About

Udzungwa Mountains National Park

Udzungwa Forest Tented Camp lies on the border of the Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Southern Tanzania. 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 then 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 one of Africa’s most remarkable biodiversity hotspots and walking them is a memorable experience.
The Udzungwa Mountains are a primate hotspot with five Tanzanian endemics to be found; the newly discovered Highland Mangeby (found in Ndundulu Forest), the Sanje Crested Mangeby, the Udzungwa (Iringa) Red Colobus, the Matundu Dwarf Galago and the Mountain Dwarf Galago. Other primates include the Vervet Monkey, Sykes Monkey, Black and White Colobus, Yellow Baboon, Grant’s Galago, Small-eared Galago, and greater Galago.
Other mammal species are headed by the recently rediscovered Lowe’s Servaline Genet, which was photographed for the first time in the Udzungwa Mountains National Park. It was previously seen some 70 years ago and evidence was limited to a single skin. Other mammal species to be found in the Udzungwa Mountains include: Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, Bushbuck, Sable, Greater Kudu, Harvey’s Red Duiker, Bush Duiker, Palm Civets, Miombo Genets, Hyena, Sun Squirrels, Climbing Mice, Spiny Mice, Pouched Rats, and Elephants Shrews.
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.
Within the Udzungwa Mountains National Park there is also a huge and diverse range of endemic butterflies, amphibians and reptiles including the Pygmy Bearded Chameleon. For more information on specialized trips with a particular focus please Contact Us and we can arrange an expert guide to join your group.

Conservation and Environment

Hondo Hondo lies on an area of previously farmed and cleared parcel of land adjoining the Udzungwa Mountains National Park. One of our over-arching goals is to regenerate and replant the land to bring it back to its original rainforest habitat. This project is underway with (to date) 1000 indigenous trees having been planted across the site.

We consider efficient energy use to be a major priority and to this end have initiated a number of policies. All lighting in the camp is provided by low power LED bulbs. All our electric power comes from our own specially designed solar system which supplies enough power to run the camp and charge a back up system of inverter and batteries. All our water is heated using a solar system, providing hot water on demand. We are entirely run from renewable energy.

We have a number of additional policies which ensure we operate in a responsible and sustainable fashion.