Udzungwa Mountain National Park

Udzungwa Mountain National Park was the first terrestrial national park in Tanzania. It's known around the world for its rich forest, where around 20-30% of the animal and plant species are found nowhere else. Because of its wide range of endemic plants and animals, Udzungwa is sometimes called the “Galapagos of Africa.”

Udzungwa is part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, which are thought to be around 30 million years old. The range stretches from the Taita Hills in Kenya down to Udzungwa. The Ruaha River runs along the park's northern side, with Mikumi National Park further to the north and the Selous Game Reserve to the east.

The World Wildlife Fund has named Udzungwa Mountain National Park an Ecoregion of Global Critical Importance and a World Biodiversity Hotspot.

The park has beautiful mountain scenery, grassland, rocks, rivers and waterfalls. Its main attraction is its rich forest, with plants ranging from the tiny African violet to trees 30 meters tall. Some plant species here grow only in this park.

Udzungwa has 6 primate species, and 5 of them are endemic to the park, including the Iringa red colobus monkey and the Sanje crested mangabey. You can also find elephants, buffaloes, hippos, lions, leopards, African wild dogs, elands, waterbucks and sables, though the bigger animals are only seen now and then.

Udzungwa is one of the Top 10 birding destinations in Tanzania, with birds such as the rufous-winged sunbird, the Udzungwa partridge and the dappled mountain robin. More than 400 bird species live here, and some of them are found only in Udzungwa.

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (June to October): Best for hiking, with clear skies and dry trails.
• Wet Season (November to May): Great for waterfalls and birdwatching, but the trails can be slippery.

Activities To Do

Here's what you can do during your visit to Udzungwa Mountain National Park:

• Walking safaris
• Cycling safaris
• Aerial safaris
• Horse riding
• Birdwatching
• Canoeing
• Cultural tours

What to See

1. Udzungwa, a Park for Hiking

Unlike most parks in Tanzania, Udzungwa is best explored on foot. Its hiking trails take you through thick rainforest, past rocky cliffs and up to great viewpoints.

2. Some of Tanzania's Best Waterfalls

• Sanje Waterfalls (170m tall) – The park's best-known sight, with wide views and natural swimming pools.
• Prince Bernhard Waterfalls – A quieter waterfall deep in the forest.

3. Unique & Endangered Wildlife

Udzungwa is home to six primate species, including:

• Udzungwa red colobus monkey – Found only in this park.
• Sanje mangabey – A rare monkey discovered in the 1970s.
• Black-and-white colobus monkeys – Often seen jumping between trees.

Other species to look for:

• Elephants – Seen now and then in the deeper forest.
• More than 400 bird species, including the Udzungwa partridge, found nowhere else in the world.

How To Get There

Safari Van:

Udzungwa Mountain National Park is easy to reach by road, and train services also run to the park.

Flight:

Most guests reach Udzungwa by road or by train. Let us know where you're arriving and we'll suggest the easiest way to get there.