UDZUNGWA MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
The
Udzungwa Mountains are the highest in the Eastern Arc
chain of mountains and contain some of the most pristine
rainforestremaining in Tanzania. They are situated
between the Uluguru and the Mahenge Mountains in
Morogoro region, Southern Tanzania between the Selous
and Ruaha National Park. A large proportion of the range
(1,900 square km) has been gazetted as a National Park.
Udzungwa is a 'primate park' with 3 endemics (Iringa red
colobus, Sanje crested mangeby and the Matundu dwarf
galago, and 6 other species of primate (black & white
colobus, blue monkey, yellow baboon, vervet monkey,
greater and lesser galagos). The botanical diversity of
the Udzungwas is also magnificent to behold, giant trees
of over 30m are festooned with epiphytes and bryophytes.
There are rushing waterfalls with plunge pools for
swimming and on the edge of one grow endemic African
Violets.
Night walks in the forest show endemic chameleons,
galagos, frogs, genets, tree hyraxes and even aardvarks.
The most famous attraction in the Udzungwa Mountains
National Park is Sanje Falls which can be visited as a
day-trip or it is possible to camp next to the top of
the main waterfall. There are two trails leading to the
campsite, one slightly longer than the other.
There are several walking trails within the park of
varying lengths and difficulty but there are options for
all fitness levels.
The Mwanihana Trail is a 38km circuit taking in the
second highest peak - Mwanihana Peak 2150m. This hike
takes 3 days and involves camping for 2 nights in the
park.
There are no motorable tracks in Udzungwa Mountains
National Park.
Getting there
By road: The Udzungwa Mountains are a 6 hour
drive from Dar es Salaam (dependent on road conditions
as the last 23Km is on dirt road) and a 1.5 hr drive
from Mikumi National Park.
Onward private road services to the Kilombero Valley
make an exciting combination with Udzungwa.
By train: The park headquarters are conveniently
located near to the TAZARA railway (Mang'ula Station)
and it is possible to arrive by train. A good option is
to take the train from Dar-Kisaki and spend some time
visiting Selous Game Reserve then continue with the
train to Mangula.
When to visit: Accessable all the year round but
it can be very wet from March to June. The best times
are July -October, and December-February.
Where to stay: There are 2 basic hotels and
public campsites. However to really appreciate the park
it is advisable to book an organised camping trip with
qualified guides.
KILOMBERO VALLEY GAME CONTROLLED AREA
The Kilombero Valley is located in Morogoro region,
southern Tanzania between the Udzungwa Mountains and the
Mahenge escarpment, part of the Eastern Arc Mountains.
The Kilombero Game Controlled Area is approximately
7000km2 and could serve as a 'wildlife corridor' between
the Selous Game Reserve and Mikumi and Udzungwa National
Parks.
The Kilombero Valley is a unique, complex ecosystem with
one of the highest wild mammal densities in Tanzania.
The main location to visit in Kilombero is the fishing
village of Mikeregembe. Located a kilometre form the
border of the Selous G.R. this idyllic village nestles
between Boomerolanga Forest Reserve and the Kilombero
River.
The Kilombero valley contains the only sustainable
population of Puku in Tanzania and 3 endemic bird
species (the Kilombero Weaver, and 2 Cisticolla
species). Its status as a Game Controlled Area means
that people still live in the valley in their
traditional manner, co-existing with wildlife.
In Tanzania this presents a unique chance to glimpse the
rapidly disappearing past. Encouraging people to visit
Kilombero will stimulate local economy and encourage the
protection of the remaining threatened wildlife and
habitat.
In addition to this unique cultural experience in the
village, wildlife highlights include canoeing past pods
of hippo and herds of elephants.
The bird watching is however the main attraction of the
Kilombero, with many water birds and raptors.
When to visit: Best time to visit is July,
August, September, November, December, Jan. The area is
inaccessible March-June due to inundation - the
floodplain is the largest seasonal wetland in E.Africa.
Getting There: The Kilombero Valley is accessed
by road from the Udzungwa Mountains National Park (1hr
to Ifakara, then 1.5hrs to Mikeregembe by car/canoe) or
by train (Tazara from Dar 12hrs or Zambia) then road,
both via Ifakara. The trip to Kilombero works well when
combined with Selous and Udzungwas then a stop in Mikumi
on the return to Dar. Special itineraries available on
request.
Where to Stay: As Kilombero has no lodges or
formal development for tourism only camping is available
and facilities are basic.
|
