The Uluguru Mountains are a mountain range in eastern Tanzania, Africa. They are part of a chain of mountains in eastern Africa collectively called the Eastern Arc Mountains. They are located in Morogoro town.
Needing a lone weekend away from everything around me, I did some research on some pretty good hiking zones around Dar es Salaam and the Ulugurus came up. Perfect for a weekend out of town! I thought!
The trip by bus to Morogoro lasted over 4 hours as opposed to the 2 hours that people claim it takes to get there from Dar es Salaam. Quite a hassle so I had to rent a car for the journey back and spent about 2 hours.
I chose the Morogoro hotel for my stay because it is directly at the foot of the mountains, you can literally spot the fog atop the mountains from here. Their prices are a bit overrated. But it is generally a nice cozy and convenient place to stay at if you are to wake up early for the hike.
View from the hotel:
Outside the hotel:
I used the Chilunga Cultural Tourism Programme firm as tour guides for the Hike. Charming beautiful souls!
These mountains are home to not only people but also different animals and plants. Animals ranging from birds, insects,mammals, reptiles etc.
Plants and Fruits:
Animals:
We came across young boys selling a hedgehog and so I had to rescue him by buying him from them and releasing him into the wild. 
Encountered beautiful snakes! Did I just say beautiful? This coming from someone whose main phobia is snakes is quite unbelievable! Sadly one had been killed.
After six hours of walking we finally made it to the top. Yaay! I think by this time I was completely knackered! We gasped in astonishment at the clarity of the waterfall. It was spurting over the basalt rock, spilling eel-like over the ledges. Its clamorous passage at the foot of the mountain threw up bubbles of spray. They sparkled uneasily in the dying light and shimmered like the ghostly, blood drops of a phantom.
The waterfall
There was a whooshing vortex at the bottom. It was caused by the plummeting funnel of water that spiralled from on high. It looked like a drape of blue aluminium, such was its lushness. The cascade was sieved with silver at its fringes, lending a hallucinatory quality to it.
There appeared to be a cave under the arch of waterfall. Quickly shedding our attires and shoes, the bravest of us plunged into it. The frogs croaking nearby added to the wonderful sounds. We threw ourselves under the waterfall. It was so cold that we started shuddering. We collapsed on the bank and let the nougat sweet smell of flowers wash over us.
Later we had some ham sandwiches and they were Godly.
For once in a very long while, I felt whole and one with nature! An absolute case of total serenity and serendipity.
Spent the rest of the afternoon taking beautiful pictures, frolicking in the untarnished natural beauty that nature freely bestowed upon us, socializing and getting to know a few villagers who were around!
The journey back wasn’t such a turmoil as I felt rejuvenated and ready to take on the world head on!
View of the city from atop the mountains:
The Local Shop up the mountains:
It really is a good hiking spot and among the best in Tanzania. So why not get that booking already and head out into these mountains?
