Uzungwa Scarp Nature Forest Reserve

“Home to Red Colobus Moneys”

The Uzungwa Scarp Nature Forest Reserve (USNFR) covers an area of 32,763.2ha. It is located in the Udzungwa Mountains within Iringa Region (Kilolo and Mufindi Districts) and Kilombero District in Morogoro Region. The reserve is home to Red Colobus monkeys and varieties of vegetation including tall luxurious sub montane forest. Other tourism attractions found in the reserve are unique canopy features, wild animals like elephants, buffaloes; migratory birds; attractive sceneries, caves, waterfalls ((Idasi, lutalawa, Msingusi, Kiimbi, Ikungwe, Udagaji, Mipimati), historical and cultural sites (at Madege, Lendi, Igeni, Kisupyo, Lugugwe, Utemelwa, Lupondelo, Lusakalilo villages), nature trails and.

Ecotourism Activities

Tourists can do the following ecotourism activities: swim at the natural ponds, sunrise and sunset viewing, hiking, trekking, safari adventures, cultural and traditional experiences, bird watching, research and educational tours, photographing and camping.

Accessibility

There are three access routes to the reserve. The first one is through Ipogolo via Kilolo District to Uluti village, which is about 100km from Iringa town. The Second is through Mufindi District via Mapanda Ward to Uhafiwa village about 130 km from Mafinga Township. The third is from Morogoro Municipality via Mikumi Town to Ifakara town then Chita to Udagaji village, which is about 80km.

In Iringa Munipality there is Nduli airport which serves scheduled and non-scheduled/ chartered flights from major cities like Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Kilijmanjaro. The distance from Iringa town to Uzungwa Scarp Nature Forest Reserve is about 120 km.

Other Tourist Attractions near Uzungwa Nature Forest Reserve (UNFR) 

Other tourist attractions found near Uzungwa Nature Forest Reserve are the Kilombero Nature Forest Reserve, Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Nyerere National Park and Kidatu Power Station. Visitors coming to the reserve through Iringa, also have the opportunity to visit nearby tourist attraction such as Kalenga Historical Centre, Isimila archeological Site and Ruaha National Park

Supporting Facilities

Visitors can camp within the reserve, while other accommodations are available in Iringa Municipality.