Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE UDZUNGWA MOUNTAINS
The Udzungwas' high degree of endemism and biodiversity is due, in large part,
to the area's constant climate over millions of years, which has given species a
chance to evolve. Another factor is the Udzungwas' altitudinal range. From the
low-lying Kilombero Valley south of the park (at approximately 200m) to
Luhombero Peak (the park's highest point at 2579m), there is continuous forest,
making this one of the few places in Africa with continuous rainforest over such
a great span.
The park was gazetted in 1992 with an area of 1900 sq km. Among its residents are the
rare Iringa red colobus, the Sanje crested mangabey and the Udzungwa forest partridge,
which has been sighted near the park's boundaries. While there are also elephants, buf-
faloes, leopards, hippos and crocodiles, these - particularly hippos and crocodiles - are
primarily in the park's southwest and are seldom seen along the main hiking routes.
There are no roads in Udzungwa; instead, there are about eight major and several lesser
hiking trails winding through various sections of the park. Most trails are on the eastern
side of the park, although several are now open in the west as well. The most popular route
is a short (three to five hours), steep circuit from Sanje village, 10km north of Mang'ula,
through the forest to
Sanje Falls
, where swimming and camping are possible. More sat-
isfying is the two-night, three-day (or two long days if you're fit) hike up to
Mwanihana
Peak
(2080m), the park's second-highest point. The challenging six-day trail from Udek-
wa (on the park's western side) to
Luhombero Peak
(2579m) is also now open, as is the
five-day
Lumemo (Rumemo) Trail
, from Mang'ula along the Rumemo River to Rumemo
Ranger Post (which is connected by a dirt track to Ifakara, about 25km further south).
There are also some shorter day trails in the baobab-studded northwestern corner of the
park around Msosa Ranger Post. Bring a water filter for longer hikes.
HIKING TIPS
You'll pay entry and guide fees per 24 hours, whether you take a short stroll or a
full-day's hike, so plan carefully. It's best to arrive in Mang'ula, use the after-
noon to plan, then set out early the next morning for a full day of walking.
