Wildlife in Udzungwa

Udzungwa Mountains is a haven for wildlife, home to various species. Among the rare animals that can be found here are the elusive Abbott’s duiker, the Kipunji monkey, and the distinctive grey-faced sengi. Elephants also roam the forests along the southern escarpment, adding to the park’s natural allure. Notably, Udzungwa is home to six primate species, including the unique Iringa red colobus and the Sanje crested mangabey, which was only discovered by scientists in 1979.

A remarkable success story in conservation is the Kihansi spray toad, which lives near a waterfall on the Kihansi River. Though it briefly went extinct in the wild in 2009 due to habitat changes from an upstream dam, dedicated conservation efforts and a successful captive breeding program have led to its reintroduction, offering hope for the future of endangered species.

Birds in Udzungwa National Park

For birdwatchers, Udzungwa Mountains National Park is a paradise. With over 400 bird species, it is regarded as one of the African mainland’s top three bird conservation areas. Bird enthusiasts can spot the African marabou, crowned eagle, Rüppell’s vulture, and African hobby, alongside recent discoveries like the Udzungwa forest partridge, a species related to Asian hill partridges, and the Rufous-winged sunbird. Other notable species include the dappled mountain robin, Sharpe’s akalat, olive-flanked robin-chat, and white-chested alethe. This rich avian diversity makes Udzungwa a must-visit destination for any birdwatching adventure.

Climate in Udzungwa

Udzungwa experiences the most rainfall during the wet seasons from November to March and March to May, but mist and light rain are common in higher areas, even during the dry season. Temperatures are cooler at higher elevations, creating a comfortable climate for visitors. The best time to visit Udzungwa is June to October, as the rainy season can make travel and exploration more challenging.

Reaching Udzungwa takes about six hours by car from Dar Es Salaam, with Mikumi National Park only 1.5 hours away and Ruaha around 6-7 hours away.