The Udzungwa Mountains is one of the highlights of Tanzania. Although Udzungwa is not a conventional game viewing destination, it is every hiker's dream. Since the Udzungwa has been accorded national park status, many hikers have been enticed to these grandiose mountains. The Udzungwa Mountains are generally a part of the Eastern Arc Mountain Range of Tanzania. These mountains are covered with what are left of the great forest that used to cover the whole country. Thus, the amount of biodiversity is just so great within these forests that a number of the rarest flora and bird species are actually found here. Udzungwa is a towering stature that rises from the flat coastal scrub of Tanzania. It is the largest and most biodiverse forest mountain in Africa. It covers 1990 square kilometers of surface area, and stands 2756 meters at its highest peak. It is home to a high density of endemism species of plants, birds, butterflies, and insects. Moreover, these mountains are likened to an archipelago of isolated ranges, because these mountains are small fragments of the astounding Eastern Arc Mountain Range. Thus, just like the Eastern Arc Range, Udzungwa Mountains can be classified as a tropical rain forest with high rainfalls and rich savanna vegetation. The major attractions of these mountains include reptiles, amphibians, insects, and plants among others. The biodiversity is so great that hundreds of different species can be seen at most parts of the mountains. Moreover, most of these species are endemic such that these can only be found in the Udzungwa Mountains, including the African violets. While these are some of the reasons that generally attract tourists to Udzungwa, the exciting trails and breathtaking scenery toward the peak particularly attract hikers and ornithologists. Among the many trails that can be trekked in these mountains, the most exciting and the most challenging is the Mwanihana trail. This trail leads to the second highest peak of the Udzungwa Mountains which is the Mwanihana Peak. A trek along the Mwanihana trail is an experience of a lifetime. It is best enjoyed piece by piece, where every stop over promises new adventures and exciting things to discover. Aside from unexpectedly stumbling over an elephant along the way, a varied range of primates such as the Iringa Red Colobus and the Blue Monkey casually swing across the forest trees just a few feet above the head. Although the larger animals are not frequently seen, they are believed to be silently lurking in the deep forests. Moreover, the woodland and the sub-montane forests effectively provide cover for these larger animals. Indeed, there is no better way to get in touch with nature than a trek at Mwanihana trail. Aside from the picturesque view at the top, one could never compare the amount of excitement derived from trekking up to one of the highest peaks of the Udzungwa Mountains.
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The Udzungwa Mountains is one of the highlights of Tanzania. Although Udzungwa is not a conventional game viewing destination, it is every hiker's dream.
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