Udzungwa Mountains
Udzungwa is a rainforest park explored only on foot, home to the 170-metre Sanje Waterfall and primates found nowhere else on earth.
What makes it different.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park is a rainforest park in the Eastern Arc Mountains, explored entirely on foot since it has no internal roads. It protects the 170-metre Sanje Waterfall, more than 400 bird species and six primate species, two of which, the Udzungwa red colobus and Sanje crested mangabey, live nowhere else in the world.
The hike to the three-tier, 170-metre Sanje Waterfall.
Endemic primates: Udzungwa red colobus and Sanje crested mangabey.
One of Africa's richest forests, with around 2,500 plant species.
Trails for every level, from short walks to multi-day treks to Mwanihana Peak.
An easy pairing with Mikumi for a wildlife-and-rainforest combination.
When to go.
Dry Season
June to October offers the firmest trails and clearest waterfall views. Paths are less slippery, river crossings are easier, and the longer treks are at their most comfortable.
Green Season
The forest is green year-round. The wetter months from November to May make the falls fuller and more dramatic, but trails turn muddy and leeches are more active, so come prepared.
Getting there.
By Road
About five to six hours from Dar es Salaam via Mikumi, with the last stretch on a graded road to the Mang'ula gate.
By Rail
The TAZARA railway runs from Dar es Salaam to Mang'ula station, a few kilometres from the gate, in around six to seven hours.
Good to know.
No. The park has no internal roads, so every activity, from short waterfall walks to multi-day treks, is done on foot with a guide.
The hike to Sanje Waterfall, a 170-metre cascade reached through rainforest, along with the chance to see primates found nowhere else on earth.
The Sanje Waterfall route suits most reasonably active walkers. Longer treks to Mwanihana Peak need a good level of hiking fitness.
Easily. The two parks sit around 65 km apart on the same southern route and are often paired as a wildlife-and-rainforest trip.
Some safaris are best done on foot this is one of them.
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