4 Days Trekking Udzungwa Mountains
Trekking Udzungwa Mountains through Mwanihana trail takes exactly 3 days although in the program is 4 days due to the additional day of transfer from Dar es Salaam to Udzungwa. The accommodation during trekking is in tents which perched in the mid of the virgin and charming forest. Starting few kilometers from the Udzungwa Mountains National Park headquarters in Mang’ula village the Mwanihana trail pass through the eastern side of Mt. Mwanihana, across semi-humid hilly forests, humid sub-mountain forests, pluvial mountain forests, and short stretches of high-mountain moorlands, and reaches the highest peak at about 2,400 meters of height. While hiking Udzungwa through this trail you will accompanied by an armed ranger because it pass through some areas with large game animals such as elephants and buffaloes. In addition to that you will also get the chance to see a various species of primates, birds and vegetation similarly to what you could see when trekking Udzungwa Mountains through other trails.
The total distance for trekking Udungwa through this route is about 20 kilometers mostly gentle with some short steep distances. Since the night is spent in the forest where the weather and climatic condition is somehow difficult then this trail is recommended for adventure travelers and wilderness lovers.
Cost For Trekking Udzungwa Mountains
Trekking Udzungwa Mountains Mwaniana trail Program
Day 1: Transfer to Udungwa Mountains
From Dar es Salaam there various ways we can facilitate your journey to the mountains. For your convenience, our company offers private transport from Dar es Salaam to Udzungwa Mountains. However, to help reduce costs, you might consider taking the SGR train. The electric train departs Dar es Salaam at 06:00 AM and reaches Morogoro at 07:37 AM. Once you arrive in Morogoro, we will arrange for a transfer to Udzungwa Mountains National Park, which is approximately a 3-hour journey.
The SGR train operates daily, making it a reliable option for your travels. Alternatively, if you prefer to use buses, there are services that run between Dar es Salaam and Ifakara, passing through the Udzungwa area. The buses arrive in the afternoon, requiring you to stay overnight before starting your trek the following day. In contrast, if you choose the SGR option, you can begin your trek later the same day.
Accommodation: Twiga Lodge
Meal Plan: Dinner and Breakfast
Day 2: Trekking Udzungwa – Mwanihana trail
Enjoy breakfast in the lodge and after that transfer to Sonjo Village which is the starting point of the Udzungwa Mountain trekking through Mwanihana trail. Since the Mwanihana trail pass through some areas with game animals so you will accompanied by an armed park ranger to ensure your safety and security. Some animals which you encounter along the trekking include elephant and buffalo. As you track in the forest your guide will help you identify various medicinal plants. Today you will camp at Njia panda area.
Day 3: Trekking Udzungwa Mountains
Early breakfast, proceed with the Udzungwa Mountains trek through the changing forest to the Mwanihana summit. Encounter true montane vegetation amongst the Giant Ericas. Below you will view a spider’s web of elephant trails crisscrossing the park. Descend and trek through the forest until you reach your camp for the night.
Day 4: Udzungwa Mountains Trekking
Early morning after breakfast descend the trek with possibility to encounter some primates and antelopes such as red duiker. As you arrive at the starting point catch up the vehicle back to the lodge or you can spend the remaining hours of the day exploring the beautiful Udzungwa Mountains by doing an additional trekking to the Sanje Waterfalls. Along this trail you will see a number of primates such as the endemic Sanje Crested Mangabey and the Iringa red Colobus among others. The Sanje waterfall drops water at the height of 180 meters which makes it the highest waterfall of all in Udzungwa Mountains. Spend some moments relax at the waterfalls and enjoy your picnic lunch overlooking the panoramic view of the Kilombero Valley. In the afternoon descend back to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Udzungwa to Dar es Salaam
Today after breakfast you will be transferred to the bus terminal for the bus to Dar es Salaam or to the railway station for the train to Dar es Salaam.
End of the Udzungwa Mountain Trekking Tour
Trekking Package Includes:
- Transport in a Private Safari Vehicle
- All park entrance fees
- Game drive in Mikumi
- Full board accommodation whilst on Safari
- Trekking at Udzungwa Mountains
- Transfer from the Lodge to Mwanihana Trail
Trekking Package Excludes
- Accommodation at Dar es Salaam
- Flying doctors services
- Any expenses of the personal nature