Day Trip in Mountain Udzungwa
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Hi!
I would like to know if I can do day trips in Mountain Udzungwa? I just have one day after a visit in Mikumi National Park, and thinking about using this Day to Hike Mountain Udzungwa!
Thanks!
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Answers ( 2 )
Absolutely, you can Climb Mountain Udzungwa in one day, and below are the options:
Sonjo trail, 3km, 1-2h, height increase 120m:
Sonjo is a short trail that includes two waterfalls. This is a good option for less avid tourists because the path is not steep and the trail is short, it only takes 35 minutes to reach the 2nd waterfall, but still passes through the pristine rainforest. A short (20min) easy trail to the Sonjo waterfall, with the option to continue up a steep path for 15 minutes to reach the second waterfall.
This trail is also a popular second hike for those who beat Sanje the day before and can be done after leaving the park. Optionally, you can “go and return” the same path or cross the water at the 2nd waterfall and make a steep 30 m up a few hundred meters to the ridge and go down a different path. Both paths connect to the road at a distance of 20 m from each other. The Sonjo Trail is also the starting path for those entering Mwanihana.
Prince Bernhard trail, 1 km, ½h, height increase 30-80m:
The shortest route of all offers about 30-45 minutes hiking and is ideal for an afternoon stroll. Along the way, you can see several small waterfalls, monkeys, baboons, duikers, as well as a magnificent view of Bokela Mountain. Prince Bernhard waterfall named after Dutch Prince Bernhard who visited Tanzania and opened the Udzungwa Mountains National Park at the age of 84.
At this age, he was unable to enter the Sanje Falls, so instead, he went a short distance. Just 500 meters from the park’s headquarters, these small waterfalls are an easy walk and a good addition to the Njokamoni trail.A little further up the track at campsite 2 there is another, larger waterfall. You can extend the walk (1.5 km) to campsite 2 to spend a little more time in the forest without long climbing. If you are not an avid tourist but want to taste the forest, this path is for you.
Hidden Valley Trail, (Camping 3) 14km, 6-8h, height increase 1000m:
This is the longest day trip. The trial lasts about 6-7 hours and rises to a height of 1300 m, where it is pleasant and cool under the tall trees covered with moss. It is a long and steep walk. The trail briefly leads to the end of the Njokamoni trail, and then branches off into the ridge and climbs a little over 1000 m, where it meets the Njokamoni River. This is the beginning of the Hidden Valleys. Since you are going up the river through grassy valleys with lots of elephants and buffalos, you must have an armed guard. During the season, watch out for African violets on the side of the path, with their round hairy leaves and small purple flowers.
The trail branches off into a side valley and leads to the catchment area between the Njokamonni and Moyer rivers. You will follow in the footsteps of elephants along the steep and sometimes slippery path to the Moyer River. Along the hidden Moyer Valley, several rivers flow until you reach the edge of the escarpment again and begin a steep descent to the Moyer Falls. The trail will give you the opportunity to see lots of wildlife.
Njokamoni trail, 5km, 4-5h, height increase 700m:
Njokamoni is a trail with a length and height close to Sanje – about 6.5 km and rising about 700 meters. The trail begins at the park’s headquarters. Njokamoni is rarely chosen, so there are often large groups of monkeys and ejsNjokamoni trail, 5km, 4-5h, height increase 700m
Njokamoni is a trail with a length and height close to Sanje – about 6.5 km and rising about 700 meters. The trail begins at the park’s headquarters. Njokamoni is rarely chosen, so there are often large groups of monkeys and is here a good chance of meeting a group of Mangaba monkeys. Mangabas are very used to people and can get very close, which gives the best opportunities to take pictures and the chance to see this rare primate in high detail.
It is a good climb with several vantage points along the way, and the Njokamoni Waterfalls are an impressive 40-meter cascade into a shallow pool, ideal for sitting and bathing.ts here a good chance of meeting a group of Mangaba monkeys. Mangabas are very used to people and can get very close, which gives the best opportunities to take pictures and the chance to see this rare primate in high detail. It is a good climb with several vantage points along the way, and the Njokamoni Waterfalls are an impressive 40-meter cascade into a shallow pool, ideal for sitting and bathing.
Sanje trail, 6km, 4-5h, height increase 450m:
The trail leads along with the Miombo vegetation, where some rare primates spend most of the day. While hiking, you can also admire the various species of butterflies and birds. The Sanje Trail is the most popular trail in Udzungwa. This 180-meter waterfall is very impressive, surrounded by rainforest with great views of the Kilombero floodplain. Upstairs, you can swim in the refreshing water pool of the highest waterfall (about 40 m high) surrounded by thick rainforest. Usually, people go up and down the short route – this is the easiest and easiest way to the top. It is still quite a steep climb, especially in the heat, so be prepared and take a lot of water with you. Add a lot of salt for breakfast.
The trail leads past several houses and small farms to the park border and the beginning of the forest. A well-trodden and well-maintained trail zigzags up the ridge until you reach the picnic bench and viewpoint with spectacular views of the waterfalls halfway up. A shortfall leads to the crossing of the path to the base of the waterfalls, and then the path rises a little steeper up. At the top, you can follow the short path to the rocks at the top of the waterfall and have lunch enjoying the fantastic views, or go a bit to the upper waterfall and take a dip in it.
There is an alternative and less frequently used path up or down, starting from the guard post in the south. This route is a bit longer and less used, but it gives you even more chances to see Colobus monkeys. You can reach Sanje at any time of the day, but preferably in the morning, in the south, it can be very hot.