The Lumeno Trail; Udzungwa Mountains Tanzania

The Udzungwa Mountains National Park is found next the Tanzania’s Southern Safari Circuit. This Tanzanian National Park was created primarily for the protection of flora rather than fauna. The park was registered in 1992 and is the first of its kind in Tanzania.

Here you must park your safari vehicle and stretch your legs and prepare for a walking safari. Walking in Tanzania National Parks is not the norm, however this is a park with no roads! So to walk in the wilds of Tanzania is the only way to see this park. This part of Tanzania is a series of mountain rangers and interlocking valleys - ranging from the top of the Kilombero Valley at 300 meters above sea level to peaks of around 2,570 meters above sea level. Only experienced hikers can mange this difficult train. Making this part of Tanzania pristine and largely untouched by humans.

The Lumeno trail is 65km long and follows the path of the Lumeno River, which is sourced in the heart of these mountains. There are three campsites along the trail that are roughly spaced at 7 to 8 hour walk intervals. They are basic campsites. Remember in Tanzania basic means just that… simply a peace of ground cleared for your tents. It usually takes three to four days to complete this hike.

The trail passes through three types of vegetation: Miombo Woodland, Grassland and forest. Some of the wildlife you may see on this trail include the, red colobus & black and white colobus monkeys, yellow baboon, sykes monkey, sanje mangabey, bushbuck, waterbuck, bush pig, buffalo, elephant and red duikers.

Many birds species are common along this trail including Pel’s fishing owl, which is an indicator of how rich the river is in fish. There are river rapids along this trail with jumping fish and diving otters.

We recommend the hiking this trail to be done in the dry season – June to November – as in the rainy season the river becomes swollen and turbulent making the river dangerous to cross. The flooding can also hide crocodiles, which can be a greater danger than the swollen river.

This is not an experience for the faint hearted, however, if you love the wilderness and a touch of true Tanzanian adventure this is an experience not to be missed.

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