Udzungwa Mountains National Park

Udzungwa Mountains National Park is a natural wonder that is sure to take your breath away. The park, located in Tanzania, covers an area of 1,990 km2, making it one of the largest national parks in the region. The park’s diverse habitats include tropical rainforest, mountain forest, miombo woodland, grassland, and steppe, providing a home for a wide variety of plant and animal species.One of the park’s most impressive features is its vertical height range of 250-2,576 meters. This range incorporates the Udzungwa Mountains, part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can expect to see over 400 bird species, 2500 plant species (25% of which are endemics), and 6 primate species, making it one of the most biodiverse national parks in Africa.The park is especially known for its primate population, with six different species calling the park home. Five of these species are endemic to the area, including the Iringa red colobus and the Sanje crested mangabey, which were both discovered in the park in the late 1970s. With such unique and endangered wildlife, it is no surprise that the park has become a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.Tourism in the Udzungwa Mountains National Park revolves around hiking and trekking, as the park has no roads and is accessible only on foot. The park offers a range of hiking trails, from the short and easy Sonjo trek to the challenging six-day Lumemo Trail. The most popular hike is the Sanje Waterfalls trail, which takes about four hours to complete and offers visitors a chance to see the park’s stunning 170-meter waterfall. Visitors can also swim in the waterfall plunge pools, making for an unforgettable experience.While there are no lodges within the park borders, visitors can still enjoy camping within the park. There are also budget-friendly guesthouses in the nearby village of Mang’ula for those who prefer a more comfortable stay. Overall, Udzungwa Mountains National Park is a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure in Tanzania’s beautiful wilderness.