The Udzungwa Mountains are a mountain range in south-central Tanzania. The mountains are mostly within Iringa Region, south of Tanzania’s capital Dodoma. The Udzungwa Mountains are part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, and are home to a biodiverse community of flora and fauna with large numbers of endemic species.
The mountains are home to the Hehe people, and the name Udzungwa comes from the Kihehe word “Wadzungwa”, which means the people who live on mountainsides. Iringa is the largest settlement in the mountains, and the regional headquarters.
Wildlife lovers need look no further than Udzungwa Mountains National Park, where you’ll find leopards, buffaloes, elephants, lions, wild dogs and six species of primates, as well as endangered birds and a plethora of insects and butterflies that are unique to the region. The Udzungwa Mountains are part of the Eastern Arc mountain range that stretches from Kenya to Tanzania.
Cars are prohibited here, so hikers are free to roam the woods on their own terms, as hiking trails take you from different levels through the park. While you’re here, don’t miss a dip in the plunge pools of the majestic 170-meter Sanji Waterfall.
When to go: June to October