Udzungwa Mountains National Park

The Udzungwa Mountains are Tanzania's answer to the great rainforests - an ancient, isolated mountain range harboring species found nowhere else on Earth. Part of the Eastern Arc Mountains (the "African Galapagos"), these 1,990 km² of montane forest have been isolated for millions of years, creating extraordinary biodiversity.

The park is famous for its primates. The Udzungwa red colobus monkey exists only here, and the recently discovered Sanje mangabey is one of Africa's rarest primates. In total, the park hosts 11 primate species and over 400 bird species, many endemic to the Eastern Arc.

Unlike other Tanzanian parks, Udzungwa is explored on foot. The Sanje Waterfall trail (4-5 hours round trip) leads to a spectacular 170-meter cascade crashing through the forest canopy. Longer trails reach the 2,579-meter Luhomero Peak through pristine forest where few visitors venture. This is hiking safari at its most adventurous.