2-Day Sightseeing And Exploration At The Udzungwa Mountains

udzungwa mountains

Spot scenic views

Highlights

Experience the stunning biodiversity of the Udzungwa Mountains, a crucial biodiversity hotspot

Enjoy a scenic journey from Arusha to Udzungwa Mountains National Park

Embark on a hike to the impressive 170-meter Sanje Waterfall

Spot primates like the Iringa red colobus on guided nature walks

Arusha

nature, safari, Wildlife

Private Tour

2 Days

Medium

Elamite, French, Spanish

Description

The Udzungwa Mountains are a stunning and biodiverse mountain range located in south-central Tanzania. They are part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, known for their high concentration of endemic plant and animal species, making them a crucial biodiversity hotspot. The Udzungwa Mountains are a treasure trove of biodiversity and offer a wide range of experiences for nature enthusiasts. .

Itinerary

Option 1: Sanje Waterfall and Nature Trail

Day 1: Arrival and Sanje Waterfall Trail
- Morning (Travel): Depart from Arusha early in the morning. Enjoy the scenic drive through Tanzanian landscapes.
- Afternoon (Arrival & Park Entry): Arrive at the Udzungwa Mountains National Park entrance (near Mang'ula). Complete park entry formalities and hire your guide.
- Late Afternoon (Sanje Waterfall Hike): Embark on the popular Sanje Waterfall Trail (6 km, 4-5 hours). This moderate hike takes you through beautiful forest to the impressive 170-meter Sanje Waterfall. Enjoy the views and the opportunity to swim in the plunge pools at the top. Keep an eye out for primates like the Iringa red colobus.
- Evening: Descend from the falls and return to your accommodation in Mang'ula for dinner and rest.
Day 2: Prince Bernhard's Nature Trail and Departure
- Morning (Prince Bernhard's Trail & Birdwatching): After breakfast, head back to the park for a more relaxed experience on the Prince Bernhard's Nature Trail (1 km, 30-45 minutes). This easy walk is excellent for birdwatching and enjoying the lush forest environment. Your guide will help you spot and identify the diverse birdlife.
- Late Morning (Optional: Village Walk): Depending on your departure time, you might have time for a short village walk in Mang'ula to experience local life and culture.
- Afternoon (Departure): Begin your journey back to Arusha.
Option 2: More Challenging Hike and Forest Immersion

Day 1: Arrival and Upper Sanje/Njokamoni Combination
- Morning (Travel): Depart from Arusha early.
- Afternoon (Arrival & Park Entry): Arrive at the park and hire your guide.
- Late Afternoon (Upper Sanje/Njokamoni): Depending on your fitness and time, you could combine a portion of the Sanje trail with the Njokamoni trail (5 km, 4-5 hours). This offers a good chance to see different forest types and potentially more primate activity, including the Sanje crested mangabey. You might not reach the main Sanje waterfall on this day, focusing on the upper sections and smaller falls.
- Evening: Return to your accommodation in Mang'ula.
Day 2: Morning Hike and Departure
- Morning (Short Hike & Exploration): Choose a shorter trail like a portion of the Hidden Valleys Trail (with a ranger for elephant spotting if possible) or revisit a section of the Sanje area you didn't explore fully. Focus on enjoying the forest atmosphere and looking for wildlife.
- Late Morning: Begin your journey back to Arusha.

What's Included

Park Entry Fees: The cost to enter the Udzungwa Mountains National Park for a specified duration (usually 24 hours)

The fee varies for international visitors, East African residents, and children

Guided Hikes: As there are no roads within the park, all exploration is done on foot, and a certified park ranger/guide is mandatory for all trails

The cost of the guide is usually included in organized tours or paid separately at the park gate

Accommodation (depending on your booking):

Organized Tours: Multi-day tours often include accommodation, which could range from camping within the park to staying in lodges or guesthouses outside the park in nearby areas like Mang'ula or Mikumi

Independent Travel: If you book accommodation separately (e.g., at Udzungwa Forest Tented Camp or a guesthouse in Mang'ula), this cost will be included in your accommodation booking

Specified Activities (depending on your booking):

Hiking/Trekking: Access to the various hiking trails within the park (Prince Bernhard's Nature Trail, Sanje Waterfall Trail, Mwanihana Peak Trail, etc.)

Some Meals: If you're on an organized tour, the package might include some or all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Camping trips often include cooking arrangements or prepared meals

Porter Services (for multi-day treks): If you undertake longer treks like the Mwanihana or Lumemo trails, porters to carry your camping gear and supplies are usually included in the price

Safety and Security: The presence of an armed park ranger during certain hikes, especially in areas with wildlife like elephants or buffalo

What's Excluded

Transportation to and from the Udzungwa Mountains: Getting to the park from Arusha (or other locations) is usually not included in the park entry fee or basic guiding costs

You'll need to arrange and pay for your own transport (private car, public transport, or flight to a nearby airstrip like Kilombero)

Accommodation (if booked separately): If you choose your own lodging outside of a tour package, the cost of the hotel, tented camp, or guesthouse is usually separate

Meals and Drinks (unless specified): If you're not on a full-board tour or camping with provided meals, you'll need to budget for your own food and drinks. Some lodges and camps have restaurants where you can purchase meals

Personal Items: Things like personal hiking gear (boots, backpack, rain gear), toiletries, medications, and insect repellent are your responsibility

Tips and Gratuities: It's customary to tip your guides, porters, and other service staff if you are satisfied with their service

This is usually not included in the upfront costs

Optional Activities: Some activities might incur extra costs, such as:

Cultural Tours: Visiting local villages

Bird Watching Tours: Specialized guided birding excursions

Rubber Plantation Visits: Exploring nearby agricultural areas

Canoeing on the Kilombero River: This is often offered as an add-on activity

Travel Insurance: It's highly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip cancellations

Visa Fees: If you require a visa to enter Tanzania, the cost of this is separate

Beverages (other than perhaps water on hikes): You'll usually need to pay extra for sodas, alcoholic drinks, etc

Meeting Point

Arusha, Tanzania

Cancellation Policy

For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -

Refund of 80% of the tour price.

Price

Adult
1 to 13	/person
Child
1 to 20	/person
This is a private tour

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2-Day Sightseeing And Exploration At The Udzungwa Mountains

Highlights

Description

Itinerary

Option 1: Sanje Waterfall and Nature Trail

Option 2: More Challenging Hike and Forest Immersion

What's Included

What's Excluded

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

Check Availability Hide

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2-Day Sightseeing And Exploration At The Udzungwa Mountains

Highlights

Description

Itinerary

Option 1: Sanje Waterfall and Nature Trail

Option 2: More Challenging Hike and Forest Immersion

What's Included

What's Excluded

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

Check Availability Hide

Starting from

Can't Find the Perfect Tour? Tailor Your Dream Trip!

Create your own adventure!

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