ULUGURU MOUNTAINS
Tanzania is one of the top hiking destinations in the world. It is not only home to the famous Kilimanjaro, the roof of Africa but to many other mountain ranges. The Uluguru mountains are an off the beaten path hiking destination in Tanzania where you can enjoy stunning views, waterfalls and nature and discover the local culture.
I have stayed in Tanzania for 14 months in total and have traveled extensively to many of its more undiscovered corners. The Uluguru mountains were one of my favorite hiking destinations in the country.
I have created this guide to help you planning your trip to this stunning hiking destination and help you make the best of your visit. I am also sharing some photos and videos to help you preparing for your trip.
ABOUT THE ULUGURU MOUNTAINS
The Uluguru mountains are a mountain range in Tanzania named after the Luguru tribe. They are part of the Eastern Arc mountains that run from Kenya to Tanzania.
The Uluguru mountains in Tanzania are home to several endemic species, 100 unique plants, 2 birds, 2 mammals, 4 reptiles, and 6 amphibians found nowhere else in the world.
Among the endemic species are the Uluguru Bushshrike and the Uluguru Violet-backed Sunbird, contributing to the area’s avian diversity. Additionally, the Uluguru Mountains house exclusive mammalian species like the Uluguru Mountain Dwarf Galago and the Uluguru Red Duiker. Reptiles, such as the Uluguru Chameleon and the Uluguru Forest Cobra, and amphibians like the Uluguru Torrent Toad and the Uluguru Reed Frog.
The mountains are home to the Luguru tribe that have lived in the area for hundreds of years.
WHERE ARE THE ULUGURU MOUNTAINS LOCATED?
The Luguru mountains are located in Eastern Tanzania in the Morogoro district and 194 Km distance from Dar Es Salaam.
Find here a pin the Uluguru mountains location:
HOW TO GET TO THE ULUGURU MOUNTAINS?
The only way to reach the Uluguru mountains is by road. You need to travel to Morogoro and base yourself there to hike the mountains.
If you need help to arrange your trip to the Ulugure mountains contact Bakari Hoya and he was my guide and had a wonderful experience and this is his WhatsApp +255655385109. Find some of his review on TripAdvisor.
There are several public buses running from Dar Es Salaam to Morogoro everyday and the trip takes around four hours and a half as buses are slow in Tanzania.
I have extensively travel Tanzania using public transportation and I love it. It is a big packed and chaotic and there will usually be lovely African music played the whole trip.
I love this kind of cultural traveling but some people do not like it.
If you would like to have a bit more luxury and it is within your budget you can always get a minivan ticket.
And if you like to do some self driving you can always lease a car.
WHAT TO DO IN THE ULUGURU MOUNTAINS?
GET A LOCAL GUIDE
Get a local guide to explore the mountains. Many people’s lives depend on tourism in the area and having a local guide will help you communication with the local people, as well as spotting the biodiversity of the region.
contact Bakari Hoya and he was my guide and had a wonderful experience and this is his WhatsApp +255655385109. Find some of his review on TripAdvisor.
VISIT A TRADITIONAL HEALER
Most Tanzanian people still use traditional healers before resorting to Western medicine methods or for some remote areas traditional healers are the only type of medical attention they can get.
These healers usually have a vast knowledge on plants to use to treat ailments and they also resort to other methods such as sound therapy and other type of rituals.
A visit to a traditional healer usually includes a hike to the Choma village where a Waluguru healer will explain you his/her methods and will perform a healing ritual on you.
EXPLORE MOROGORO
Morogoro is a vibrant city in Tanzania where you can have the perfect opportunity to blend with the local culture. The bustling streets and lovely markets are the perfect set up to interact the kind Tanzanian people.
You can visit places such as the German boma and vintage railway station to get a glimpse into the colonial heritage.
VISIT A MUD CAKE FACTORY
The Luguru tribe and some other tribes in Tanzania eat mud to get enough vitamins during pregnancy. The mud cakes are called Udongo and their use is very extended in the country. I though at first that maybe only under privileged people in Tanzani eat these cakes but my guide told me that mud cakes are very much appreciated by Tanzanian women of all socio economic levels.
I tried one of them, even if I was not pregnant when I visited the mud factory. I did not find it my kind of thing to eat those cakes but the ladies on the factory were very kind and it was really nice to see all the process on how the cakes are made.
EAT SOME STRAWBERRIES
The Uluguru mountains are famous for its strawberries. You will get them offered at some points during the hikes and the waterfalls.
They are delicious and you should not leave the Uluguru mountains without tasting them.
GET WET IN A WATERFALL
The most famous waterfalls in this mountains is the Choma waterfalls. It is a stunning waterfall surrounded by some green lush vegetation where local people gather to eat strawberries and refresh.
HIKING THE ULUGURU MOUNTAINS
There most popular hikes in the Uluguru mountains are:
CHOMA WATERFALL HIKE
This is a beautiful hike that will take you from Morogoro city to the Choma waterfall. On the way to the waterfall you will pass by several villages and tree nurseries.
There are some baobab trees and a mud cake factory on the way. A visit to a traditional healer can also be included during this hike.
LUPANGA PEAK
The Lupanga peak is located 2150 meters above sea level and it is the second highest peak in the Uluguru mountains.
The hike usually starts at Kibwe village where a steep trail will bring you through stunning nature reserve along the mountains ridge.
The views along the hike are stunning, including a German tower locate at the peak. You will have the opportunity to spot some rare bird species such as the Livingston Turaco and Silvery-cheeked Hornbills.
ARE THE ULUGURU MOUNTAINS WORTH A VISIT?
Yes, the Uluguru mountains are really worth a visit. The Uluguru Mountains in Tanzania offer breathtaking landscapes, diverse flora, and rich biodiversity. A haven for hikers, the pristine trails lead to waterfalls and panoramic views. Immerse yourself in the unique culture of local communities. The Ulugurus provide a memorable and rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
ULUGURU MOUNTAINS FAQs
WHICH TYPE OF MOUNTAIN IS ULUGURU?
The Uluguru mountains are part of the Eastern Arc that was formed 100 million years ago and they extend from Southeastern to the Udzungwa Mountains in Tanzania. They are a chain of mountains.
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF ULUGURU?
The Uluguru name comes from the Luguru tribe name that literally means “ people of the mountains”
HOW ARE THE ULUGURU MOUNTAINS FORMED?
The peaks in the chain are primarily block-fault mountains, so they formed as a result of periods of uplift followed by long stretches of stability and erosion.
WRAP-UP
There is no more magic than enjoying nature in a cultural setting and the Uluguru mountains are one of the best places in Tanzania to do so.
With its stunning landscapes and mesmerizing waterfalls a hike in these mountains will be the cherry on the cake during your visit to Tanzania.
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