Udzungwa National Park
Description: Udzungwa is the largest and most biodiverse of a chain of a dozen large forest-swathed mountains that rise majestically in Eastern Tanzania.
Known collectively as the Eastern Arc Mountains, it has also been dubbed the African Galapagos for its treasure-trove of endemic plants and animals, most familiarly the delicate African violet. It is a magnet for hikers, with its excellent network of forest trails.
Ornithologists are attracted by the avian wealth of more than 400 species. Of six primate species recorded, the Iringa red colobus and Sanje Crested Mangabey (discovered in 1979) both occur nowhere else in the world.
Undoubtedly, more treasures are yet to be uncovered as scientific exploration continues.
Location: Just south of Mikumi, between Ruaha and Selous. A visit can be done as a day trip from Mikumi
Things 2 Do: Hiking
Time: Spend from 1 day to several, depending on your interest in hiking
Animals: 11 species of Primates, Buffalo, Elephants, 400+ bird species, 3 endemic Reptiles (a Gecko, a Skink and a Chameleon), Millipedes, a Tree Frog and more than 70 species of Spiders.
Accommodations
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Wami River Camp
$$$$
Foxes Safari Camp (Mikumi)
Vuma Hills Tented Camp (Mikumi)
“Incredible. If you’re planning a safari, look no further—Access 2 Tanzania delivers a truly exceptional experience from start to finish. The company is both highly professional and refreshingly personal. We loved that we had a single point of contact throughout the process—Karen, the owner—which made planning seamless and stress-free. Communication was excellent; they were always available for questions but also consistently one step ahead, guiding us through everything from visas to immunizations. Their client-first approach was clear in every interaction. The accommodations they selected for us were outstanding, and early in the process we appreciated being able to explore different options and costs to find what worked best for us. We felt supported, informed, and excited every step of the way.”