$2,880 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Pick-up From Your Hotel and Bird to Lark Plains - Engikaret and Oldonyosambu
Pick-up From Your Hotel and Bird to Lark Plains - Engikaret and Oldonyosambu
Pick-up from your Arusha hotel. We'll head to the expansive Lark Plains, Engikaret, and Oldonyosambu. This semi-arid savanna is excellent for grassland specialists.
Target birds include Grey-crowned Crane, Kori Bustard, Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, Fischer's Sparrow-Lark, Rosy-patched Bushshrike, and various pipits and larks.
Basic accommodation will be at Engikaret Tented Camp or a similar budget-friendly local guesthouse at Arusha, offering comfortable beds and essential amenities.
- Main Destination:
- Arusha (City)
- Accommodation:
-
Korona Villa Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Bird to Masai Steppe Mererani
Bird to Masai Steppe Mererani
Today we explore the Masai Steppe near Mererani, famous for its dry acacia woodlands and open plains. This area is a hotspot for raptors and dryland species.
Keep an eye out for Secretarybird, Martial Eagle, White-headed Vulture, Somali Courser, Rufous-tailed Weaver, and the localized Ashy Starling. Accommodation will be at a basic lodge or guesthouse in Mererani or Arusha, providing simple and clean rooms and meals.
- Main Destination:
- Arusha (City)
- Accommodation:
- Korona Villa Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Birding to Arusha National Park
Birding to Arusha National Park
A full day dedicated to Arusha National Park, a diverse park encompassing forests, lakes, and craters.
The varied habitats attract a wide range of birds. Look for Narina Trogon, Bar-tailed Trogon, African Fish Eagle, Greater Flamingo (on Momella Lakes), Hartlaub's Turaco, and Silvery-cheeked Hornbill.
Accommodation will be at a comfortable but basic lodge or hotel just outside Arusha National Park, offering hot showers and a restaurant.
- Main Destination:
- Arusha National Park
- Accommodation:
- Korona Villa Lodge
Wildlife in Arusha NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Birding Same and Mkomazi National park
Birding Same and Mkomazi National park
We'll drive to Same, gateway to Mkomazi National Park. The journey offers roadside birding. In Mkomazi, we'll focus on dry country and acacia woodland species.
Expect to see Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Shelley's Starling, Taita Fiscal, Violet-backed Sunbird, and various hornbills.
- Main Destination:
- Mkomazi National Park
- Accommodation:
- TANAPA Mkomazi Bandas
Wildlife in Mkomazi NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Whole day birding tour at Mkomazi National Park
Whole day birding tour at Mkomazi National Park
A full day exploring the vast Mkomazi National Park, known for its arid and semi-arid savanna ecosystems. This park is crucial for dryland species and has ongoing conservation efforts for black rhinos and wild dogs.
Target birds include Pale-billed Hornbill, Red-and-yellow Barbet, Abyssinian Scimitarbill, Somali Bunting, Friedmann's Lark and more.
- Main Destination:
- Mkomazi National Park
- Accommodation:
- Mkomazi View Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Transfer to South Pare and bird at Chome forest reserve before transferring to west Usambaras
Transfer to South Pare and bird at Chome forest reserve before transferring to west Usambaras
An exciting transfer day. We'll head to the South Pare Mountains to bird the Chome Forest Reserve, seeking out forest endemics.
Look for South Pare White-eye, Usambara Akalat, and various forest skulkers. Afterwards, we transfer to the West Usambaras.
Accommodation will be at a basic guesthouse or lodge in Lushoto, offering modest comfort and easy access to the Usambaras.
- Main Destination:
- Southern Pare Mountains
- Accommodation:
- Mullers Mountain Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Birding at Magamba forest (west usambaras) for the whole day
Birding at Magamba forest (west usambaras) for the whole day
A full day dedicated to the montane forests of Magamba in the West Usambaras. This area is a critical site for Albertine Rift endemics and East African specials.
Key species include Usambara Weaver, Usambara Alethe, Usambara Hyliota, White-chested Alethe, and Green-headed Oriole.
- Main Destination:
- Magamba Forest Reserve
- Accommodation:
- Mullers Mountain Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Start early bird at Magamba again, later transfer to Amani Forest Reserve (East Usambaras) via Zigi
Start early bird at Magamba again, later transfer to Amani Forest Reserve (East Usambaras) via Zigi
Another early start at Magamba for any missed targets or better views. We then embark on a scenic transfer to the East Usambaras, stopping to bird the Zigi Forest en route, known for its lowland forest species. Expect to see Green Barbet and Usambara Thrush.
- Main Destination:
- Amani Nature Reserve (Usambara Mountains)
- Accommodation:
- Amani Forest Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 9
Amani forest reserve birding, whole day
Amani forest reserve birding, whole day
A full day exploring the pristine Amani Forest Reserve, renowned for its incredible biodiversity and high endemism. This is a birder's paradise.
Top targets include Long-billed Forest Warbler, Usambara Nightjar, Usambara Eagle-Owl, Banded Green Sunbird, and Dapple-throat. Accommodation remains at Amani Forest Lode or similar, providing convenience for multiple forest excursions.
- Main Destination:
- Amani Nature Reserve (Usambara Mountains)
- Accommodation:
- Amani Forest Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 10
Transfer birding back to Arusha for your night bound flight to return home
Transfer birding back to Arusha for your night bound flight to return home
Enjoy a final morning birding around Amani if time allows, or take a leisurely drive back towards Arusha. We'll have some roadside birding opportunities on the return journey.
Depending on your flight schedule, there might be a chance for some last-minute birding near Arusha. We will then transfer you to Airport for your night-bound flight home, concluding your unforgettable Tanzanian birding adventure.
- Main Destination:
- Arusha Airport (Arusha)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
