Hiking Day at Uluguru Mountains: A lot of reasons to conserve

Nestled in the heart of Tanzania, the Uluguru Mountains stand tall and proud, beckoning adventurers with their lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking panoramic views. As an avid nature enthusiast, I embarked on a hiking day at Uluguru Mountains, seeking solace from the bustling city life and an opportunity to reconnect with the pristine beauty of the natural world. 

 

It was not a first time, and surely it will not be a last time.

BUT, little did I know that this expedition would prove to be a transformative journey, both physically and spiritually.

 

 

 

The Ascent Begins

With my backpack packed and a heart full of anticipation, I set foot on the trailhead around 10am. The air was crisp, and the sweet aroma of the surrounding vegetation infused my senses, drew my attention, that, it was time, time to get far and reconnect with the most beautiful and tiresome activity that am attracted to, accompanied by an experienced guide, not in such, but this one, loves hiking, “Faraja” and other few people. 

I ventured into the dense tropical rainforest that enveloped the base of the mountains. The trail meandered through a canopy of ancient trees, flowers, alive with the melodies of exotic birds and the occasional rustle of monkeys.

As we climbed higher, the path became steeper, challenging my endurance and pushing me beyond my comfort zone. But the reward was worth the effort. 

 

 

 

 

At various intervals, we paused to catch our breath, taking pictures, danced a little and marvel at the breathtaking vistas of rolling hills and distant valleys. And of course, checking out how far do we still have to go to reach the peak! 

"Each step brought me closer to a profound sense of accomplishment and an indescribable connection between nature and my soul".

A Glimpse into Local Life

Few hours of our expedition presented a unique opportunity to interact with the local communities residing on the mountainside. The Uluguru Mountains are home to the Luguru people, a warm and welcoming community known for their rich cultural heritage. We passed a village where we were greeted with open arms and eager smiles, ate and play with the locals.

“Habari za kwetu”- Elder Luguru Man

Immersed in this cultural tapestry, I had the privilege of learning about their way of life, from their economic activities to social roles. It was a humbling experience that reinforced the importance of preserving such remarkable places for future generations. 

 

Did I tell you that I made friend, a Rasta man, who sells fruits and the fruits trees like strawberries and rosemary’s.

 

(Nipate nikupe connection ya miche ya rosemary, strawberry upande kwa garden yako)

 

A Soul-Enriching Adventure

My hiking day at Uluguru Mountains was an adventure that exceeded all expectations. It allowed me to disconnect from the hectic pace of modern life and reconnect with the natural world in its purest form. Hiking always taught me lessons of resilience, humility, and the intrinsic value of preserving our planet's precious ecosystems.

Uluguru Mountains, with its serene landscapes, waterfalls and warm-hearted communities, will forever hold a special place in my heart. The experience ignited a fire within me to explore more of the world's natural wonders, and surely coming back there again and again.

 

 

 

A Lot of Reasons to Conserve towards #SusWorld

Firstly, protecting the environment is essential for the preservation of biodiversity. Our planet is home to an incredible array of species, each playing a unique role in maintaining ecosystem balance. By conserving the environment, we ensure the survival of these species and safeguard the delicate interconnectedness of ecosystems. Secondly, environmental conservation is vital for mitigating climate change. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preserving natural carbon sinks such as forests, we can help stabilize our climate and protect future generations from the devastating impacts of global warming. Additionally, the environment provides us with essential resources like clean air, water, and food. Conserving these resources ensures the health and well-being of both present and future generations. Lastly, a thriving environment offers countless recreational and aesthetic benefits, fostering a sense of peace and inspiration. It is our collective responsibility to cherish and protect our environment, recognizing that its preservation is not only crucial for the planet but for our own survival and quality of life.

We had a chance to observe and converse on all these during our hike day

A beautiful call

During hiking I met few primary school students who school and live up there. These beautiful children shared their needs so as they can at least get surrounded by friendly environment to access education and other basic needs. You can help them by distributing exercise books, school uniforms and sanitary pads to the girls, sports equipments and school renovation "they became specific with coloring the classes and draw the wall pictures". 

Contacts: 0782410901

 

 Ps. You can choose not to Hike but/and camping at Peponi camp , or Morning Site.