6-Day Usambara Herpetology Adventure

• A transfer from the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arusha - West Usambara Mountains – Arrival into the Mist Forests

Pickup:
Early morning pickup from your hotel or lodge in Arusha town. Airport transfers are not included; clients arriving on this day must arrange their own transport to their Arusha hotel in advance.

After pickup, depart Arusha on a scenic drive (approx. 310 km, 6–7 hours) across the Maasai Steppe, with wide-open landscapes and distant views of the Pare Mountains.

Arrive in Lushoto town for a relaxed hot lunch before continuing to your mountain lodge. After check-in and a short rest, enjoy an afternoon guided forest walk in Magamba Nature Reserve.

The walk focuses on high-elevation forest microhabitats, searching for endemic species such as the West Usambara Two-horned Chameleon (Kinyongia multituberculata), Spiny Pygmy Chameleon (Rhampholeon spinosus), and various tree frogs and geckos.

In the evening, return to the lodge for dinner and a discussion on endemism, habitat specialization, and forest fragmentation in the Eastern Arc Mountains.

Overnight: Mountain lodge, Usambara.

Main Destination:

Usambara Mountains (Mountain Range)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinks not included

Full Immersion in Magamba Nature Reserve

A full day hunting cryptic reptiles in
cool, mossy forests (1,650–2,300 m). Morning and afternoon trails reveal leaf-litter specialists,
skinks, geckos, and tree frogs perfectly camouflaged among the undergrowth. Evening
discussions about these unique highland endemics.

Main Destination:

Magamba Forest Reserve

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Outside Magamba FR

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Mazumbai Forest Reserve – Tanzania Pristine Rainforest Jewel

Short private transfer along dramatic ridge roads (45 km, 2–3 hrs) to the exclusive, university-
protected Mazumbai Forest a true rainforest paradise. Hike pristine trails targeting mid-elevation
specialists: warty frogs, chorus frogs, and canopy chameleons. Focus on leaf litter herpetofauna
and canopy species. Guided hikes and stream-edge monitoring target endemics such as the
Mazumbai Warty Frog (Callulina kisiwamsitu), additional Kinyongia and Rhampholeon
chameleons, and chorus frogs (Afrixalus spp.) Record night sounds and conduct spotlight
searches. The forest rich biodiversity makes it ideal for observing cryptic reptiles and
amphibians in undisturbed habitats.
Accommodation will be in spacious mid‑range tents (over 3x3m) with normal beds, private veranda, and en‑suite bathroom (toilet, shower, sink). Our staff will take care of all camp chores so you can relax.

Main Destination:

Mazumbai Forest Reserve (Usambara Mountains)

Accommodation:

Mid-range camping

• Bordering Mazumbai FR (Usambara Mountains) without fences

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Crossing to Amani Nature Reserve – The Wet Wild East Usambaras

Scenic private drive across the Usambara divide (130–150 km, 3–4 hrs), descending through emerald tea plantations into the lusher East Usambaras. Picnic lunch en route. Afternoon orientation in Amani, one of Africa’s top biodiversity hotspots. Trails reveal remarkable diversity: up to 9 chameleon species, 26 snakes, and 34 amphibians, including endemics like the Usambara Bush Viper and Giant Blade-horned Chameleon. Post-dinner spotlight walks highlight nocturnal chameleons, pygmy species, and stream frogs such as the Amani Warty Frog.
Accommodation: Spacious mid‑range tents (over 3x3m) with normal beds, private veranda, and en‑suite bathroom (toilet, shower, sink). All camp chores are handled by staff so you can relax and enjoy the adventure.

Main Destination:

Amani Nature Reserve (Usambara Mountains)

Accommodation:

Mid-range camping

• Just outside Amani NR (Usambara Mountains)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Deep in Amani

Heaven Intensive exploration of riverine trails and submontane forests. Spot diurnal stars like the impressive Giant Blade-horned Chameleon and colorful monitor lizards. The magic peaks after dark: post-dinner spotlight walks for roosting
chameleons (high densities of the spectacular Three-horned!), stream searches for peacock-bright.
Accommodation: Spacious mid‑range tents (over 3x3m) with normal beds, private veranda, and en‑suite bathroom (toilet, shower, sink). All camp chores are handled by staff so you can relax and enjoy the adventure.

Main Destination:

Amani Nature Reserve (Usambara Mountains)

Accommodation:

Mid-range camping

• Just outside Amani NR (Usambara Mountains)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Final Morning in Paradise Return to Arusha

An optional early morning (dawn) forest walk is available for guests who wish to search for any reptile, amphibian, or bird species that may have been missed during previous outings. This is an excellent time to observe early-active wildlife before breakfast.

After breakfast and check-out, you will be transferred by private vehicle from your lodge to Muheza Bus Station. From here, you will board a scheduled public bus to Arusha (approx. 7–8 hours).

Tour ends in Arusha town at the main bus station.
Please note:
-This bus journey is not private and is arranged locally
-No airport transfer is included
-Any onward transfers, accommodation in Arusha, or transport to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport must be arranged independently by the client.

Main Destination:

Arusha (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• A transfer back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.