Seven days through the West and East Usambara Mountains, the dry thornbush plains around Mombo and the lowland forest at Zigi, starting and ending in Dar es Salaam. The route is built to give you the most time in the key habitats for Eastern Arc endemics and northern coastal specialties.
Some of the birds to look for
- Ruvu Weaver
- Pangani Longclaw
- Tiny Cisticola
- Ashy Cisticola
- Steel-blue Whydah
- Eastern Arc montane forest endemics
- East Usambara and lowland forest specialties
- …and many more
Day-by-day itinerary
Times and drives are approximate. Your guide adjusts each day to the weather, the wildlife and you.
Day 1: Dar es Salaam to Mombo via the Ruvu River floodplain
Your Charles Tours birding guide meets you at Dar es Salaam Airport or your hotel, and we begin the journey north. Our first birding stop is the Ruvu River floodplain, where we focus on Ruvu Weaver along with other wetland and woodland species. Later in the day we continue the drive to Mombo, at the foot of the Usambara Mountains.
Day 2: Mombo thornbush plains, then up to Lushoto
We start early in the semi-arid thornbush around Mombo, using the cooler morning hours to search for Pangani Longclaw, Tiny Cisticola, Ashy Cisticola, Steel-blue Whydah and other dry-country species. We then climb the escarpment into the West Usambara Mountains to Lushoto, check in for a hot lunch, and take a short drive to Magamba Forest to spend the afternoon birding the forest margins.
Day 3: Full day in Magamba Forest, West Usambara
A full day in Magamba Forest, one of the key birding sites in the West Usambara Mountains. Our focus is on restricted-range Eastern Arc species, montane forest birds and endemics. For more on the area, see our guide to birding the Usambara Mountains.
Day 4: Magamba Forest to Amani, East Usambara
If needed, we enjoy another morning around Magamba Forest to look for any important West Usambara species we missed on Day 3. We then cross the mountains to Amani Nature Reserve in the East Usambara Mountains, arriving in the afternoon, and spend the remaining daylight birding around the Amani plateau and botanical garden.
Day 5: Full day in Amani Nature Reserve
Today is dedicated entirely to Amani Nature Reserve, one of Tanzania’s most important sites for Eastern Arc forest birds. We work the forest trails for East Usambara specialties and other restricted-range forest birds.
Day 6: Zigi lowland forest, then southbound
We leave early for Zigi lowland forest, changing habitat once again from montane forest to lowland coastal forest. The morning session focuses on lowland forest specialists. After birding, we begin the journey south towards Dar es Salaam. Rather than drive it all in one day, we break the journey at a well-placed stop, which keeps time for birding and makes the final transfer comfortable.
Day 7: Final birding and return to Dar es Salaam
A final morning of birding along the route, choosing woodland, scrub or coastal habitat based on the species still outstanding on the checklist. We then continue to Dar es Salaam, arriving in the late afternoon, where the tour ends at the airport or your hotel. This itinerary can be extended to include northern Tanzania, southern Tanzania or Pemba Island.
What’s included
Included
- Private 4x4 with pop-up roof, just for your group
- Specialist bird guide throughout
- All forest reserve and nature reserve fees on the route
- Accommodation and meals as listed
- Drinking water in the vehicle
- Pick-up and drop-off at Dar es Salaam Airport or your Dar es Salaam hotel
Not included
- International flights and visa
- Travel insurance
- Tips for your guide and lodge staff
- Drinks at hotels and lodges
- Accommodation in Dar es Salaam before or after the tour
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.
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 online only through the Tanzania Immigration official e-Visa portal. However, you can still get your visa on arrival.
- 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 best time for forest birds. We bird through the morning, take lunch at the lodge or in the field, and go out again in the late afternoon.
How fit do I need to be?
You should be comfortable walking forest trails for a few hours at a time. Some trails in Magamba and Amani are steep and can be muddy after rain, but we go at a birding pace.
Can the itinerary be changed?
Yes. Every trip is private, so we can add days, swap sites or extend the tour to northern Tanzania, southern Tanzania or Pemba Island.
When is the best time to do this tour?
The tour runs year-round, subject to availability. Tell us your dates and target species and we’ll advise on timing.
How do I book and pay?
Send us an enquiry and receive a personalised itinerary and detailed quote within 24 hours.
To confirm your safari and secure initial hotel bookings, a 30% deposit is required. We’ll issue an invoice under CHARLES TOURS, including our bank details and cancellation policy.
Pay by bank transfer or online card payment. Card payments incur a 4% transaction fee.
