Best time to visit Udzungwa Mountains National Parks
Sanje Waterfall from view point (Taken on wet season)
I have been lucky to visit Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Morogoro, Tanzania. Four times within 3 years on different occasions wet & dry seasons because I wanted to experience both seasons and which is best for me as a photographer.
Tourism in the Udzungwa Mountains revolves around hiking and trekking. There are more than 400 birds species, plant species and primate species. It has the second largest biodiversity of a national park in Africa. Six primate species have been recorded, five of which are endemic. The Iringa Red Colobus and Sanje crested mangebey are only found in the Udzungwa Mountains.
I come down with some tips that may help you to plan your visit.
Below are the Advantages and Disadvantages during the wet and dry seasons.
Wet season advantages
At the top of Sanje trails
Sanje Waterfalls Trail during wet season
- More water (Sanje Falls & Njokamoni Trails)
-Lovely greens all the way
- Less dust
- Awesome temperature
-Morning Foggy is so amazing
Wet Season Disadvantages
- Its slippery during hiking and route may take long than expected
- Very hard to see wild animals like birds, monkeys and others
- sun is very rare (If you will see it consider yourself lucky)
- You cannot camp
- it is very hard and challenging to photography especial when you get close to the fall a lot of mist and water can ruin your lens.
Dry season Advantages
-Less Water
- Easy to see wild animals and birds
- Easy to hike
- Best sunrise
- Camp in the site
Dry season disadvantages
- So wet
- Normal or less water
Recommendations
My personal recommendation as a photographer visit the park around a week to month after wet season ends because you will find a best sunrise and waterfalls will be flowing still flowing down as well you can even camp too. This is around April to May each year. Play with the calendar :)
Have you been there? What is your experience? Any recommendations? Kindly share.
Thank you.