Udzungwa Scarp Nature Forest Reserve: The Udzungwa Scarp Nature Forest Reserve is known for its species heritage in Tanzania and the world at large. The Reserve is located within the Iringa Region in Kilolo and Mufindi Districts and in the Morogoro Region in Mlimba District and is surrounded by 19 Villages. It covers 32,763 hectares and lies in a continuous elevation gradient of 290 to 2068 m. The southern boundary is the Chita River, the northern boundary is the Kidete River, and the western boundary the Ruaha, Iwolo, and Lukosi Rivers.
Udzungwa scarp nature forest reserve is the second-largest forest block of the Udzungwa Mountains, a part of the world-renowned Eastern Arc Mountains that reach across northern Tanzania. Uzungwa scarp nature forest reserve consists of tall, sub-montane forests and deciduous to semi-deciduous forests. It is the home of many globally threatened species, including Udzungwa-endemic primates, small to medium-sized antelopes, reptiles, and amphibians.
The Udzungwa scarp nature forest reserve was gazetted as a Forest Reserve through Government Notice No. 148 in 1929 and upgraded to a Nature Reserve in 2016. The Central Government owns the Reserve under TFS and it is managed by the Conservator in collaboration with local government authorities and adjacent communities. The Reserve is among the key water towers within the Udzungwa and Rufiji water basins, which provide water for hydropower generation and agriculture to thousands of people downstream.
Climate
Udzungwa receives annual rainfall in the area ranging from 1,350 mm to 2,000 mm, occasionally exceeding 3,000 mm in wetter areas. Estimated mean temperatures range between 20 degrees Celsius in December and 15 degrees Celsius in July. In lowland areas, temperatures reach 27 degrees Celsius in December and go down to 19 degrees Celsius in July.
Attractions found in Udzungwa scarp nature forest
Wildlife
Udzungwa scarp nature forest reserve is famous of housing 46 of the 136 vertebrate species endemics to the Eastern Arc Mountains, which is more than any other mountain block. Surprisingly 20 endemic vertebrate species are restricted to the Udzungwa Mountains, of which 6 threatened species of amphibians have only been recorded in Udzungwa scarp nature forest. The endangered species within the Udzungwa Mountains include 50 vertebrates, of which 37 species are found in the Uzungwa scarp nature forest, including 22 endemics to the Eastern Arc Mountains.
Birds
Udzungwa scarp nature forest is also home to over 300 bird species recorded. Some of the birds species found here include African Woolly-necked Stork, Saddle-billed Stork, Shoebill, Hamerkop, Gray Heron, Rufous-bellied Heron, Western Cattle Egret, Hadada Ibis, White-backed Vulture, Martial Eagle, Crowned Eagle, Palm-nut Vulture, Long-crested Eagle, African Fish-Eagle, African Wood-Owl, Bar-tailed Trogon, Crowned Hornbill, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Giant Kingfisher, Brown-hooded Kingfisher, Gray-headed Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, White-fronted Bee-eater, Little Bee-eater, Rufous-crowned Roller, Broad-billed Roller, Brown-breasted Barbet, Black-collared Barbet, Green Barbet, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, Olive Woodpecker, Golden-tailed Woodpecker, Gray Kestrel, African Hobby, Meyer’s Parrot, African Broadbill and Black Cuckoo-shrike among others.
Vegetation
Udzungwa Scarp nature forest reserve is famous for housing over 221 of the 554 plant taxa endemic to the Eastern Arc Mountains. Making it one of the most important blocks with respect to Eastern Arc Mountain endemic plants. Among these 6 plant species are recorded only found in the Uzungwa scarp nature forest reserve.
The vegetation in the Udzungwa scarp nature forest reserve encompasses lowland, sub-montane, and montane forests, with areas of seasonally inundated mbuga and shrubby grassland. More so the lowland forests are relatively dry and have a low and often broken canopy with woodland species, except near streams. Additionally, the Sub-montane forests are well-developed and ridges are occupied by dry forest species. Much of the montane forest on the plateau above the scarp is secondary and may have been cultivated in the past. Extensive stands of bamboo are reported from the western side.
Tourist activities to do in Uzungwa scarp nature forest reserve
Hiking and trekking
One of the most popular activities in the Udzungwa scarp nature forest reserve is hiking and trekking. The reserve boasts a network of well-maintained trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The most famous trails are the boasts Sanje Waterfalls, which take hikers through the lush rainforest to the breathtaking Sanje Waterfalls. the hike is challenging but rewarding, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.
Birdwatching
Udzungwa Scarp Nature Forest reserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise boasting over 300 species of birds recorded in the area. While on your birding tours, you will have the chance to spot colorful birds such as Udzungwa partridge, Udzungwa forest robin Brown-hooded Kingfisher, Gray-headed Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, White-fronted Bee-eater, Little Bee-eater, and the Udzungwa forest double-collared sunbird among others.
Camping
For those looking to truly immerse themselves in the beauty of the Udzungwa scarp nature forest reserve, camping is a popular activity. The reserve has several designated camping sites that offer a unique opportunity to sleep under the stars surrounded but the sounds of the jungle. Camping in the reserve is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area up close and personal.
Waterfall rappelling
For adrenaline junkies, waterfalls rappelling is a must-do-activity in Udzungwa scarp nature forest reserve. The reserve is home to several stunning waterfalls including the Sanje Waterfalls, where thrill-seekers can rappel down the cascading waters surrounded by lush greenery. This adventurous activity offers a unique perspective of the waterfalls and is sure to get your heart racing
Wildlife spotting
Udzungwa Scarp Nature Forest Reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including primates such as the endangered Udzungwa red colobus monkey, the Udzungwa mangabey, and the Sanje crested mangabey. The reserve also boasts a diverse array of bird species, reptiles, and insects. Visitors can embark on guided wildlife safaris or guided walks to explore the hidden gem of the reserve to spot these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.
Getting to Udzungwa scarp nature forest reserve
There are three access routes to the reserve. The first one is through Ipogolo via Kilolo District to Uluti village, approximately 100km from Iringa town. The Second route begins in Mufindi District travelling via Mapanda Ward to Uhafiwa village, which is around 130 km from Mafinga Township.
The third route starts in Morogoro Municipality, passing through Mikumi Town to Ifakara Town, then continuing on to Chita and finally reaching Udagaji village, covering a distance of about 80km.
In Iringa Municipality. Nduli Airport provides both scheduled and non-scheduled/ chartered flights from major cities such as Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Kilimanjaro. The distance from Iringa town to Udzungwa Scarp Nature Forest Reserve is roughly 120 km.
