The Mount Hanang Forest Reserve is a designated protected area situated in the heart of Tanzania in the Manyara region. This reserve features a vibrant forest ecosystem consisting of Mount Hanang, which stands tall at 3,418 meters (11,214 feet). The Mount Hanang Forest is also famous for its pristine wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich diversity of wildlife. The area serves as a sanctuary for nature lovers and it’s an essential conservation site.
Mount Hanang is the third highest peak in Tanzania after Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru is located within the Mount Hanang Forest Reserve. This area is characterized by its steep slopes, lush evergreen montane forests, and the picturesque ridges and valleys that adorn the mountain’s western side.
As an extinct volcano, Mount Hanang rises majestically in the eastern arm of the Great Rift Valley, boasting elevations ranging from 1,860 to 3,418 meters. The diverse vegetation found here includes montane forest, bushland, grasslands, thickets as well as moorlands and heath.
The Mount Hanang Forest Reserve serves as a vital water source, featuring approximately five rivers and several seasonal streams that provide essential water supplies to the nearby Hanang district and Katesh. Within the reserve, tree are also notable soda lakes including Lake Basotugang and Lake Gendabi.
The Mount Hanang Forest Reserve is also home to a variety of wildlife species such as bushbucks, rock hyrax, bush pigs, leopards, duikers, klipspringers, vervet monkeys, olive baboons and spotted hyenas. The reserve is also home to a variety of bird species Spackled mousebird, Little Swift, Hartlaub’s turaco, Cinnamon bracken warbler snakes and insects.
The reserve encompasses six vegetation types; dense forest, open forest, woodland, bushland, grassland and heathland. It is comparatively rich in different species of animals and plants. The reserve has varieties of tree species that are threatened like Juniperus excelsa, Fagaropsis angolensis, Podocarpus angiogenesis, Ekebergia capensis, Teclea hanangensis and Cyanoglossum hanangensis
Mount Hanang Forest Reserve is also home to Barbaig people, who regard the reserve as a sacred place of worship. The Iraqw community, is a Cushitic – speaking group residing in the northern region of the reserve. These communities are known as great agriculturalists and pastoralism
The average annual temperature is 27.20 C and it goes down as low as 140 C during the cold season. This reserve can be visited all throughout the year but the best time to visit is from early May to March.
Tourist activities to do at Mount Hanang’ Nature Forest Reserve
Bird watching
The Mount Hanang Nature Forest Reserve is a paradise for birdwatchers, offering visitors the opportunity to spot a wide range of bird species. From endemic species to migratory birds. While on your birdwatching tours, you will have the chance to spot birds such as Spackled Mousebird, Little Swift, Hartlaub’s turaco, Cinnamon bracken warbler snakes and more. Spackled mousebird, Little swift, Hartlaub’s turaco, Cinnamon bracken warbler snake, and more
Hiking and trekking
Embarking on exciting hiking and trekking tours in the Mount Hanang Forest Reserve. The mountain itself offers a rewarding challenge for hikers, offering astonishing views from the summit. Hiking on Mount Hanang takes place on 2 different routes to get to the summit and they include the Jorodom trail, Katesh route, Gendabi route and Giting route. It takes about 5 to 6 hours of ascent and 3 to 4 hours to descend from the summit. Climbers can also choose to stay at the camp on the mountain before descending the next day.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is another exciting activity offered. the park is home to over 400 bird species as well as a diverse array of animal species. During the tour wildlife viewing safari, you will have an opportunity to spot wildlife species in their natural habitat such as bushbucks, rock hyrax, bush pigs, leopards, duikers, klipspringers, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, and spotted hyenas as well as colorful bird species.
Cultural experience
Mount Hanang Nature Forest Reserve holds significance for local tribes particularly the Barabaig people, who consider the mountain sacred. The Barbaig are organized into clans and their way of dressing consists of goat skin dresses which are worn by the women and the men can be seen walking around with spears. Engaging with the local communities and learn about their traditional way of life, customs, and beliefs. Visit to the villages of the Barbaig involves engaging in activities such as visiting the homesteads interacting with the locals and getting to know more about their culture and traditions.
Getting to
Mount Hanang Nature Forest Reserve is easily accessible by self-driving from Arusha which takes about 240km and from Tarangire with roughly 140km
Alternatively, you can fly in from the major cities. Luxury and semi-luxury public transportation is also available until Hanang (Katesh) bus station 4km from the reserve’s main gate.
Where to stay
There are two types of accommodation facilities within the reserve aimed at catering to both budget travelers and luxurious ones. They range from public campsites to lodges the best found in Babati 68km from Katesh town all equipped with enough facilities to make your stay feel enjoyable.
Contact our trusted tour operators for information and inquiries about Mount Hanang Nature Forest Reserve and Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Focus East Africa Tours who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Tanzania
