Tanzania is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your activities.
For wildlife safaris, the dry seasons from June to October offer excellent game viewing, including the Great Migration in the Serengeti.
January to February is ideal for witnessing the calving season. For Mount Kilimanjaro treks, the best conditions are from January to March and June to October.
Beach lovers visiting Zanzibar will enjoy the dry months of December to February and June to October.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park: A Verdant Haven
The forests of Udzungwa have an enchanting, timeless quality. These lush, primeval woodlands are a sanctuary of sun-dappled clearings, encircled by towering 30-meter (100-foot) trees. Their massive trunks are adorned with a vibrant tapestry of fungi, mosses, ferns, and lichens.
As the largest and most biodiverse of the Eastern Arc Mountains, Udzungwa stands out in Tanzania’s landscape. This range of majestic peaks, which rise from the flat coastal plains of eastern Tanzania, is often referred to as the “African Galapagos.” The Eastern Arc is home to a wealth of endemic species, including the well-known African violet.
Udzungwa is unique within this chain, as it is the only range designated as a national park. The park also stands apart in Tanzania due to its unbroken, closed-canopy forest, which spans from 250 meters (820 feet) to over 2,000 meters (6,560 feet) in altitude.
Though not a traditional safari destination, Udzungwa is a hiker’s paradise. A well-maintained network of trails invites exploration, with the half-day hike to Sanje Waterfall being a popular choice. The waterfall, which cascades 170 meters (550 feet) down into a forested valley, creates a spectacular misty spectacle.
For those seeking a greater challenge, the two-night Mwanihana Trail leads to a high plateau with stunning panoramic views of surrounding sugar plantations, before reaching Mwanihana Peak, the second-highest point in the range.
Udzungwa also draws birdwatchers, boasting over 400 bird species, including the easily spotted green-headed oriole. The park is home to more than a dozen endemic birds of the Eastern Arc, including four species unique to Udzungwa. Among these is a forest partridge, discovered in 1991, which is more closely related to an Asian genus than to any African fowl.
The park is also famous for its primates, with six species recorded, including the Iringa red colobus and Sanje Crested Mangabey. Both of these species are found nowhere else in the world, and the latter remained undiscovered by scientists until 1979.
Udzungwa’s treasures are far from fully uncovered, and ongoing research continues to reveal new species and deepen our understanding of this extraordinary ecosystem.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park: Key Information
How to Get There
Activities in Udzungwa
Best Time to Visit
Obtaining a Tanzania visa is simple and convenient. You can apply online via the Tanzania eVisa Portal, at a Tanzanian embassy, or on arrival at major entry points such as airports and border crossings.
Requirements typically include a valid passport with at least six months’ validity, a completed application form, and payment of the visa fee.
A single-entry tourist visa costs $50 for most nationalities, while US citizens pay $100 for a multiple-entry visa.
The eVisa process usually takes about 10 business days for approval.
The best time to visit is during the dry season (June to October). However, be prepared for rain at any time, as the park’s climate can be unpredictable.
You can drive from Dar es Salaam (about 5 hours) or from Mikumi National Park (about 1 hour).
Udzungwa offers a variety of activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and camping. The popular Sanje Waterfall hike takes about two hours, and there are longer treks, such as the Mwanihana Trail, for more experienced hikers.
Udzungwa is not a typical game-viewing destination. Instead, it is known for its hiking trails, birdwatching, and unique flora and fauna.
Yes, Udzungwa is home to several endemic species, including four unique bird species and two rare primates: the Iringa red colobus and Sanje Crested Mangabey.
Yes, camping is available in the park, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the forest’s beauty and tranquility
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