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UDZUNGWA NATIONAL PARK
Udzungwa is the largest and most biodiverse of a chain of a dozen large forest-swathed mountains that rise majestically from the flat coastal scrub of eastern Tanzania. Known collectively as the Eastern Arc Mountains, this archipelago of isolated massifs has also been dubbed the African Galapagos for its treasure-trove of endemic plants and animals, most familiarly the delicate African violet. Udzungwa alone among the ancient ranges of the Eastern Arc has been accorded national park status.
It is also unique within Tanzania in that its closed-canopy forest spans altitudes of 250 metres (820 feet) to above 2,000 metres (6,560 ft) without interruption. Four bird species are peculiar to Udzungwa, including a forest partridge first discovered in 1991 and more closely related to an Asian genus than to any other African fowl. Of six primate species recorded, the Iringa red colobus and Sanje Crested Mangabey both occur nowhere else in the world – the latter, remarkably, remained undetected by biologists prior to 1979.
Undoubtedly, this great forest has yet to reveal all its treasures: ongoing scientific exploration will surely add to its diverse catalogue of endemics.
WHY UDZUNGWA NATIONALÂ PARK?
Udzungwa Mountains National Park is the largest and most bio-diverse of a chain of a dozen large forest-swathed mountains that rise majestically from the flat coastal area of eastern Tanzania.
Udzungwa has also been dubbed the African Galapagos for its collection of endemic plants and animals.
Beautiful forest and waterfalls called Sanje Waterfalls.
A well known paradise for hikers.
Over 400 species of birds, some of which are endemic to Udzungwa only.
Iringa Red colobus and Sanje Crested Mangabey both occur nowhere else in the world.
Continuous Scientific exploration still going on.
Very dense rain forest
One of the world ten forests for Bird conservation in Africa.
WHEN TO GO?
Udzungwa National Park is an all-year-round safari destination in Tanzania. The temperatures are ideal and higher from October to March and cool from May to July. Depending on the month that you will be visiting this park, the average temperature ranges from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius and sometimes it can go up to 35 degrees Celsius.
The average temperatures range from 17 to 23 degrees Celsius. It experiences both wet and dry season. The long wet season starts from March to May and the roads tend to be slippery and muddy making it a bit challenging for visitors to navigate through the remotest routes to the park. It is therefore highly recommended to use 4×4 wheel drive if you are to visit this park in the wet season. The dry season takes place from June to October and this is ideal for visitors to explore the park’s natural wonders.