Udzungwa Mountains
National Park
The
Udzungwa Mountains are part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, the arc which begins
in Taita Hills in
Kenya
The national park covers an
area of 1990km², and rises from 250 mtrs to 2576 mtrs above sea level,
Lohomer being the highest peak.
It has a wet humid climate providing
water for Kilombero valley. Rainfall in the southeast of the mountains amounts
to 2000 mm per year and on the Northwest rain shadow area it decreases to 600
mm. Temperatures range from 21-27 centigrade on average.
There are
hundreds of different species of trees, shrubs, climbers and herbs of which 50
are restricted to the area. 200 species of plant have medicinal properties. The
Iringa Red Colobus and Sanje Crested Mangabey are only found in the Udzungwa
Mountains National Park. Birdwatchers are attracted to the park where the
forest has a rich bird habitat with more than 250 different species. The most
popular walk is the Sanje Waterfalls trail, to the stunning 170m waterfall,
which takes about four hours to complete
The national park mainly
appeals to those who enjoy hiking, trekking, cycling and being close to nature,
rather than those who are looking for typical wildlife safari.
The park
is often included as part of a visit to Tanzania's southern parks such as
Mikumi National Park,
Ruaha National Park and
Selous Game Reserve.
The dry season,
June to October, is the best time to visit Udzungwa Mountains NationalPpark
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