Uluguru Game Reserve: Uluguru is a natural forest reserve center of biological diversity located in Uluguru Mountains found in Mvomero district and Morogoro Municipality within the Morogoro Region. With its uniqueness of the diverse flora and fauna including several species of birds and small mammals, its species can only be found in this region. Uluguru Natural Forest Reserve is one of the Nature reserves in the Eastern Arc having a higher number of endemic and near-endemic plant species. This reserve serves as a home to hundreds of endemic plant species. To be specific, there are more than a hundred and thirty five endemic plant species which includes the rare African Violets as well as the orchids. This reserve with all its species does fund a better management of the region’s biodiversity. The most unique characteristic of these Mountains is that the species richness decreases with altitudes but the number of endemic species increases with an increase in altitude. The beauty of this mountain is unrivaled, from the alluring green hilltops to the noisy waterfalls, the famous being Bondwa and Lupanga peaks.
The weather conditions are favorable for any visitor although it tends to vary depending on season and the altitude approached. The dry season starts from June to October, the weather is said to be sunny and dry while the Wet season starts from November to May, With December to February being the wettest month. Rainfall can be heavy at times, especially in the afternoons and in the evenings, and trails can become muddy and slippery.
Visiting Uluguru Natural Forest Reserve will give you a natural experience with cool air and attractive environments which can be witnessed through available walking trails. There are a number of excellent walking trails through the reserve’s forests such as;
Hululu Falls: If you have ever dreamed of being at the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, then Hululu Waterfalls is the best destination to make your dreams come true. In order to access Hululu, you will have to drive and later do some bush walks. Hululu is located at Vinile Village, which is around 53 km away from Morogoro town. Right after you arrive at Vinile Village, you will then have to walk for one and a half to two hours (depending on your walking speed) before you finally arrive at Hululu waterfall. The walk is also a continuation of the series of adventures on the course of your day trip to Hululu waterfalls.
Tegetero Trail: With a postcode of 67201, Tegetero is among the villages located at Kibogwa, which are both found in Morogoro rural. Tegereto is located at a distance equivalent to 8 hour’s drive from Morogoro town, where you will have to cross the entire forest of Tegetero mission. Tegetero is covered with a terrain that is about 1119 meters above the sea level. This trail will lead you to a home of the rare Uluguru Bush-shrike and past endemic African violets. From the Tegetero mission, you can easily access Chief Kingalu’s home. Chief Kingalu, who is the Waluguru’s traditional leader lives only two Kilometers away from Tegetero forest, a distance which gives you the flexibility to either walk to or drive. However, if you opt to drive, ensure that you use both a competent driver and a good off-road vehicle with 4 WD. This is because the roads are not that good.
Lukwangule Plateau: Lukwangule Plateau offers another spectacular trail for enjoying the hike. If you are to take this trail, then you will have to commence your hike from Tchenzema village which is found on the Western side of the mountain. You will hike all the way through the forest of Lukwangule Plateau, which is an area blessed with a beautiful view of the montane grassland with a number of unique plant species. Hiking the mountain through this route can take only for hours for a person who is physically strong (and exercises regularly), while for other people it might take up to six hours. This time is for the entire hiking safari, from departing until when you will be back.
Lupanga Peak Trail: In order to hit the zenith Point of Morogoro Mountains which is located at about two thousand hundred and thirty eight meters (2,138 m) above sea level using the Lupanga Peak trail, you will then have to start your hiking safari at the end of Forest Hill Road. You will then pass through the farmland, all the way through the forest along the steep ridge until you reach the highest hiking point of the trail. On a clear day, the Eastern side of the Uluguru Mountains offers a very nice view. This trail is not only blessed with a nice view but also surrounded by beautiful songs made by the forest birds including Loveridge’s sunbird and Livingstone’s turaco. These species of birds can also be seen clearly while taking this route. Of all the 4 trails, Lupanga Trail is the steepest, and the one demanding the highest level of physical fitness. It is also not advised to avoid using this route during heavy rainfalls unless you are after extreme adventures.
