Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CHILUNGA CULTURAL TOURISM PROGRAM
Chilunga Cultural Tourism ( 023-261 3323, 0754-477582;
www.chilunga.or.tz ; YWCA Compound, Rwegasore Rd) offers day and
overnight excursions around Morogoro, including village visits, hikes and
Mikumi safaris. Its programs are a good introduction to local life, and we've re-
ceived lots of positive feedback from travellers. Prices average from Tsh25,000
per person per day plus village and admin fees (from about Tsh10,000 per per-
son per day). Mikumi safaris cost from US$250 for the vehicle, including guide
and park entry fees.
HIKING IN THE ULUGURU MOUNTAINS
The Uluguru Mountains rise up from the plains just southeast of Morogoro,
dominating vistas from town. Part of the Eastern Arc chain, the mountains con-
tain some of Africa's oldest original forest plus a wealth of birds, plants and in-
sects. These include many unique species, such as the Uluguru bush shrike. The
only comparable mountain-forest area in East Africa, as far as age and
endemism are concerned, is the Usambara Mountains ( Click here ) .
The main tribal group in the area are the matrilineal Luguru, who are primar-
ily subsistence farmers. Due to the Uluguru's high population density, most of
the original forest cover has been depleted, with only small protected patches re-
maining on the upper slopes. This deforestation has led to severe erosion.
The best contact for organising hikes is Chilunga Cultural Tourism in Moro-
goro. Routes include a half-day return hike to Morningside , an old German
mountain hut to the south of town at about 1000m; and a day's return hike to
Lupanga Peak (2147m), the highest point in the immediate vicinity, although
views from the top are obscured by the forest. There are also cultural walks, in-
cluding from Bunduki , about 2½ hours drive south of Morogoro.
The Wildlife Conservation Society of Tanzania (WCST; 023-261 3122;
uluguru@morogoro.net; 1st fl, Bodi ya Pamba Bldg, Old Dar es Salaam Rd,
Morogoro) , together with the Uluguru Mountains Biodiversity Conservation
Project, has published Tourist Information for the Uluguru Mountains, with
route descriptions. It's available online, and occasionally at WCST's Morogoro
office.
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