Rondo Nature Forest Reserve
Rondo Nature Forest Reserve is part of the coastal forest mosaic of Tanzania. The reserve covers an area of about 11,742 ha on the Rondo plateau in the Lindi region at an altitude of 465 – 885 m above sea level. The Coastal Forests of Eastern Africa are considered to be a globally important biodiversity hotspot. Rondo Nature Forest Reserve was originally gazetted in 1909 as part of the Rondo Forest Reserve.
The forest plantation, first initiated in 1952, lies to the north of the Rondo Nature Forest Reserve is encompasses Mvule species. The Rondo Nature Forest Reserve is surrounded by 6 villages whose main livelihood activity is agriculture.
Climate
Rondo Nature Forest Reserve receives an average annual rainfall is 1,088 mm in a single rainy season from November to May with occasional dry spells in January and February. Temperatures range from 11 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius, with the coolest period between June and August.
Attractions found at Rondo Nature Forest Reserve
Wildlife
Rondo Nature Forest Reserve has the highest number of endemic plant and animal species including over 100 endemic plants, five birds, three mammals, 24 reptiles, five amphibians, 86 molluscs and 75 butterflies. Some of the animals spotted here include African Elephant, Lion, African Pitta, Rondo Galago, Black Rhino, and Leopard among others. The reserve also provides habitat for the Coastal Forest-endemic and critically endangered. Endangered primate, the Rondo dwarf galago.
Birdlife
Rondo Nature Forest Reserve is one of the best birding destinations in Tanzania, the park is home to over 350 bird species, making it a haven for bird enthusiasts. Some of the birds to be looked at include, East Coast Akalat Sheppardia gunningi, the Spotted Ground Thrush Turdus Fischer, the Rondo Green Barbet, Livingstone turaco, green barbet, short-tailed batis, eastern nicator, tiny greenbul and east coast akalat and among others.
Vegetation
The Rondo Nature Forest Reserve is considered a secondary forest, with three major forest types. Dry evergreen forests are the last remnants of the natural forest. These are located on the southern and eastern rim of the Rondo plateau, particularly in the Mchinjindi valley.
Tree species diversity is high and includes Afzelia quanzensis, Albizia adianthifolia, Albizia gummifera, Bombax rhodognaphalon, Cussonia zimmermanii, Dialium holtzii, Ficus spp., Parinari excelsa, Ricinodendron heudelotii, Sorindeia madagascariensis, and the valuable timber species Milicia excelsa.
It is dominated by Brachystegia microphylla, interspersed with Faurea saligna. Woodland with a high species diversity dominates on the northern and western portions of the plateau. Species include Parinari curatellifolia, Pteleopsis, Julbernardia, and Brachystegia, along with the valuable timber species Mninga
Tourist activities to do at Rondo Nature Forest Reserve
Guided nature walks
One of the best ways to explore the beauty of the Forest Reserve is by taking a guided nature walk. The reserve has well-trained guides who will lead you through the dense forest, pointing out various plants and small species while on your walking tours. During your nature walks, you will even have the chance to spot some rare and elusive wildlife, such as the red colobus monkey, endangered African forest elephant, African Pitta, Rondo Galago, Black Rhino, and Leopard as well as colorful bird species.
Birdwatching
Rondo Nature Forest Reserve is home to a wide range of endemic, rare, and endangered bird species. There are specialised bird guides who will direct you to the right watching spots such as and Mchinjidi trails. while on your birding safaris, you will have the opportunity to see birds such as the Spotted Ground Thrush Turdus Fischer, the Rondo Green Barbet, Livingstone turaco, green barbet, short-tailed bats, eastern nicator, tiny greenbul and east coast akalat and among others.
Hiking tours
Rondo Nature Forest Reserve offers exceptional hiking tours through its lush landscapes. One of the most popular hiking trails is Manjonda Trail, passing through this route takes about 3.7 km and it takes one hours to hike. It is an ideal route for hiking. This route is a bit busy route whereby the forest rangers use it frequently for protection and surveillance. The route is endowed with beautiful and colorful butterflies, wildflowers, giant trees, and reptiles, especially chameleons and it is the richest route in birds therefore it is an ideal route for bird watching. In the Machonda area there are nice places for picnics and camping.
Another common hiking trail is the Mchinjidi Trail. This trail winds through sub-trails and boundaries such as trail Mlimani trail. Hiking distance varies among the sub-trails and the trail is spectacular and ideal for a day hike, especially for a picnic. The trail leads to a beautiful destination called Chilala Peak about 840 m. At the peak, visitors can see the beautiful view of Nyangao town, and the tree canopy in Rondo Nature Forest Reserve.
Night walks tours
The night walk is becoming very popular nowadays with most visitors, one can conduct a night walk. Conducting a night walk is permitted, and guests can either request a ranger from the reserve or book a local tour guide to explore the forest after dark. This unique experience allows hikers to glimpse elusive wildlife like the Rondo dwarf galago, along with various birds, animals, and reptiles that come alive at night.
Canopy tours
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, canopy tours are a must-do activity at Rondo Forest. Zep through the treetops on a series of zip lines, taking in breathtaking views of the forest below. It’s a thrilling way to experience the forest from a different perspective.
Camping
Spending a night under the stars in the heart of the forest by camping at the Forest Reserve. You will enjoy the peace tranquillity of your surroundings while listening to the sounds of the forest at night.
Cultural experience
The Rondo Nature Forest Reserve is surrounded by 6 villages whose main livelihood activity is agriculture. While on your cultural tours, you will get to learn about traditional dances, rituals, and customs from local tribes, and sample authentic Tanzanian cuisine. You will also have the chance to visit their farms and participate in crop growing, cultivation, and harvesting among others.
Getting to Rondo Nature Forest Reserve
To reach the Forest Reserve, which is situated approximately 60km from Lindi town, you can choose between two access routes. The first option is to take the Lindi-Mtwara road, traveling from Lindi to Ngongo. The second route leads you from Lindi – Masasi through Nyengedi, and covers a distance of about 80km.
