Uluguru Mountains

Uluguru Mountains is located close to Morogoro town approximately 200 kms West of Dar es Salaam. The Mountains are a striking mountain range found in the eastern part of Tanzania and part of the Eastern Arc Mountains. The Mountains were named after the Luguru Tribe. The Mountain Range includes 50 villages with more than 151,000 people.

The Mountains are part of the Eastern Arc chain, a group of ancient mountains consisting of high biodiversity and endemic species. The Mountains elevate to about 2,630 meters (8,629 feet) with endemic bird species i.e the Uluguru bush shrike, rare amphibians, reptiles, and plant species.

The Ulugurus are found 200 kms inland from the Indian Ocean and part of the Eastern Arc Mountains which include Taita Hills, Pare Mountains, Usambara Mountains, Nguru Mountains, Rubeho, Ukaguru, Udzungwa Mountains and Mahenge Mountains.

Vegetation

The vegetation of the Uluguru Mountains is exceptional ranging from drier lowland coastal forest habitats, to transitional rainforests and sub-montane, montane and upper montane forest types.

The green forests around the Mountains act as water catchment areas for streams and rivers. The water flows mainly from the forest-capped peaks of the Ulugurus into streams which join together creating the Ruvu River. The River provides the water supply to the city of Dar es Salaam which consists of more than 3 million people.

Climate

When it comes to climate, the Uluguru mountains include moisture passing inland from the Indian Ocean making the east facing slopes especially wet, with rainfall estimated at over 3,000 millimetres (120 in) per annum, and some rain falling in every month.

People

The Mountains are occupied by the local people of the Ulugurus known as the Waluguru tribe people. These have been living in the mountains for many years with women being the most dominant in the region as compared to other tribes where men are the superiors.

The Waluguru people who practice matrilineal inheritance and like agriculture inclusive of growing bananas, yams and other crops on terraced hillsides.

Flora and Fauna

Around the Mountains are more than 100 plants, 2 birds, 2 mammals, 4 reptiles and 6 amphibians uniquely found in this region. There are also a large number of additional species shared only with one or two other Eastern Arc mountains, and hence globally rare. The species you shall watch here include; the African violets, Impatiens and Begonias that are famous pot-plants in the rest of the world.

Things to do in the Uluguru Mountains

Trekking along the Uluguru Mountains

The hikes start in Morogoro town where you get from Dar es Salaam for aa period of 4 to 5 hours. You shall follow routes like the Choma Waterfalls which is the most visited area requiring you to go for 2 to 4 hours watching the waterfalls and natural swimming area. You shall the proceed to explore the old German Colonial House where you have panoramic views of Morogoro Town and the surrounding valleys.

The hike takes you a period of 3 to 5 hours. You shall then continue to the Bondwa Peak which is the highest in the Northern Ulugurus passing through verdant dense tropical forest watch bird species, butterflies taking a period of 6 to 9 hours with a local guide. You can also proceed to hike to the Lupanga Peak which is challenging to conquer as it is steeper and very demanding hence recommended for experienced hikers.

Waluguru Cultural Tours

While on safari vacation in Tanzania, you can visit the local villages of Choma or Tegetero. While in these villages, you shall learn about the matrilineal traditions, farming methods and local crafts. These are combined with forest hikes making adventures very worthwhile.

Wildlife & Birdwatching

The Ulugurus are an exceptional destination for all bird watchers from all over the world. The Mountains comprise of bird species like the Uluguru bush shrike, Loveridge’s sunbird, Livingstone’s turaco as well as chameleons, rare frogs and unique plant species.