Full Itinerary

Day 1. Arrival in Dar es Salaam
Our tour starts on arrival in Dar es Salaam. Overnight: Dar es Salaam

Day 2. Long drive towards the Udzungwas, Kilombero
Today is basically a travel day, but we take it easy, enjoying a number of birding stops to stretch our legs. We look for a host of common species en route to our first site for endemics, while driving through some off-the-beaten-track parts of Eastern and Central Tanzania, which are full of endemic birds and beautiful forest patches on idyllic mountains.
Overnight: Udzungwa Mountains

Day 3. Kilombero Valley floodplain
We visit the Kilombero Valley floodplain, part of the Kilombero Game Controlled Area west of the Selous Game Reserve, where three new species have recently been discovered: the endemic Kilombero Weaver, common in the floodplain, and two Cisticolas, still awaiting description but known as Kilombero and White-tailed. All three species should not be difficult to find. Not so easy to see are Coppery-tailed Coucal at the northernmost edge of its range and the strident White-crowned Lapwing. We could also see Marsh Tchagra, the attractiveOrange-breasted Waxbill, and a wide variety of marshland species. Overnight: Udzungwa Mountains

Day 4 and 5. Udzungwas Mountains National Park
Today we hope to find all the endemics of the Udzungwas, except those requiring a mini-expedition (by request we can extend to these areas if you need every last endemic, such as Udzungwa Forest Partridge). What we will seek includes Rufous-winged Sunbird, the hyperactive Livingstone’s Flycatcher at the northern edge of its range, possibly the skulkingLesser Seedcracker, and more common species include Green Barbet, Square-tailed Drongo, and Dark-backed Weaver.
Overnight: Udzungwa Mountains

Day 6. Mikumi National Park
After an early breakfast we drive to Mikumi National Park for wildlife and birding. This small wildlife jewel is dominated by hills and plains as well as the famous Miombo woodlands. Specialties include Racket-tailed Roller, Pale-billed Hornbill, Shelley`s Sunbird, Green Wood Hoopoe, Böhm’s Bee-eater, and Miombo Rock Thrush. Rare mammals we may encounter include wild dog, sable antelope, greater kudu, and roan antelope. We’ll also search the surrounding acacia and Miombo woodland and the grassy plains for a local specialty, Dickinson’s Kestrel. Overnight: Morogoro

Day 7. East Usambara Mountains
Leaving Morogoro we drive north to Amani in the East Usambaras for a short stay. Rainfall is plentiful here because of the proximity of the coast, and as a result the vegetation is luxuriant. We look for striking pied Palm-nut Vulture and fiery Black-winged Red Bishop. Soon the lowlands give way to these impressive mountains, and we climb into lush forest, leaving the aridity behind us. Before the ascent we stop at a bridge for Half-collared Kingfisher.
Overnight: Amani

Day 8. East Usambara Mountains
We explore forest patches surrounding the local tea plantations, on the lookout for Long-billed Forest Warbler, a dowdy warbler, but one of Africa’s rarest species, crimson-napedFischer’s Turaco, yodeling Green-headed Oriole, shadow-loving Sharpe’s Akalat, the endemic Banded Green Sunbird, and Usambara Hyliota, a strange bird whose affinities are not well understood. After dinner we look for Ruwenzori Nightjar (the local subspecies guttifer, “Usambara Nightjar”) and Usambara Eagle-Owl, and this walk may reward us as well with some locally endemic reptiles and perhaps frogs. Other birds may include the very distinct eastern form of Pale-breasted Illadopsis (subspecies rufipennis), almost certainly a species in its own right, Uluguru Violet-backed Sunbird, and Dapple-throat. Overnight: Amani

Day 9. West Usambara Mountains
Descending briefly into the dry lowlands, we climb again, this time to the cool of the West Usambaras. White-necked Raven should be along the roadside, and radiant Lilac-breasted Rollerperches on the flowering heads of sisal. As we enter through a rocky gorge we look for Striped Pipit and more colorful Mocking Cliff Chat. A waterfall that tumbles down this rugged landscape can attract many birds, especially if there is a good crop of corn nearby. Our beautiful hotel is an ideally-located home-away-from-home. The spacious Old World rooms are comfortable, and the home-cooked food is delicious. Overnight: West Usambaras

Day 10. West Usambara Mountains
We explore the local forest in search of two endemics, Usambara Akalat and the attractive Usambara Weaver, which clambers over the epiphyte-laden branches in the manner of a nuthatch. Other species here include Hartlaub’s Turaco at the southern end of its distribution, noisy but well-hidden Evergreen Forest and Cinnamon Bracken Warblers, piping Black-fronted Bushshrike, and the unusual Spot-throat with its earsplitting song. Angola colobus give their motor-like calls at dawn, shortly after the African Wood Owl has retired. Overnight: West Usambaras.

Day 11. South Pare Mountains
We leave the north to seek a plethora of Tanzanian bird endemics of the beautiful (and off-the-beaten-track) mountains further south, starting with a drive to the South Pare Mountains to catch up with dry-country wildlife similar to that of the Tsavo area in Kenya. Here we hope to find Usambara Thrush and Usambara Double-collared Sunbird.
Overnight: SouthPareMountains

Day 12. Transfer to Arusha Departure
after breakfast at the Lodge we depart for Arusha and transfer to the airport for your flight home

• Safari Includes
• Safari Excludes
• Safari Costs
• Book Safari
• Safari Planner

Activities/services included in the cost:
• Arrival and departure airport transfer. • Accommodation as per the itinerary.
• Accommodation in the National Parks is based on Full Board
• Road transportation in custom made safari vehicles.
• Exclusive private vehicle and driver-guide throughout the safari
• Game dives as per the itinerary
• Park and game reserve entrance fees
• English Driver guides available for the safari
• Our 24hours support throughout the safari

Activities/services excluded in the cost:
• All International Flights/local Flights + Taxes
• Visa fees, Travel & Personal accident insurance
• Excursions, services and activities not mentioned in this program
• Flying option available for certain safaris at an extra cost
• Personal expenses e.g. laundry, telephone calls, Drinks, Tips etc

To get costs for this tour, contact our Sales Office Team on sales@trailsofafrica.co.ke
Just give us the Safari Tour Code and name of the safari you want to book and we shall revert back with costs and availability.

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