Sanje Waterfall
Hike to the Sanje Waterfall, which plunges 170 metres into the forested valley below, with pools for swimming.
Tanzania National Parks
Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Ancient rainforest, rare primates found nowhere else on Earth and the thundering Sanje Waterfall make Udzungwa a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.
- Location
- 65 km from Mikumi
- Known For
- Sanje Waterfall & primates
- Size
- 1,990 km²
- Experience
- Hiking safari
Discover Udzungwa
The Galapagos of Africa's forests.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park lies about 65 km from Mikumi National Park and 350 km from Dar es Salaam, around five hours by road. Gazetted in 1992 and covering 1,990 km², it spans the Kilombero district of Morogoro and the Iringa district.
The park's greatest attraction is its biodiversity and unique rainforest, where many rare plants found nowhere else on Earth have been identified, from tiny African violets to trees 32 metres tall. It is a park explored on foot, with trails leading through forest to waterfalls and peaks.
Why Udzungwa
A walking adventure in the rainforest.
Udzungwa offers a completely different experience from the savanna parks, best enjoyed on foot.
Unique Primates
Eleven primate species live here, including the Udzungwa red colobus and Sanje crested mangabey, found nowhere else.
Rare Birds
Over 400 bird species, including the Udzungwa forest partridge, discovered in 1991.
Mountain Hiking
Trek to Mwanihana Peak or explore multi-day trails deep into the forest.
Location
Where is Udzungwa Mountains National Park?
Udzungwa lies in south-central Tanzania, about 65 km from Mikumi National Park and 350 km from Dar es Salaam. The main entrance at Mang'ula is easy to reach by road and is a natural add-on to a Mikumi safari.
The park forms part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, an ancient chain of mountains known for its remarkable number of endemic plants and animals.
When to visit
Every season tells a different Udzungwa story.
The forest can be visited year-round, with the dry season best for hiking.
Dry Season
The best time for hiking, with drier trails and good visibility.
Short Rains
Fresh greenery and strong waterfalls, with some slippery trails.
Short Dry Spell
Pleasant hiking and excellent birdlife.
Long Rains
The wettest period; waterfalls are spectacular but trails are muddy.
What is the best month to visit Udzungwa?
Each month offers different conditions in the forest.
Good hiking and lush forest.
Pleasant conditions and active birdlife.
Rains begin; waterfalls start to swell.
Wet and slippery, but waterfalls are powerful.
Rains ease; the forest is at its greenest.
Dry season begins; excellent hiking.
Cool and dry, ideal for long treks.
Dry trails and good primate viewing.
Excellent hiking conditions.
Warm and dry before the short rains.
Short rains; waterfalls flow strongly again.
Green and lush, with good birdwatching.
Explore the area
Discover the different faces of Udzungwa.
Forest, waterfalls and peaks across a vast mountain range.
Eastern slopesSanje Waterfall TrailA popular trail through the forest to the 170-metre Sanje Waterfall.
Mwanihana ForestMwanihana PeakA challenging multi-day climb to one of the park's highest peaks.
Eastern slopesPrince Bernhard FallsA short walk to a beautiful waterfall near the park headquarters.
Western UdzungwaThe PlateauA remote area where elephants, lions, leopards and buffalo live.
Wildlife
A rainforest full of rare life.
The park is home to eleven types of primates, five of which are unique to Udzungwa, including the endangered Udzungwa red colobus and the Sanje crested mangabey, found nowhere else in the world. The plateau also supports elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo, though these are found in less accessible parts of the park.
Birders come for one of the richest bird lists in Tanzania, with over 400 species, from the Udzungwa forest partridge, more closely related to an Asian genus than any other African fowl, to green-headed orioles.
6 animals to look for
Udzungwa red colobus
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Forest canopy near the Sanje trail
An endangered monkey found only in these mountains.
1 / 6
Sanje crested mangabey
Chance of seeingOccasional
Where to look: Mwanihana forest
A rare primate discovered in 1979, unique to Udzungwa.
2 / 6
Black-and-white colobus
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Forest canopy
Often seen on the forest trails.
3 / 6
Blue monkey
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Forest
Common in the lower forest.
4 / 6
Udzungwa forest partridge
Chance of seeingRare
Where to look: High forest
A rare bird discovered in 1991.
5 / 6
Elephant
Chance of seeingRare
Where to look: Remote western plateau
Present in remote parts of the park, rarely seen on trails.
6 / 6
The Sanje Waterfall
A 170-metre plunge through the rainforest.
The Sanje Waterfall trail is the highlight of most visits. The hike climbs through lush forest, past monkeys and birds, to viewpoints where the falls plunge 170 metres into the valley below.
At the top, natural pools offer a refreshing swim with views across the Kilombero valley. It is a perfect half-day or full-day adventure.
Safaris to 中文
Udzungwa & southern circuit tours
Itineraries that include Udzungwa, often combined with Mikumi and Nyerere.
Tanzania · 7 days
7-Day Southern Circuit: Mikumi, Udzungwa & Ruaha
Mikumi · Udzungwa · Ruaha
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania · 4 days
4-Day Southern Circuit: Mikumi & Udzungwa
Mikumi
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania · 13 days
13-Day Southern Circuit: Selous, Mikumi, Udzungwa & Ruaha
Nyerere · Mikumi · Ruaha
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Stay in 中文
Where to stay near Udzungwa
Eco camps and lodges at the foot of the mountains in Mang'ula.
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The story behind Udzungwa.
The Udzungwa Mountains are part of the Eastern Arc, a chain of ancient mountains whose forests have remained stable for millions of years, allowing unique plants and animals to evolve.
Scientists continue to discover new species here, such as the Udzungwa forest partridge in 1991 and the kipunji monkey nearby in 2003. The park was gazetted in 1992 to protect this extraordinary biodiversity.
Is Udzungwa worth visiting?
Yes. It offers rainforest hiking, unique primates and the spectacular Sanje Waterfall.
How do I get to Udzungwa?
By road, about 65 km from Mikumi or around five hours from Dar es Salaam.
Do I need to be fit?
Some trails are steep, but shorter walks such as Prince Bernhard Falls suit most visitors.
When is the best time to visit?
June to October offers the best hiking conditions.
Can I see big game in Udzungwa?
Elephants and other big animals live in remote areas but are rarely seen; the park is best for primates and birds.
Can Udzungwa be combined with Mikumi?
Yes. It is a perfect add-on to a Mikumi safari.
Your safari starts here
Ready to hike Udzungwa?
Let Gip Adventure guide you through the rainforests and waterfalls of the Udzungwa Mountains.