Northeast Tanzania combines two very different habitats for birders. Mkomazi is dry savannah on the Kenyan border, while the Pare and Usambara Mountains are part of the ancient Eastern Arc, with forest birds found nowhere else.
Mkomazi National Park
About 450 species have been recorded. Mkomazi shares many dry-country birds with Kenya’s Tsavo, rare elsewhere in Tanzania, such as vulturine guineafowl, golden pipit, Fischer’s starling and several species of hornbill and bustard. Read our Mkomazi guide.
The Usambara Mountains
The forests of the West and East Usambara hold some of Tanzania’s most sought-after birds:
- Usambara eagle-owl
- Usambara akalat and Usambara weaver
- Long-billed tailorbird, one of Africa’s rarest forest birds
- Amani sunbird and banded green sunbird
Amani Nature Reserve in the East Usambara is the best base for forest birding. Lushoto in the West Usambara has forest patches and easy trails.
South Pare Mountains
Tiny forest patches here hold the South Pare white-eye, found only in these mountains. Village guides lead walks.
When to go
The forests are best from about September to December, when many birds are calling and breeding. The long rains of March to May make forest trails slippery.
Birding tips
- Go out at dawn, when birds are most active.
- Bring 8×42 or 10×42 binoculars and an East Africa field guide or app.
- Ask for a guide with birding experience, and allow time to stop for small birds.
The area is a good add-on between the northern parks and the coast. Start with our beginner’s guide to the birds of Tanzania.
Frequently asked questions
Species include the Usambara eagle-owl, Usambara akalat, Usambara weaver, long-billed tailorbird and Amani sunbird.
It holds dry-country birds rare elsewhere in Tanzania, such as vulturine guineafowl and golden pipit.
An ancient chain of mountains in Tanzania and Kenya with forests rich in endemic plants and animals.
