Udzungwa Mountains National Park was established in 1992 and officially opened by the former President and founder of WWF (World Wildlife Fund for Nature) Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands. The word “Udzungwa” comes from the word “Wadsungwa” referring to one of the native sub tribes of the “Hehe” people who once lived in the slopes of the mountains.
The park covers an area of 1990km2 where geographically, 20% of the total area lies in Morogoro region while the remaining 80% being in the southern highland region of Iringa.
Park Attractions
These are places of interest inside the park, where tourists can visit, typically for its inherent or exhibited natural or cultural value, historical significance, natural or built beauty, offering leisure, adventure and amusement.
Waterfalls
The park has a lot of natural water falls as river streams are flowing producing the fascinating sounds in the heavy forest.
Natural trails for hiking
The Park offers chance to go summit to highest peaks of Luhomero and Mwanihana. The activity can best be carried out throughout the year, but dry season is the most convenient time for most mountain climbers.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Reptiles and Amphibians with the endemic Udzungwa lizards (Cnemaspis Udzungwae) and Phrynobatrachus Udzungwensis together with endemic chameleon (Bearded pygmy chameleon)
Tropical Rain forest
Tropical Rainforest with 2500 different plant species including three endemic plants and 160 plant species of medicinal value.
Tourism Activities
The park has various tourism activities that visitors can do during their stay. These activities includes; Mountain Climbing to the highest Peaks of Mwanihana (2500m amsl) and Luhomero (2576m amsl), Bird Watching, Swimming, Nature Walks on the Forest and Waterfalls, Picnicking, Filming, Cycling (Organized by the Park and carried outside the Park), Camping and Cultural Tourism.
Mountain Climbing
Mountain climbing – Offers chance to go summit to highest peaks of Luhomero and Mwanihana. The activity can best be carried out throughout the year, but dry season is the most convenient time for most mountain climbers.
Bird watching
Bird Watching – Done along all trails, roads and entire forest where most bird species (native and migratory) depending on seasonal variations, availability of food and materials for nesting can be seen. The endemic Udzungwa Forest Partridge and Rufous Winged Sunbird can be seen through specific details of their location and behavior provided by the park guides.