Mount Rungwe

Mount Rungwe is a dormant volcano in southern Tanzania with a wide caldera depression and slopes blanketed in montane forest vegetation. The peak rises to about 2,981 meters and dominates the landscape of this highland region.

The mountain became a protected Catchment Forest in 1949 and later gained Nature Forest Reserve status in 2009 to ensure environmental conservation. These designations marked a shift toward formal protection of the landscape.

The Nyakyusa communities have deep ties to this mountain, viewing it as central to their identity and way of life in the surrounding region.

Visitors need to register at the office in Tukuyu and arrange a guide before starting the trek up the mountain. The route is steep and physically demanding, so sturdy hiking boots and rain gear are essential.

The southeastern slopes receive roughly three meters of rainfall annually, making this area among the wettest zones in Tanzania. This exceptional moisture supports rare plant and animal species found nowhere else in the country.