Udzungwa is the largest and with most biodiversity and a sequence of a dozen large forest-swathed mountains that rise majestically from the flat coastal scrub of eastern Tanzania. Known collectively as the Eastern Arc Mountains, this archipelago of isolated massifs has also been dubbed as the African Galapagos for its treasure-trove of endemic plants and animals, most familiarly being the delicate African violet.
Among the ancient ranges of the Eastern Arc, only Udzungwa has been accorded the national park status. It is also unique within Tanzania in that its closed-canopy forest spans altitudes of 250 metres (820 feet) to above 2,000 metres (6,560 ft) without disturbance.
Dark and primitive, the forests of Udzungwa seem absolutely delighted: a lush sanctuary of sunshine-dappled glades enclosed by 30-metre (100 foot) high trees, their buttresses covered with fungi, lichens, mosses and ferns.
Although not a conventional game viewing destination, Udzungwa is a magnet for hikers. An excellent network of forest trails includes the popular half-day wander to Sanje Waterfall, which plunges 170 metres (550 feet) through a foggy spray into the forested valley below.The more challenging two-night Mwanihana Trail leads to the high plateau, with its panoramic views over the surrounding sugar plantations, before ascending to Mwanihana peak, the second-highest point in the range.
Ornithologists are attracted to Udzungwa for an avian wealth embracing more than 400 species, from the lovely and readily-located green-headed Oriole to more than a dozen secretive Eastern Arc endemics.Four bird species are peculiar to Udzungwa, including the forest Partridge, first discovered in 1991 and more closely related to an Asian genus than to any other African fowl.
Of six primate species recorded, the Iringa Red Colobus and Sanje Crested Mangabey both occur nowhere else in the world – the latter, remarkably, remained undetected by biologists prior to 1979.
Undoubtedly, this great forest has yet to reveal all its treasures: ongoing scientific exploration will surely add to its diverse catalogue of endemics.
Location:
Five hours (350 km/215 miles) from Dar es Salaam; 65 kms (40 miles) southwest of Mikumi.
Getting there:
Drive from Dar es Salaam or Mikumi National Park.
What to do:
From a two-hour hike to the waterfall as well as camping safaris.
Combine with nearby Mikumi or en route to Ruaha.