Near-endemic Anthreptes neglectus
A quiet, canopy-loving sunbird of the Eastern Arc forests, with a violet back that shows only in good light.
The Uluguru Violet-backed Sunbird is one of the less flashy sunbirds, but it is restricted to the Eastern Arc and coastal forests and is a target on any serious Tanzanian birding trip.
We find it most often in the Udzungwa forest and at Amani, usually with other canopy birds in the early morning. The violet back is subtle, so good light matters.
Forest canopy in Udzungwa, the East Usambaras and the Uluguru Mountains.
Guide’s tipIt feeds high and moves in mixed flocks. Watch flowering trees at the forest edge.
Sightings are never guaranteed: these are wild animals in wild places. What we can promise is a guide who knows where to look.
Destinations
The parks and reserves where our guides look for it, each with its own best season and safaris.
Ancient Eastern Arc forests holding Tanzania’s rarest endemic birds.
Rainforest endemics, Sanje Falls and the Kilombero Weaver in southern Tanzania.
Keep exploring
Chersomanes beesleyi
Fewer than a hundred birds left, all on one patch of plain north of Arusha. Nowhere else on earth.
Tauraco hartlaubi
A flash of crimson wings in the forest canopy. Arusha National Park is the easiest place to see one.
Tauraco fischeri
The coastal and Usambara forests’ turaco, with a red crest tipped white. A target bird for every East Usambara trip.
Sagittarius serpentarius
A raptor that hunts on foot, stamping snakes to death in the grass. Unmistakable striding across the plains.
Balearica regulorum
The golden crown, the dance and the bugling call. Endangered, but still a daily sight on the crater floor.
Ardeotis kori
The heaviest flying bird in the world, pacing the plains with its neck puffed up in display.
Phoeniconaias minor
Pink crowds on the soda lakes. Numbers rise and fall with the water, so your guide checks before you go.
Lamprotornis unicolor
Tanzania’s own starling: long-tailed, dusty grey and common around the baobabs of Tarangire.
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.
