Wildlife Safari 8-Day Southern Tanzania Safari: Mikumi, Udzungwa & Ruaha
Dar Es Salaam (2) · Mikumi National Park (2) · Udzungwa Mountains · Ruaha National Park (2)
Explore Destination · Tanzania
Udzungwa Mountains
Udzungwa Mountains hiking: Udzungwa Mountains National Park protects 1,990 km² of the Eastern Arc.
- CountryTanzania
- Best timeJune to October is driest and the trails are at their firmest
- Trips2 sample trips
- Destinations nearbyUdzungwa Mountain National Park, Mikumi National Park
Udzungwa Mountains hiking: what to know
Udzungwa Mountains National Park protects 1,990 km² of the Eastern Arc, a chain of ancient mountains whose forests have been isolated long enough to evolve species found nowhere else. There are no roads in the park. Everything here is done on foot, which makes it a complete change of pace from a vehicle safari.
What to know before you go
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Sanje Waterfall
The best-known hike climbs through the forest to Sanje Waterfall, which drops about 170 m in three stages. The walk takes around four hours there and back, is steep in places, and ends at pools where you can swim, with a view east across the Kilombero valley's sugar plantations.
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Primates and other wildlife
Udzungwa has two monkeys that live only here: the Iringa red colobus, often seen on the Sanje trail, and the Sanje crested mangabey, which was unknown to science until 1979. Black-and-white colobus and Sykes' monkeys are common. The forest also holds endemic birds such as the Udzungwa forest partridge, along with chameleons and a great many butterflies.
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Longer treks
Fit walkers can take two or three days to climb Mwanihana Peak at around 2,100 m, camping in the forest. Shorter trails to the Prince Bernhard and Sonjo falls suit families. All hikes are accompanied by a park ranger. The park headquarters at Mang'ula is about an hour's drive from Mikumi.
When to visit Udzungwa Mountains
June to October is driest and the trails are at their firmest. The waterfalls are fullest just after the rains, in May and June. From March to May the paths are slippery and leeches are more of a nuisance.
Where It Is
Udzungwa Mountains and the other places we travel to nearby.
Udzungwa Mountains
Trips that include Udzungwa Mountains
Sample itineraries. Every trip is private, so we change the days, lodges and pace to suit you.
Wildlife Safari 
Wildlife Safari 10-Day Southern Tanzania Safari: Mikumi, Udzungwa, Ruaha & Nyerere
Dar Es Salaam (2) · Mikumi National Park (2) · Udzungwa Mountains · Ruaha National Park (2) · Nyerere National Park (2)
Plan Your Safari to Udzungwa Mountains
Our team in Arusha answers in English, French, German and Spanish.
Questions about Udzungwa Mountains
How difficult is the Sanje Waterfall hike?
Moderate. It is roughly four hours return with some steep, uneven sections. Anyone with reasonable fitness and proper walking shoes can do it.
Can you do a game drive in Udzungwa?
No. The park has no roads and is explored only on foot with a ranger. Combine it with Mikumi for game drives.
What animals live in the Udzungwa Mountains?
Mainly primates, including the endemic Iringa red colobus and Sanje crested mangabey, plus forest birds, chameleons and butterflies. Elephant and buffalo live in the park but are rarely seen.
Shall we plan your trip?
Tell us your dates and what you would like to see. A specialist in Arusha sends a route and a clear proposal within 24 hours.
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