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

Early departure from your Lodge/Hotel in Arusha on a scenic drive/bus journey (310 km, 6–7 hrs) across the vast
Maasai Steppe with views of the Pare Mountains. Hot lunch in charming Lushoto town. Arrive
and settle into your mountain lodge, then dive straight into an afternoon forest walk in Magamba
Nature Reserve. Search high-elevation branches for the bizarre West Usambara Two-horned
Chameleon and tiny pygmy species. Focus on high-elevation microhabitats, targeting species

such as the West Usambara Two-horned Chameleon (Kinyongia multituberculata), Spiny Pygmy
Chameleon (Rhampholeon spinosus), and various tree frogs and geckos. Evening discussion on
habitat specialization and fragmentation threats.

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's rich biodiversity makes it ideal for observing cryptic reptiles and
amphibians in undisturbed habitats.

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, rainier East Usambaras. Picnic lunch en route. Afternoon orientation in Amani one of Africa top biodiversity hotspots.
First glimpses of the reserve;s incredible diversity: up to 9 chameleon species, 26 snakes, and 34 amphibians (8 strictly endemic). Morning and afternoon trails focus on diurnal species, including the Giant East Usambara Blade-horned Chameleon, Usambara Bush Viper (Atheris ceratophora), and monitor lizards (Varanus spp.). Post-dinner spotlight walks and roost counts are highlights for nocturnal chameleons such as the Usambara Three-horned Chameleon (Trioceros deremensis), Flap-necked Chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis), and pygmy species (Rhampholeon and Rieppeleon). Stream walks target tree frogs like the Vermiculated Tree Frog (Leptopelis vermiculatus), Amani Warty Frog
(Callulina kreffti), and reed frogs (Afrixalus spp.).

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.

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

One last optional dawn walk to catch
any missed gems. After breakfast, transfer by private transfer to Muheza to catch up a public transport bus
back to Arusha (7–8 hrs).

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.