Udzungwa Mountains National Park

The Udzungwa Mountains are part of the Eastern Arc Mountains — one of the world's most important biodiversity hotspots — and Udzungwa National Park protects their most intact forest. This is a place that evolutionary biologists travel to as a pilgrimage; the levels of endemism here rival the Galápagos.

The Udzungwa red colobus monkey is found only here. The Sanje crested mangabey — a critically endangered primate — was unknown to science until 1979, and lives only in these forests. At least 400 bird species, including many Eastern Arc endemics, make Udzungwa an exceptional birding destination.

For walkers, the Sanje Waterfall Trail — a steep half-day hike through forest to a spectacular double waterfall — is one of Tanzania's finest hiking experiences. No vehicles: this is an entirely walk-in park.