13 Days 12 Nights Birding Adventure

Udzubgwa, Rubeho & MIkumi

CLASSIC BIRDING IN RUBEHO & UDZUNGWA MOUNTAINS

Overview:

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.

Day To Day Itinerary

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. Overnight stay at a lodge near Iringa.

Day 2: Birding in South Udzungwa Mounatin

This morning, we make our way to our first camp in the southern Udzungwas, where we will spend two nights. We will make some stops on the way for Brown-headed and White-winged Apalises, Black-lored and Churring Cisticolas, Forest Double-collared Sunbird, and Yellow-browed Seedeater. We will 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-wanted Rufous-winged Sunbird, Tanzanian Illadopsis, Swynnerton’s Robin, the weird Dapple-throat, and Iringa Akalat. Night camping in southern Udzungwa Mountains.

Day 4: Mornign 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 Locustfinch.

Day 5: Birding in northern Udzungwa

Today, we will make our way to our second campsite, this time in the northern Udzungwas. We will camp here for three nights to give us ample time to find all endemics. Night camping in northern Udzungwa Mountains.

Day 6-7: Birding in northern Udzungwa

Two full days of birding in the northern Udzungwas will allow us enough time to look for the recently discovered and mythical Udzungwa Forest Partridge, actually closely related to the Asian Arborophila partridges! They are shy and hard to see, but we will do our best to get satisfying views. Other good birds here include 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 Green Barbet, African Broadbill, Brown Parisoma, Dark Batis, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, Kenrick’s Starling, Red-faced Crimsonwing, and more. Overnight – Camping

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 Moutains

We will drive early in the morning from Mikumi to the Rubeho Mountains for a three-night stay, with the first night in a hotel and then two nights camping in the forest.

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 new sunbird discovered here by Ross Gallardy in 2021. Many other more widespread species occur here, like 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. Nights camping.

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 to Dar es Salaam for the tour end, with some stops on the way for Böhm’s Bee-eater, Coastal Cisticola, or Ruvu Weaver. The tour ends with drop-offs at the airport in the late afternoon.

OR Extension option

Day 14 +15:

2 nights in pemba for the endemic pemba white eye, pemba green pigeon,pemba scops owl and pemba Sunbird

Day 16: Transfer to airport for your International flight to the next destination.

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”

450+ Species Possible: Target endemics like the Yellow-collared Lovebird and rarities like Beasley’s Lark.
Dual Focus: Birds and Big Five – lions, elephants, and leopards share the spotlight.
Exclusive Access: Private birding walks in Ngorongoro’s highlands (Endoro Trail).
Conservation-Driven: 5% of profits fund Lark Plains habitat conservation.