Rare wildlife
Home to several endemic primates, including the Iringa red colobus and the Sanje mangabey.
Primates & Lakes · Southern Tanzania
Rainforest hikes and waterfalls.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park protects part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, an ancient chain of forested ranges that is celebrated for its biodiversity. Many plants, birds and primates here are found nowhere else on earth.
This is a hiking park, not a drive-through park. Well-marked trails lead through cool, dense forest, past rivers and viewpoints, and to the tall Sanje Waterfall, where you can swim in the pool at the base. A guide is required and helps you spot monkeys, birds and butterflies.
Udzungwa is only about an hour beyond Mikumi, which makes it a natural way to add forest and walking to a classic southern savannah safari.
Highlights
Home to several endemic primates, including the Iringa red colobus and the Sanje mangabey.
Trails range from short forest walks to longer, steeper climbs.
A rewarding hike to a tall waterfall with a swimming pool at its base.
A simple extension for a bush-and-forest safari from Dar es Salaam.
Experiences
A popular half-day trail through forest to the falls, with an optional swim.
Early guided walks for monkeys and endemic birds.
Overnight and multi-hour trails for fit hikers who want to go deeper.
Visit local farms and learn about life on the edge of the park.
What you may see
Look for Iringa red colobus, Sanje mangabey, Angolan colobus and Sykes’s monkeys, together with a rich list of forest birds, chameleons and butterflies. Large mammals are present but rarely seen.
Wildlife is wild. Sightings depend on season, weather and luck, and your guide will always put you in the best position.
Planning
The best time for hiking, with drier and less slippery trails.
Generally good, with some showers.
Heavy rain makes trails slippery and some are closed.
Udzungwa lies about one to two hours from Mikumi and roughly six to seven hours from Dar es Salaam by road. A common route is Dar es Salaam, Mikumi, Udzungwa and back.
Simple lodges and tented camps sit near the park gate, and larger lodges are found in Mikumi and Iringa.
Itineraries
Combine it with
Good to know
Still unsure? Send us your question and a planner will answer personally.
It is a moderately demanding walk with some steep sections, but it is suitable for most reasonably fit visitors when taken slowly with a guide.
Yes, trails are guided by park rangers. This keeps you safe and makes wildlife viewing much more rewarding.
Yes. It is one of the most popular short extensions for a southern circuit safari.
Tell us when you want to travel and what you hope to see. We will reply with a plan.
