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Lemala Safaris: honey badger crossing golden hills
Thatched cottage at Hondo Hondo Udzungwa Forest Camp tucked among dense forest trees

Ridge collection · Udzungwa Mountains National Park

Hondo Hondo Udzungwa Forest Camp

Thatched cottages and tents on the edge of Udzungwa's quiet rainforest

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Collection
Ridge · Mid-range to upper mid-range
Destination
Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Style
Forest edge camp

About Hondo Hondo Udzungwa Forest Camp

Hondo Hondo sits on the edge of Udzungwa Mountains National Park, in dense forest far from the usual safari circuit. This is walking country rather than driving country, and the camp is designed for people who would happily spend the day on foot beneath a canopy, listening for monkeys and birds above their heads.

Photographs show thatched cottages tucked among trees and gravel paths running through dappled light. Raised stone steps lead up to cottage doors, and tents sit on circular stone patios with camp chairs on the porch. The mood is of a small retreat that has grown quietly into the forest rather than clearing space for itself.

Udzungwa is among the least-visited parks in Tanzania, so those who make the journey tend to be curious travellers looking for something different from the standard circuit. It fits well as a stop on southern itineraries, offering a very different pace from open savannah, and a chance to try a green, hilly side of the country.

  • Thatched cottages tucked among dense forest trees
  • Twin-bed tents with en-suite bamboo bathrooms
  • Stone patios with camp chairs outside tent entrances
  • Gravel paths winding through dappled forest light
  • Base for guided hikes and primate tracking on foot
  • Garden grounds in a park few travellers visit

Setting

The camp is set on the fringe of the forest that cloaks Udzungwa Mountains National Park, a mountainous area in southern Tanzania known for its rich plant and animal life. Trees close in over paths and buildings, so light is soft and green. Views open here and there across the hills. Expect humid forest air, birdsong and the occasional rustle of primates in the canopy.

Rooms and tents

Accommodation is a mix of thatched cottages and tents. Photographs show a twin-bed tent with green throws and an en-suite bathroom finished in bamboo, plus raised stone steps and a porch with chairs on a round stone patio. Expect simple, characterful comfort that suits a forest setting. Ask us which style suits your group, as availability and layouts can vary.

Dining

Meals are likely to be simple and hearty after a day of hiking, served at the camp rather than in a large restaurant. Expect home-style cooking suited to a remote setting, with breakfast early enough to start on the trails. Ask us to confirm what is included and to pass on any dietary requirements, as supplies in remote areas are usually planned in advance.

Things to do from here

  • Guided forest hikes on trails near the camp
  • Primate tracking on foot with a local guide
  • Birdwatching along forest paths
  • Walks in the garden grounds at the camp
  • Quiet evenings listening to the forest after dark

When to stay

Udzungwa is a forest park, so conditions are changeable at any time. The drier months, roughly June to October, usually make for easier walking and firmer trails. The long rains from roughly March to May can leave paths slippery and wet, while the short rains in November and December bring brief showers. Ask us for current guidance, as trail conditions shift through the year.

Good to know

  • Expect forest conditions: humidity, uneven paths and the occasional insect. Sturdy shoes and repellent are sensible.
  • Hikes vary in length and effort. Ask us to confirm what is suitable for your fitness and age group.
  • Connectivity and power are often limited in remote forest camps. Ask us what to expect before you travel.
  • Transfers and park arrangements are handled by Lemala, who also confirm trail options for your dates.

Gallery

Inside Hondo Hondo Udzungwa Forest Camp

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