Mkomazi - Usambaras Extension with local guide

Intro

A center of endemism, the Usambaras are the eastern most part of the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania. A relict patch of tropical forest that once stretched across Africa, today, one might argue they have more in common with the forests of West Africa, than with those of East Africa. In addition to the endemics, there are special arid country species from from North East Africa that reach their southern limit here and have relatively restricted ranges. Visiting this region offers a rare opportunity to experience one of Tanzania`s most diverse and least visited regions for birding and wildlife. 

Our extension begins in Arusha, before we drive east past into the North and South Pare Mountains, then on to the open plains and dry woodlands of Mkomazi National Park, before finishing with the lush montane forests of the Usambara Mountains. We'll keep alert and hope for species like the Usambara (Fraser's) Eagle Owl, the Usambara Akalat, Usambara Thrush, the distinctive Usambara Weaver, and specials such as the Green-headed Oriole, Amani Sunbird, Fischer's Turaco, and more.

Daily Rundown
May 7:

May 8: Drive to South Pare Mountains & Mkomazi NP; Night at Mkomazi
May 9: Birding & Big Game Viewing Mkomazi NP
May 10: Transfer to West Usambara Mountains; night in Usambaras.
May 11: Birding West Usambara Mountains for endemics/epecials, night in Usambaras.
May 12: Birding West Usambara Mountains for endemics/epecials, night in Usambaras.
May 13: Return to Ausha for evening international flights.

May 8 & 9: VISITING MKOMAZI NATIONAL PARK

This morning, we will drive East words towards coastal Tanzania. Passing through an extensive dry Acacia-Commiphora bushland, with a huge semi-arid plateau, we also may pass some seasonal wetlands. We’ll stop opportunistically, potentially doing some birding on foot. Birds we hope to encounter species such as Buff-crested Bustard, White-headed Mousebird, Pink-breasted Lark, the Scaly Chatterer, Red-fronted Prinia, Fischer’s Starling, Golden-breasted Starling, Pringle’s Puffback, Pygmy Batis, Black-headed Social Weavers, Pied Wheatear, Irania (White-throated Robin), Abyssinian Scimitarbill, Eastern Paradise-Whydah, Steel-blue Whydah, Purple Grenadier, and more. 

At scenic Mkomazi National Park we go for two highly endangered mammal species, the Black Rhino and the African Wild Dog, both of which were successfully reintroduced in the 1990s.  With luck we might also find Lesser Kudu, Fringe-eared Oryx, and the enchanting Gerenuk. Of course there are many birds here too, with more than 450 species recorded in the park. We overnight at an intimate luxury tented camp in Mkomazi National Park. 

May 10,11 & 12: DRIVING TO THE WEST USAMBARA MOUNTAINS VIA SOUTH PARE MOUNTAINS

After an early breakfast, we depart Mkomazi to search for the new Tanzanian Endemic - South Pare White-eye, a small bird found only in the high-elevation montane forests and heath vegetation of the South Pare Mountains. Other species could include the African Hill Babbler, Kenrick’s, Sharpe’s, and Waller’s Starlings, Black-fronted Bushshrike, and Cinnamon Bracken-warbler.  

Moving onto the West Usambara Mountains, from a distance we find a low mountain range with fertile slopes. The towns of Soni and Lushoto were long favored by German and English colonialists, as illustrated by the numerous historic buildings from the past and the variety of exotic and indigenous fruits grown in the area. With three nights at Müllers Mountain Lodge, an old residence of the German Colonial Chief, we explore some of the forest remnants in the area for the many rare and endemic species present. 

The mountains offer a variety of Tanzanian endemics and rarities including the yet-to-be-officially-named Usambara (Montane) Nightjar, Fülleborn’s Boubou, Usambara Weaver, African Golden-weaver, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Bar-tailed Trogon, Moustached Tinkerbird, White-tailed Crested-Flycatcher, Grey Cuckooshrike, Yellow-throated Woodland-warbler, Red-collared Widowbird, Southern Red Bishop, Red-faced Crimsonwing and a seemingly endless list of greenbuls such as Terrestrial Brownbul, Eastern Mountain-greenbul, Cabanis’s, Shelley’s, Stripe-cheeked, Tiny and Yellow-streaked Greenbuls. African Tailorbird – a recently discovered species – will be another bird to look out for here. 

Much of the natural forest in the West Usambaras has been cleared for cultivation; however, there remain some good spots for birding, including the areas directly behind Müllers Lodge. More widespread woodland birds could include a good range of doves and pigeons: Delegorgue’s and Rameron Pigeons, Blue-spotted Wood-dove and Lemon and Tambourine Doves. Some species here are notoriously secretive and difficult to see – Spot-throat, Usambara Akalat and White-chested Alethe are all forest-floor skulkers that we will try for but cannot guarantee. Nights at Mullers Mountain Lodge 

May 13: RETURN TO ARUSHA – KILIMANJARO INTL FOR EVENING INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS HOME

Return to Arusha and on to Kilimanjaro Intl Airport for our onward International Flights Home.

The tour price (fee) includes

• All accommodations including rooms and meals.

• Tips for drivers and staff at hotels and restaurants.

Excluded from your tour fee are:

• International arrival and departure flights We can advise, but Hillstar does not book international flights.

• Alcoholic beverages beyond drink included with each meal.

• Personal expenses Laundry services, charges for phone calls, additional expenses associated with travel such as insurance, visa fees, airport taxes, airline baggage fees, COVID tests, vaccinations, etc.