The Udzungwa Mountains National Park is among the top ten areas for bird conservation in Africa (IBA) with over 250 bird species. The Udzungwa Mountains are also home to several Tanzanian endemic birds including Rufous Winged Sunbird and the Udzungwa Partridge.
Introduction
As we drive through the foothills of the Udzungwa Mountains to the very lovely Hondo Hondo Udzungwa Forest Camp, we pass through rural Tanzanian villages, where you will see mixed farming including onions, nuts, watermelons and vast sugar cane plantation. The journey will take us along the Kilombero River, dotted with the iconic baobab trees.
These forested mountains form part of the Eastern Arc Mountain Range which are known as the ‘Galapagos of Africa’ owing to their high degree of endemism – they cover less than 2% of the land area but include more than 50% of the country’s plant and animal species. Over 300 endemic animals and over 800 endemic plants have been found in the Eastern Arc. The Udzungwa Mountains form one of Africa’s most remarkable biodiversity hotspots and hiking through them is a memorable experience.
Special Interest
Where to Stay
Set in lush green grounds, bordering pristine rainforest is the Hondo Hondo Forest Camp, a sustainable eco-lodge, committed to the replanting of forests and other important conservation work.
