The Udzungwa Mountain National Park is the first terrestrial National Park in Tanzania. It is world famous for its biologically diverse forest with approximately 20-30% of the animals and plant species only being found in this small, unique habitat. Udzungwa is sometimes referred to as the ‘Galapagos of Africa’.
The Udzungwa mountains are estimated to be about 30 million years old. This chain of mountains is home to many species that can be found nowhere else, in fact new species are still being discovered here! In recent years new mammals, amphibians, reptiles and birds have been discovered and described, including the giant elephant shrew, the Udzungwa partridge and the Kipunji monkey.
The parks primates are its main attraction. The park boasts 11 species of primate. Of the 11 species, 5 are endemic to Udzungwa and include the uhehe(iringa) red colobus, matunda galago and the sanje crested mangabey. With a day to slowly explore you can expect to see the red colobus, black and white angolan colobus, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys and yellow baboons.
The bird enthusiast will be encouraged by more than 400 species of birds calling this National Park home. Birds inhabiting Udzungwa include many regional endemics like the Udzungwa forest partridge, which was new to science in 1991.
There are no roads in Udzungwa, so this is the ultimate hiking park. Five major trails lead into different area and offer a variety of length, challenge and experience. Even amateur hiker’s can easliy access the park’s many streams, waterfalls and views. Most of the trails are situated on the eastern side.
The park also contains a large number of Stone Age archaeological sites, mainly in Isimila town. Isimila is regarded by archaeologists as one of the most important Stone Age sites on the continent.