11-Day Tanzania Birding Odyssey:

Northern Parks & Usambara Mountain Endemics

Iconic Birding Adventure

Overview:

This 11-day Tanzania birding tour is a lifelister’s dream, weaving through the avian-rich landscapes of Northern Tanzania and the biodiverse Usambara Mountains. From the arid Lark Plains (home to the critically endangered Beasley’s Lark) to the misty forests of Amani, this journey targets over 300 species, including Usambara Hyliota, Long-billed Forest Warbler, and Fischer’s Turaco. Designed for passionate birders, it blends rare endemics, dramatic ecosystems, and cultural encounters, all while supporting conservation in fragile habitats.

Day To Day Itinerary

Day 1: Lark Plains – Beasley’s Lark & Desert Wonders

Begin in Lark Plains, a starkly beautiful Important Bird Area (IBA). With expert guides, track the critically endangered Beasley’s Lark—found nowhere else on Earth. Watch Fischer’s Sparrow-Larks perform aerial dances and spot Rosy-patched Bushshrikes in acacia thickets. Return to Arusha, your checklist already glowing with dry-country gems.

Day 2: Birding in Arusha NP

Explore Arusha National Park, where Hartlaub’s Turacos flash crimson wings through fig trees and Taveta Golden Weavers nest above Momella Lakes. Scan for Bar-tailed Trogons in shadowy glades and Broad-ringed White-Eyes flitting through mossy canopies.

Day 3: Mererani – Somali Biome Treasures

Venture into the Somali biome near Mererani, where Golden-breasted Starlings glitter like jewels and Pink-breasted Larks forage in sunlit grasslands. Listen for the chatter of Scaly Chatterers and marvel at Mouse-coloured Penduline-Tits weaving intricate nests.

Day 4: South Pare Mountains – Endemic White-Eye Quest

Drive to the South Pare Mountains, hunting the endemic South Pare White-Eye and Bar-throated Apalis. The forests echo with Usambara Double-collared Sunbirds and Hartlaub’s Turacos, while Moustached Tinkerbirds call from the understory.

Days 5+6: Magamba Forest – Usambara Mountain Magic

In the West Usambaras, trek Magamba Forest for Usambara Akalat,Usambara Nightjar, Spot-throat, and Fülleborn’s Boubou. Dawn choruses reveal red-capped Forest Warblers and Montane Tiny Greenbuls, while dusk brings the haunting call of the Usambara Eagle-Owl- just to mention a few.

Days 7-9: Amani Nature Reserve—Rainforest Rarities

Descend into the East Usambaras, where the Long-billed Forest Warbler (endemic) hides in dense undergrowth. At Amani Botanical Gardens, spot Amani Sunbirds sipping nectar and Green-headed Orioles flashing through canopy gaps. Lowland Ziggy Forest offers a chance for the elusive Usambara Hyliota, Mombasa Woodpecker, Fischer’s Turaco, and many more beautiful birds.

Day 10: Return to Same – Dry Country Finale

Bird en route to Same, scanning thornscrub for Black-bellied, Long-billed Tailorbird, Mombasa Woodpecker, Black-headed Batis, Usambara Akalat, and many beautiful birds. Evening walks near Mkomazi NP reveal Vulturine Guineafowl and Golden-breasted Starlings under golden-hour light.

Day 11: Nyumba ya Mungu – Aquatic Jewels

Conclude at Nyumba ya Mungu Reservoir, where African skimmers glide over water, great white pelicans, pink-backed pelicans, Goliath herons, African openbill storks, palm-nut vultures, ospreys, martial eagles, Taita fiscals, and pink-breasted larks, Grey-headed Silverbill, Chestnut-banded Plover, African Pygmy Goose, Gorgeous sunbirds dazzle in riverside blooms, and many more great birds. Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport, your lens filled with feathered memories.

Some Of Target Species

Northern Tanzania	Usambara Mountains
Beasley’s Lark (endemic)	Long-billed Forest Warbler
Taveta Golden Weaver	Usambara Hyliota
Golden-breasted Starling	Usambara Akalat
Hartlaub’s Turaco	Fischer’s Turaco
Rosy-patched Bushshrike	Amani Sunbird

Safari 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).

Safari Excluded

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).

What Makes This Safari Uniquely “You”

25+ Endemics & Rarities: Spotlight on Usambara Mountain specials and dry-country jewels.
Diverse Habitats: Explore savannahs, montane forests, and lowland rainforests.
Small-Group Focus: Max 6 guests for personalized birding.
Conservation Impact: 5% of profits fund Usambara forest preservation.