Udzungwa Mountains National Park is a popular and distant tourist destination, rich in biodiversity plus among the finest parks in Tanzania for seeing fowl and primates. Udzungwa is dissected by the Eastern Arc Mountains, creating various montane habitats that shelter a collection of rare and endemic species of creatures as well as plants.

Endemic primates include Sanje crested mangabey Iringa red colobus, and Matundu galago. Endemic birds-including Livingstone’s turaco, silvery-cheeked hornbills and trumpeter hornbills -normally inhabit the canopy of the montane forest that is high but descend lowland throughout the chillier months. Migratory birds may also be present to mid- December.

About Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Size: 1,990 sq km (770 sq miles).
Location: Five hours (350 km/215 miles) from Dar es Salaam; 65 kms (40 miles) southwest of Mikumi.

Getting there
Drive from Dar es Salaam or Mikumi National Park.

What to do
From a two-hour hike to the waterfall to camping safaris.
Combine with nearby Mikumi or en route to Ruaha.

When to go
Possible year round although slippery in the rains.
The dry season is June-October before the short rains but be prepared for rain anytime.

Accommodation
Camping inside the park.
Bring all food and supplies.
Two modest but comfortable lodges with suite rooms within 1km of the park entrance.