Kidatu

Kidatu is a small town in southern Morogoro Region at the base of the Udzungwa Mountains escarpment, near the Kilombero Valley. It is a main entry point for the Udzungwa Mountains National Park (the Mang'ula Gate is 10 km west). The area is hot and humid, planted with sugar cane and rice. The Kidatu power station on the Great Ruaha River provides hydroelectricity.

Kidatu is about 50 km south of Ifakara on a dirt road (1.5 hours). Infrequent buses from Ifakara. 4WD recommended in the rainy season.

Walking. Boda-boda for the Udzungwa gate.

• Udzungwa Mountains National Park — the Mang'ula Gate is 10 km west.

• Kilombero Sugar plantations — vast estates producing sugar for the national market.

• Kidatu power station — a hydroelectric plant on the Great Ruaha River.

• Udzungwa day hike — the trail to Sanje Falls starts at Mang'ula Gate.

• Sugar plantation tour — by arrangement, visit the industrial sugar mill.

Udzungwa Falls Lodge Restaurant — meals for day visitors and guests.

Chai and bottled water. Beer at the lodge.

Udzungwa Falls Lodge — mid-range forest bandas with a river pool. TANAPA Campsite — at the park gate.

Sugar (locally produced), rice, and bananas.

Ifakara (50 km north). Udzungwa National Park (10 km west). Mikumi National Park (80 km north). Iringa (120 km west). Kilosa (80 km north).