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Udzungwa is a remnant of the eastern arc rainforest that used to stretch along the eastern rift. 165 million years ago Madagascar separated from the mainland such that the forests there have similarities to the Udzungwa rainforest. While 6
million years ago the Udzungwa rainforest was isolated from the West African rainforests so that there exists a high degree of endemism with 25% of the plants being unique only to
Udzungwa.

Of the ten primates that are found in these forests four are endemic only to Udzungwa including the Red Hehe Colobus and the Crested Mangaby.
There are also a couple of endemic Galagoes (bushbabies), several endemic birds including the Rufous Winged Sunbird and Udzungwa partridge.
The discoveries of new species is an on going affair with 2 completely new genera of mammal being identified in the last 8 years. The Giant Elephant Shrew, also called ‘Sengis’ was first
caught on film in 2005.
Different to a European shrew, this 1ft long creature is more closely related to African mammals including the elephant, Sea cow, Aardvark and Hyrax, having shared a common ancestor 100million years ago.
The second recent discovery is of the Kipunji Monkey, which is a baboon sized animal, grey in colour. This was noted by scientists in both the Rungwa area and Udzungwa but not formally identified until 2006. With three nights in Mikumi at
either of the above camps there is time for a full day of trekking in Udzungwa Mountain National Park walking under the canopy rainforest and endemic primates and birds to emerge at Sanje Water falls with spectacular views over the rift valley
below. The walk is relatively steep and not suitable for young children or visitors with a medical or mobility condition.

Activities Trekking up the rain forested mountain to the Sanje Waterfall. This is a full day excursion that can be taken from either Vuma Hills or Stanley’s Kopje Camps in Mikumi. The drive
takes approximately 1 and half hours. The trek time varies with speed of walking and time spent viewing en route. The trek is led by a park Ranger and guide from the camp you are
staying at.
There are alternative shorter walks around the base of the mountain.

Getting There Udzungwa Mountains Park Gate is at Mangula on the road to Ifakara. This is 80km from the Mikumi Park Gate.