Bird Watching in the East Usambara Mountains of Tanzania

The Usamabara Mountains are very special mountains, often that tired cliché is used comparing them to Switzerland. These mountains are defiantly African mountains, not European but African.

Baron Von Saint discovered the African violet ? the world's favorite flower here in the Usambara's in 1892, you will find them here in every shade of red, blue and pink. The primary source of knowledge for the cataloging of birds in this area is due to Reginald and Winfred Moreau who lived in Amani from 1926 to 1948.

The East Usamabara Mountains is accessible with care and a robust 4 x 4. Here you will find the Amani Game Reserve [Amani being Swahili for peace]. This Game Reserve is made up of lush cool forest and teaming with rare birds. Thirteen species of birds are registered on the list of threatened species.

Accommodation here is basic, clean and reasonably priced. Local people who speak English and are full conversant with the flora and fauna of the area are available for hired as guides. [Note that it is customary to tip for good service if you hire a guide]. The Amani Nature Reserve Information Centre was built by the Germens in 1914. The centre is open ever day [so I am assured] and the entrance is free

The rare Tailorbird (Orthotomus moreaui) Amani Sunbird (Anthreptes pallidigaster), Hyliota usambarensis, Dricrurus adsimilis and Terpsipone viridis are just a few of the long list of birds that are spotted regularly in this area. A more comprehensive list is available to anyone that is interested through the Tanzania Tourist Information website or specialist tour operators.

Trekking through these sometimes very cool and wet forests is the equivalent of being transported back to pre historic times. The effort and time spent traveling to this area is rewarding indeed; the experience so moving to be almost magical or spiritual. Once you have climbed up and through the sometimes quite steep forest, you emerge onto the Amani Plateau. There are also a large number of birds are spotted at the higher altitudes so the climb is well worth the effort.

There are also large numbers of amphibians in excess of 33 species including some rare tree frogs in the more densely forested areas. The horseshoe bat, the three-horned chameleon, the rare zanj elephant shrew is also found here - as can many small rare reptiles and many colorful insects. The most notable mammals to be seen here are the black and white colobus monkeys.

Many tour operators do not usually offer a trip to the East Usambara Mountains ? it may be easier to just visit the tourist information office ? on either the web or Boma Street Arusha and arrange the trip yourself or let them recommend some operators that are willing to take you to the wonderful and seldom visited treasure in Tanzania.

We are a non-profit making organization ? http://www.betheladventures.co.uk working in Aruhsa Tanzania using tourism to fund Community Initiatives.

---

Dont Forget that Camping Gear Checklist Before You Leave on that Family Camping Adventure

A camping gear checklist is an important tool to help... Read More

Lake Winnipesaukee ? The Smile of the Great Spirit

Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest and one of the deepest... Read More

Creative Camp Cooking - Part 2

In a previous article, I wrote primarily about box ovens.... Read More

Hard Labor Creek State Park Earned Its Name

One afternoon during a trip across the country in our... Read More

How to Grab a Bite to Eat and Help the Planet

You CAN grab something to eat, enjoy every bite, AND... Read More

River Rafting: An Overview

White-water rafting can be one of the most exhilarating experiences... Read More

Whale Watching ? The Biggest Show on Earth

Whale watching is a spellbinding, entertaining, and thought-provoking adventure trip.... Read More

Should You Buy a Used Inflatable Boat?

There are two types of used inflatable boats for sale... Read More

Motorhome Camp Grounds Stalls should be Astroturf

Having traveled from state to state and every city in... Read More

Alaska Sport Fishing Guide

WHAT TO FISH AND WHERE: Alaska offers some of the... Read More

Find a Camping Gear Outlet Near You

When you search online for a camping gear outlet you... Read More

The Benefits of Inflatable Fishing Boats

Inflatable fishing boats are great yacht tenders/camping boats that are... Read More

Its an Alien World in Every River

When you look at a river, what do you see?... Read More

Highpointing: It?s Not Just For Mountaineers

Mount Sunflower, Kansas. Ebright Azimuth, Delaware. Hawkeye Point, Iowa. Hoosier... Read More

Tamil Nadu ? A potpourri of culture and festivity

Tamil Nadu is a delightful anachronism. With a rich culture... Read More

Ireland Golf Vacations ? Top Tips To Help You Plan an Ireland Golf Vacation

Live your golfing dreams on an Ireland golf vacation.The K... Read More

Take a Hiking Pole on Your Next Hike

It is the downhill ski racing competition of the winter... Read More

Bird Watching Life Lists ? Keeping A Record

If you're a birder, you want to keep a list... Read More

Unforgettable White Mountains Vacations ? The Most Scenic 100 Miles in New England

This amazing drive through the White Mountains of New Hampshire... Read More

Driving in Greece - How Bad is it?

Generally speaking, Greek drivers are not the best in Europe,... Read More

Join the American Hiking Society

Have you taken up hiking as a new form of... Read More

River Rafting in California

River rafting is a major attraction in California. The most... Read More

Sleeping Pads For Ultralight Backpackers

Ultralight backpackers want to give up weight, not comfort. Sleeping... Read More

Kerala ? Holiday in Gods Own Country

Touted as one of the world's fifty destinations of a... Read More

Canoe Trip with Nature

A canoe trip is a great way to appreciate Nature!A... Read More

Cycling in Europe: There?s More to the Tour de France than Lance

For the 92nd time, the Tour de France has started.... Read More

The Kuan Yin Shrine, Bangkok ? the Goddess of Mercy on the Chao Phraya

The Kuan Yin Shrine in Bangkok is in an old... Read More

The Classy Way to Do WA

Western Australia ? South-West Coast driving holiday. Great Australian Road... Read More

Boondocking America

Boondocking is fun! Boondockers go anywhere they want, at any... Read More

Whitewater Rafting Trip

For the dedicated water sport enthusiast there can be no... Read More

Cochin - Cocktails of Cultures

Eulogised as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin, Kerala's... Read More

7 Need to Know Campsite Cooking Strategies

Are you sick and tired of not knowing what to... Read More

Traveling To and Around Hawaii, A First-Time Visitors Primer

Six different islands in Hawaii are open to tourism. Most... Read More