This incredible tour takes you through the Udzungwa and Rubeho Mountains in search of the rare Udzungwa and Rubeho Forest Partridges—two fascinating birds that were only recently discovered. Along the way, you’ll also have the chance to spot other unique species, like the Dapple-throat, Iringa and Rubeho Akalats, Rufous-winged and Skye Double-collared Sunbirds, and even a newly identified Sunbird just 2021, the Kipengere Seedeater, plus many more.
Birds and wildlife to look for
- Udzungwa Forest Partridge
- Rubeho Forest Partridge
- Iringa Akalat
- Kipengere Seedeater
- Dapple-throat
- Rubeho Akalat
- Rufous-winged Sunbird
Day-by-day itinerary
Times and drives are approximate. Your guide adjusts each day to the weather, the wildlife and you.
Day 1: Drive from Dar es salaam to Iringa
The tour kicks off this morning in Dar-es-Salaam (DAR), heading towards Iringa with planned stops along the way to search for some localized specialties. Our key targets include the endemic Yellow-collared lovebird, Ashy starling, and Tanzanian red-billed hornbill, along with other open-country species. You overnight at a lodge near Iringa.
Days 2–3: Birding in the southern Udzungwa Mountains
This morning, we make our way to our first camp in the southern Udzungwas, where we spend two nights. We make some stops on the way to see the Brown-headed and White-winged apalises, Black-lored and Churring cisticolas, Forest double-collared sunbird, and the Yellow-browed seedeater. We then hike up to our camp, birding the whole way up. There are a few steep bits, but overall, it is an enjoyable hike! We will have our first chances for specialties like the stunning and most-sought after Rufous-winged sunbird, Tanzanian illadopsis, Swynnerton’s robin, the weird Dapple-throat, and Iringa akalat. We camp at night in the southern Udzungwa Mountains.
Day 4: Morning Birding in Udzungwa then drive to Iringa
After some final birding, we will make our way back to Iringa for an overnight at our lodge. In the afternoon, we will visit a swamp not far away to look for the scarce Locust finch.
Day 5: Birding in northern Udzungwa
Today, we will make our way to our second forest camp, this time in the northern Udzungwas. We will camp here for three nights in the northern Udzungwa Mountains. This will give us ample time to find all endemics.
Day 6-7: Birding in northern Udzungwa
Two full days of birding in northern Udzungwas will allow us enough time to look for the recently discovered and mythical Udzungwa forest partridge, which is closely related to the Asian arborophila partridge! These birds are shy and hard to see, but we will do our best to get satisfying views. Other good birds here include the African grass owl, Montane nightjar, the seldom-seen Kipengere seedeater (whose song was not recorded before 2022!), White-chested alethe, Spot-throat, Moreau’s sunbird, Lesser seedcracker, Yellow-throated mountain greenbul, Olive-flanked ground robin, Usambara weaver, and more widespread species like the Green barbet, African broadbill, Brown parisoma, Dark batis, Yellow-streaked greenbul, Kenrick’s starling, Red-faced crimsonwing, and more. We camp overnight.
Day 8: Drive from Udzungwa to Mikumi
After some final birding around our camp, we will make our way to Mikumi for an overnight stay.
Day 9: Drive to Rubeho Mountains
We will start out early in the morning and drive from Mikumi to the Rubeho Mountains for a three-night stay, with the first night in a hotel and then next two nights in a tented forest camp.
Day 10-11: Birding in Rubeho Mountain
We will have two full days of birding on the forested slopes of the Rubeho Mountains, mainly to look for the recently discovered Rubeho forest partridge, Rubeho akalat, Skye double-collared sunbird, and a Sunbird newly discovered here by Ross Gallardy in 2021. Many other more widespread species can be found here, like the Bar-tailed trogon, Green tinkerbird, White-tailed crested flycatcher, Red-capped and Evergreen forest warblers, Black-lored cisticola, African hill babbler, Olive-flanked and Cape robin-chats, White-starred robin, White-chested alethe, Betram’s weaver, and many more. We spend two nights in a tented forest camp.
Day 12: Drive to Morogoro for overnight
After some final birding in the Rubehos, we will slowly backtrack to Morogoro for an overnight stay.
Day 13: Drive back to Dar
We will make our way back to Dar es Salaam for the tour’s end, with some stops on the way to check out the Böhm’s bee-eater, Coastal cisticola, or Ruvu weaver. The tour ends with drop-offs at the airport in the late afternoon.
Optional extension – Days 14–15: Pemba Island
We spend 2 nights in Pemba, looking for the endemic Pemba white-eye, Pemba green pigeon, Pemba scops owl and Pemba sunbird
Day 16: We transfer you to the airport for an international flight to your next destination.
What’s included
Included
- Park entry fees for national reserves (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, etc.).
- Guided game drives with experienced drivers/guides.
- Accommodation (lodges, tented camps, or safari tents).
- Meals (often full-board: breakfast, lunch, dinner).
- Transportation (4x4 safari vehicle between parks).
Not included
- International flights and visas.
- Travel insurance (medical/evacuation coverage).
- Tips for guides, drivers, or camp staff.
- Optional activities (hot-air balloon rides, cultural village visits).
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, alcohol, laundry).
Price
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.
Good to know before you book
- Getting here: fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), about an hour from Arusha. We meet you at arrivals. Read arriving in Arusha.
- Visa: most visitors need one. Apply only through the Tanzania Immigration official e-Visa portal.
- Health: see a travel clinic about vaccines and malaria prevention at least a month before you go. The CDC Travelers’ Health: Tanzania page is a useful starting point.
- Park fees: included in our price. They’re set by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority.
- What to pack: see our packing list, and tipping and etiquette.
- Everything else: our travel information page covers money, weather, plugs and more.
Questions about this trip
What is the daily routine on a birding tour?
Most days start between 5:30 and 6:30, because the first hours after sunrise are the busiest for birds. We usually take a picnic lunch in the field and bird again in the late afternoon. Forest days can involve steep, slippery trails, so we set the pace with you.
Can the itinerary be changed?
Yes. Every trip is private, so we can add days, swap sites, change the accommodation level or slow the pace. Tell us your target species and we’ll send a revised plan and price.
What vehicle will we use?
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.
How do I book and pay?
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.
What if I have dietary needs?
Just tell us. Lodges and our camp cooks regularly cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal and other diets.
