Nyumbanitu is a forest near the village of Mlevela, Mdandu ward in Wanging'ombe district of Tanzania's Njombe Region. It is at a distance of 15 km (9.3 mi) from Njombe Town.

It is notable as one of only three habitats for the rare Udzungwa forest partridge (Xenoperdix udzungwensis)[1] and important site for the mythology for the local Bena people.[2]

The caves inside the forest served as a hiding places during wars between the local Bena and their Hehe neighbours during the 19th century and also during the Maji-Maji uprising against German rule in 1905–1906.[3]

Until now it is used for worship and sacrifice by traditionalists.[4]

A number of legends is connected to the forest.

Footnotes

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  1. ^ Xenoperdix udzungwensis, IUCN redlist, lookup April 2018
  2. ^ Stanley Elias, Inside Nyumbanitu
  3. ^ Stanley Elias, Inside Nyumbanitu
  4. ^ Tumaini Msowoya, Msitu wa Nyumbanitu

References

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