The Kilombero Nature Forest Reserve stands as Tanzania’s largest forest reserve, encompassing an impressive area of 134,511 hectares. The reserve is known as an exceptional land of higher biodiversity and endemic flora and fauna. The reserves lie at the southern end of the Arc, nestling in the heart between the Udzungwa Mountains National Park and Uzungwa scarp Nature Forest Reserve and extending across a series of forest-clad peaks.  It straddles the Kilombero District in the Morogoro Region and the Kilolo District in the Iringa Region. With its heist peak, Nyumbanitu, reaching 2600 meters above sea level.

Kilombero Nature Forest Reserve

It was established in 2007 to conserve the area’s unique ecosystem and protect its exceptional biodiversity for future generations. An important corridor, the reserve facilitates the movement of larger mammals between Udzungwa National Park and the newly established Nyerere National Park. This vital passage is crucial for maintaining the migration patterns of species such as elephants and buffalos.

Visitors to Kilombero Nature Forest Reserve can enjoy a wealth of attractions including the cave at Magombera cave and bats caves. The sacred sites of the Wahehe tribe as well as various viewpoints, offer panoramic views over 100 kilometers including the Kilombero River, the waterfalls, and oxbow lakes, rich with diverse fish species.

The reserve is a haven for at least 400 plant species, and 150 bird species including the rare Udzungwa partridge, rufous-winged sunbird, Jameson’s firefinch, scaly spurfowl, tambourine dove, Livingstone’s turaco, green barbet, and moustached tinkerbird among others. The reserve is also home to big mammals such as elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalos. In the past, parts of the reserve were inhabited but today the area is protected for its biodiversity, wilderness, and water catchment values. The breathtaking landscape and valleys further underscore Kilombero’s status as an exceptional destination for wildlife adventure safaris in Tanzania.

Attractions found in Kilombero Nature Forest Reserve

There are no permanent trails within Kilombero, but your guard can safely guide you through the forest and show you some of the reserve’s spectacular forests and peaks.

Nyumbanitu Trail

There are some stunning hikes, including one that leads into the Nyumbanitu forest and on to the twelve-chambered Magombelema Cave which dwells to thousands of bats. The Hehe people, who once lived in parts of the reserve, consider Nyumbanitu to be a sacred place, and still come today to worship at the mountain as well as at other ancestral.

Kilombero Nature Forest Reserve
Kilombero Nature Forest Reserve

Ndundulu Trail

It is also possible to hike into the Ndundulu forest above the Udekwa ranger post dwell to some of the area’s rare animal species including the Udzungwa red colobus, Angolan black and white colobus and Moreau’s sunbird. One of Tanzania’s most revered historical figures, Chief Mkwawa (‘conqueror of many lands’) is closely associated with the area, having taken shelter around Mount Nyumbanitu in 1894 when the Germans attacked his home village of Kalenga. Local guides can point out places around the reserve which have special connections with the great Chief

Tourist activities to do at Kilombero Nature Forest Reserve

Kilombero Nature Forest Reserve offers a diverse array of activities that cater to nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Wildlife viewing allows visitors to encounter a rich tapestry of flora and fauna, providing opportunities to observe unique species in their natural habitat.

Bird watching

Birdwatching is a highlight for any safari in Kilombero Nature Forest Reserve. The reserve serves as a sanctuary for over 150 bird species, making it the best destination for bird-wasting tours in Tanzania.  Some of the bird’s species spotted you may come across include the rare Udzungwa partridge, rufous-winged sunbird, fork-tailed drongo, olive woodpecker, bar-throated Apalis, Chapin’s Apalis, brown-headed Apalis, black-lored cisticola, African yellow-warbler, collared sunbird, white-browed robin-chat and brown parisoma among others.

Hiking

Kilombero Nature Forest Reserve is an excellent destination for hiking tours in Tanzania. The area offers a variety of hiking trails, with hikers ranging from 3 to 8 hours a day through the forest depending on the fitness levels and visitor preferences. During your hiking tours, you will have the chance to spot a variety of endemic flora and fauna, beautiful landscapes, viewpoints, water points, and cultural features. The weather within the forest is cool and refreshing, making it the ideal safari for outdoor adventures.

Cultural tours

Kilombero Nature Forest Reserve is surrounded by exciting villages.  Cultural tours involve visiting the local communities to learn about their way of life. Tourists while on a cultural tour can marvel at unique architectural styles and engage with local traditions. This includes visiting traditional healers, participating in lively dance performances, and even joining in the preparation of local brews, such as ulanzi, kimono, and gimbal (a maize beer). Additionally, these tours provide insight into daily village life allowing visitors to explore the farms, bustling markets, churches and educational institutions like primary and secondary schools

Research and educational tours

For those interested in knowledge and conservation, research and educational tours provide insights into the ecosystem and the importance of preserving such an environment. The area is less researched and documented therefore students and other researchers from different parts of the globe can conduct their research in many fields. The reserve is privileged in research fields such as entomology, ethnology, hydrology, geology, soils, ecology, zoology, and social studies. Researchers and students can learn different aspects in the field of forests, ecotourism, history, culture, and beekeeping activities.

Biking tours

Biking trails at Kilombero Nature Forest Reserve present an exhilarating way to explore the reserve, combining physical activity with the chance to discover remote areas. Lastly, photographing the diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultural elements provides a perfect way to capture and share the beauty of Kilombero Forest Reserve.

Rock climbing

Kilombero Nature Forest Reserve boasts impressive rock cliffs that offer opportunities for rock climbing. The area’s long-standing formations feature several climbing points such as Mount Ndundulu and Nyumbanitu. Currently, there are no professional rock-climbing guides available in the reserve, so visitors who are interested in this activity are encouraged to bring their own guides and climbing gear.

Getting to

Access to Kilombero Nature Forest Reserve is conveniently available through several routes.  Visitors can reshape the reserve by traveling approximately 120 kilometers from Ilula and Udekwa in Iringa. Alternatively, those coming from Mikumi National Park can tale the Kidatu – Ifakara road, which is about 130 kilometers long. Another option for travelers is to use the TAZARA railway, with stops at Mang’ula, Ifakara, or Kilombero stations, providing easy access to the reserve.

Accommodations

The reserve offers campsites and other accommodation facilities that can be secured in Iringa Municipality or Ifakara town.

Other Tourist destinations to combine with a Tanzania safari in Kilombero Nature Forest Reserve

In addition to visiting Kilombero Nature Forest Reserve, there are several notable tourist destinations that you can combine with a safari in Kilombero Nature Forest Reserve.  Tourists can choose to visit the Uzungwa Scarp Nature Forest Reserve, Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Magombera Nature Forest Reserve, Nyerere National Park, Kidatu Power Station, and the renowned Mikumi National Park, each offering unique experiences for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

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