Udzungwa Mountain National Park

Why visit the Udzungwa Mountains

Udzungwa Mountains National Park is Tanzania's best park for rainforest hiking. Part of the ancient Eastern Arc mountains, it protects one of the most important blocks of mountain forest in East Africa, with an exceptional number of species found nowhere else. There are no roads inside the park: you explore entirely on foot.

The most popular trail climbs through the forest to the Sanje Falls, which drop around 170 metres in a series of cascades, with wide views over the Kilombero Valley from the top. Along the way, look for the park's primates, including two found only in these mountains: the Sanje mangabey and the Udzungwa (Iringa) red colobus. Birdlife, butterflies, giant trees and forest flowers make the hikes rewarding even when the animals stay hidden. Longer, multi-day trails lead deeper into the mountains for experienced hikers.

When to go

The park can be visited all year, but the trails are easiest in the drier months, from June to October. Rain makes paths slippery, though it is also what keeps the forest so rich and green.

Udzungwa is about an hour from Mikumi National Park, so the two combine perfectly: game drives in Mikumi and a forest hike in Udzungwa. It also fits well on a longer southern route with Ruaha or Kitulo. Ask us to plan a southern Tanzania journey.