udzungwa Mountains national park
The park was established in 1992 and officially opened by the former president and founder of WWF, as it sounds –the park got its name from a tribal “hehe” language “Wadsungwa”. The park covers an area of 1990 kilometers square where 20% of the area lies in Morogoro region while the remaining 80% lies in Iringa region. The park is covered by huge tropical forests comprising of about 2500 different species of plant thus forming habitat for different living creatures like primate species out of which two being endemic to the park, sanje crested Mangabey and Iringa red colobus monkeys while Mtundu dwarf galago and other animals including Elephants, Lions, Buffalos, bush bucks, Kudu, sable , warthogs, Antelopes, duikers, hyenas to mention but a few enjoy several habitats embraced in closed canopy of unbroken forest with small plants like the unique and amazing saint Paula to big trees of over 30metres high, reptiles are also spotted in the park, more than 400 species of butterflies, over 250 different bird species with two bird species endemic to the park –Udzungwa forest partridge and Raucous winged sunbird thus forming the park to be the second highest bird diversity area in Africa. A number of waterfalls with the famous sanje waterfalls being most conspicuous and the highest fall of about 170 meters high in the national park system in Tanzania. Despite its less popularity Udzungwa national park is really a park of its own and a small hikers’ paradise with the sounds of many bird species some only found in this area and not anywhere else really makes it a safari destination to never miss and get an experience of your own desire.
THINGS TO DO UDZUNGWA MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Renowned for its rich biodiversity, Udzungwa Mountains National Park is a captivating destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike. This remarkable park boasts stunning waterfalls and challenging hiking trails that promise unforgettable experiences. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, birdwatcher, or simply seeking to delve into the heart of Africa's natural forests, Udzungwa offers a variety of activities to satisfy your adventurous spirit. Explore the wonders of this awe-inspiring park and immerse yourself in its untouched beauty.
Hiking to the Sanje waterfalls is challenging but rewarding, Udzungwa mountains national park offers a great opportunity to explore the popular network of lush forest trails, stunning landscapes and vegetation leading you to the one of the lagger and breathtaking Sanje waterfall tumbling 170 meters high through the misty spray into the valleys below in the hidden gems of the dense forest of the Udzungwa mountains national park. The magnificent views and experience offered by Sanje waterfalls makes a hike to this area a must do activity for travelers that choose to visit the Udzungwa mountains national park soaking into the natural beauty of small streams, cascading small waterfalls along the way that will rejuvenate your senses and feelings.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park is a haven for travelers who are wildlife enthusiasts and bird lovers, It offers travelers opportunities to spot abundant and diverse wildlife species and it is also a rich destination where over 250 bird species have been recorded in this park and can spotted on a guided walking adventure here, such birds include but not limited to green headed oriole, storks, eagles, kingfishers among many others. Animals like Elephants, leopards, hunting dogs, primate species such as Iringa red colobus monkeys and sanje mangabey endemic to only Udzungwa mountains national park can be spotted among many other animals that are iconic in the park, here you can also enjoy graceful butterflies decorating the lush forest of this stunning national park making your visit here inspiring and rewarding.
While visiting Udzungwa Mountains National Park which is well known for its natural beauties and magnificent landscapes, you can explore the surrounding area and villages which are rich in cultural heritages. Cultural tours around Udzungwa mountain national park offers you an opportunity to explore the local communities’ traditions, customs, beliefs, and their daily ways of life. During the cultural tour you will get the chance to explore the areas surrounding the park on either a bicycle or walking tour that will give you the chance to deep yourself into real African culture and participate in some activities that these local communities do in their daily life spans like cooking and you can taste the flavors of local cuisines which often feature fresh ingredients like original beans, chilies and more ingredients that are sourced from the fertile lands surrounding the Udzungwa national park. Cultural tours give you chance to immerse yourself and participate in many activities that local people will be doing including traditional dances, singing and other performances where rhythmic beats and energetic movements express the cultural identity and stories of the particular society group.
When to visit
Accessible all year round though the best time to visit Udzungwa Mountains National Park in Tanzania is during the dry season, which typically runs from June to October. During these months, the weather is cooler and there is less rainfall, making wildlife spotting easier as animals congregate around water sources. The dry season also offers more stable road conditions, which can be important for safari travel. If you prefer to see the park in its lush, green state and enjoy fewer crowds, the wet season from November to May is also a good option, though it can be more challenging for game viewing due to the dense vegetation and occasional road closures.
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