11 days, private, starts and ends in Arusha
Northern parks & Usambara Mountains
This one is for life-listers. After the northern parks we head east to the Usambara Mountains, part of the ancient Eastern Arc, where the forests hold birds that have evolved in isolation for millions of years.
Forest birding in the Usambaras is slower, wetter and harder than savanna birding. It’s also where the most wanted birds of a Tanzania trip are, and we build the days around them.
Times and drives are approximate. Your guide adjusts each day to the weather, the wildlife and you.
Your trip begins with a full day in Arusha National Park: montane forest at dawn for Hartlaub’s Turaco and Narina Trogon, the Ngurdoto rim for eagles, and the Momella Lakes for flamingos and waterbirds. It’s the perfect place to learn the common species before the harder targets later in the trip.
We’re out before dawn to reach the Lark Plains at first light. With a Maasai site guide we search for Beesley’s Lark, the rarest bird of the trip and found nowhere else. By mid-morning we drive south to Tarangire, arriving in time for a picnic lunch and an afternoon among the baobabs, looking for Ashy Starling, Yellow-collared Lovebird and elephants along the river.
A full day in Tarangire’s southern swamps and woodland for Rufous-tailed Weaver, Tanzania Red-billed Hornbill, raptors and waterbirds, with a good chance of lion and leopard.
Groundwater forest for Silvery-cheeked Hornbill and forest birds, then the lakeshore for pelicans, storks and flamingos. Evening in the Karatu highlands.
Across the Ngorongoro highlands and down onto the plains through Naabi Hill, birding all the way. Grey-breasted Spurfowl and Secretarybird are often seen on the drive to Seronera, along with lions and cheetahs.
Dawn and afternoon drives around Seronera for Fischer’s Lovebird, Usambiro Barbet, Karamoja Apalis, raptors and big cats. We rest at camp through midday.
An early start out of the Serengeti to reach the crater by midday. Kori Bustard, Grey Crowned Crane, flamingos and black rhino on the crater floor, then up to Karatu for the night.
A long travel day east along the base of Kilimanjaro and the Pare Mountains, then up the winding road to Lushoto in the West Usambaras. The climate changes completely: cool, misty and green, with terraced farms on steep hillsides. We stop for any birds along the way and arrive in time for a walk before dinner.
An early start in Magamba forest, the highest and coolest of the Usambara forests. The birding is slow and patient: we wait at clearings and follow calls for Usambara Akalat, Usambara Double-collared Sunbird, Spot-throat, Fülleborn’s Black Boubou and Red-capped Forest Warbler. Our local forest guide knows the territories. We break for lunch and return for a second session in the afternoon.
We drive down and across to the East Usambaras and the lowland forest of Amani Nature Reserve, which is warmer, wetter and very rich. Targets include Long-billed Tailorbird, Banded Green Sunbird, Amani Sunbird, Usambara Weaver, Green-headed Oriole and, on a night walk, Usambara Eagle-owl. It’s a demanding day, but for many birders it’s the highlight of the whole trip.
A last morning in the Amani forest, then the long drive back to Arusha. If you’re continuing to Dar es Salaam or the coast, we can drop you there instead, as it’s closer. We send you the full trip list the same evening.
We quote per person, based on your group size, season and accommodation level. Send an enquiry and you’ll have a full price within 24 hours. There’s nothing to pay until you confirm.
Forest trails in the Usambaras can be steep and muddy. A moderate level of fitness is enough, and we set the pace around you.
Most days start between 6:00 and 6:30, because the first hours after sunrise have the best light and the most active animals and birds. We usually take a picnic lunch in the park or return to camp for a midday rest, then head out again in the late afternoon. Parks close at sunset, so evenings are at the lodge.
Yes. Every trip is private, so we can add days, swap parks, change the accommodation level or slow the pace. Tell us what you’d like, and we’ll send a revised plan and price.
A 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for viewing and photography, charging points and a window seat for everyone. The vehicle and guide are yours alone for the whole trip.
Send an enquiry and we’ll reply within 24 hours with a tailored itinerary and a full quote. Once you’re happy, we take a deposit to confirm, with the balance due before you travel. We’ll give you the exact terms in writing.
Just tell us. Lodges and our camp cooks regularly cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal and other diets.
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27daysJoin us on an unforgettable 27-day birding journey across Tanzania, where we’ll track down the country’s most elusive and endemic species.
Tell us your dates and the birds or animals you most want to see. We’ll reply within 24 hours with a route and a full quote.
