Southern Circuit Udzungwa Mountains National Park

Udzungwa Mountains National Park is the largest and most biodiverse of a chain 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 the African Galapagos for its treasure-trove of endemic plants and animals, most familiarly the delicate African violet.

Udzungwa alone among the ancient ranges of the Eastern Arc has been accorded 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 interruption.

Not a conventional game viewing destination, Udzungwa is a magnet for hikers. An excellent network of forest trails includes the popular half-day ramble to Sanje Waterfall, which plunges 170 metres (550 feet) through a misty spray into the forested valley below.

The more challenging two-night Mwanihana Trail leads to the high plateau, with its panoramic views over 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 a forest partridge first discovered in 1991 and more closely related to an Asian genus than to any other African fowl.

Udzungwa Forest Reserve, was established in 1992 and since then it has become a favorite for nature enthusiasts and hikers. The beautiful Udzungwa Mountains are located just South of Mikumi National Park, in the highlands overlooking Iringa. Many endemic plants and animals are inhabit these forests waiting for you to discover them.

More than 20% of the plant species found in Uzungwa are found nowhere else and there are two monkeys endemic to the area: the Sanje crested Mangabey and the Uhele red colobus monkey. Other monkeys are also common - blue, red tailed and black and white Colobus monkeys.

Large game such as lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and antelope are also present. Environment: 386 square miles of widely varied forest trees. Altitude ranges from around 250 meters to over 2500 meters at the top of the highest peaks.

Don't miss monkey watching in the early morning and late evenings at the waterfalls. A chance to see botanical and primate endemic species that might have otherwise become extinct due to human pressures on these wild and beautiful mountains.