Udzungwa is the largest and most biodiverse chain of a dozen large forest mountains that rise majestically from the flat coastal scrub of eastern Tanzania, known collectively as the Eastern Arc Mountains.

Secret bank account of genetic stock
It is a hot-house nurturing species found nowhere else on earth, a secret bank account of precious genetic stock. Of its six types of primate, two are endemic - the Iringa red colobus monkey and the sanje crested Mangabey, not discovered until 1979. Four previously unknown birds, including the rufous-winged sunbird and a new species of the partridge-like francolin make this Tanzania's richest forest bird habitat and among the three most important bird conservation areas on the continent.

Magnet for hikers
Udzungwa is a magnet for hikers. An excellent net work of forest trails includes the popular half-day ramble to Sanje Waterfall, which plunges 170metres (550feet) through a misty spray into the forested valley below. The Mwanihana Trail is more challenging.