19 Days Kenya and Tanzania Birding: Coast and Eastern Arc

Arrive in Mombasa in the morning and travel north to Watamu, approximately two hours away. Begin the coastal forest search in Arabuko-Sokoke later in the day, looking for Sokoke Scops Owl, Sokoke Pipit and other specialties. Stay at Mwamba, A Rocha Kenya’s Watamu base, for four nights.

Explore mixed forest, Brachystegia woodland and Cynometra habitat during a full day in Arabuko-Sokoke. Search for East Coast Akalat, Fischer’s Turaco and other birds of the different vegetation zones. Short drives connect access points, leaving the main birding time on foot. Golden-rumped sengis and other forest mammals are possible.

Travel about twenty minutes to Mida Creek and bird according to the tides. Look for Crab-plover, Terek Sandpiper, flamingos and terns around the sandbars and mudflats, with further searches along the mangrove margins. The coastal scrub adds opportunities for weavers and other landbirds before returning to Watamu.

Drive north for approximately forty-five minutes to Sabaki. Explore the estuary’s dunes, pools and muddy margins for gulls, terns, waders and African Skimmer. Madagascar Pratincole is seasonal; Malindi Pipit may be sought in suitable nearby grass. Watch the water margins carefully for hippos and crocodiles.

Travel toward Tsavo East via Sala Gate, a journey estimated at three hours. Continue birding and watching wildlife on the way to Ashnil Aruba Lodge near the dam. Search the dry habitats for Golden-breasted Starling, Vulturine Guineafowl, Kori Bustard and other open-country birds.

Explore Tsavo East’s bushveld and river landscapes, including the Galana and Lugard Falls area. Look for raptors, hornbills, sandgrouse and birds around the water while continuing to watch for wildlife. Later, transfer to the Taita Hills for a two-night stay; the overnight plan names Taita Rock Hotel.

Spend a dedicated day on Ngangao’s steep forest trails. Concentrate on Taita Thrush and the other localized Taita birds, using patient searches in the understory and canopy. Continue watching for forest mammals and chameleons during the walk.

Bird briefly in Taita before the international transfer toward Amani via the Taveta-Holili border. The route crosses dry plains and continues into the East Usambara forest. Look for birds along suitable stops, then settle at the Amani Nature Reserve guest house for three nights.

Explore Amani for East Usambara birds, including Amani Sunbird and Long-billed Forest Warbler. Search both canopy and lower vegetation, keeping an ear out for elusive forest species. Chameleons and other forest wildlife add interest to the walking day.

Return to Amani’s trails and varied forest habitat, allowing time for birds missed earlier. Banded Green Sunbird and other local forest species are part of the search. The additional day supports patient birding rather than a quick passage through the reserve.

Take a final morning birding session at Amani before the approximately four-hour drive to the West Usambaras. Begin looking around Magamba for Usambara Thrush, Usambara Akalat and Black-fronted Bushshrike. Stay at Muller’s Mountain Lodge for two nights.

Explore Magamba’s higher forest, looking for Usambara Weaver, Spot-throat, White-starred Robin and Bar-tailed Trogon. Follow mixed bird activity and listen for species concealed in the vegetation. Return to Muller’s Mountain Lodge after the day’s forest search.

Travel approximately three hours toward South Pare, where the main target is South Pare White-eye. Explore forest patches and drier lower slopes for sunbirds, barbets and other birds. Descend to Same afterward and stay at Johnson’s Villa.

Travel toward the reservoir, estimated at about one hour, for lakeshore and acacia-scrub birding. Look for pelicans, herons, storks and dry-country species around the water. Continue approximately three hours toward Arusha. The accommodation options listed for the three-night base are Njiro Climax and Tulia Hotel and Boutique.

Explore the park’s varied habitats, including Momella-area waters, forest and views around Ngurdoto. Search for ducks, grebes, trogons and other forest birds, with giraffe, buffalo and monkeys among the possible wildlife. The day combines waterside observation with birding on the wooded slopes.

Travel north to the dry grasslands for a focused search for Beesley’s Lark. Continue looking for other larks, sandgrouse and open-country birds in the plains and adjacent habitat. Return to the Arusha base after the birding session.

Spend two days exploring Tarangire’s acacia country, baobab landscapes and wetland edges. Search for Ashy Starling, Rufous-tailed Weaver, Yellow-collared Lovebird and other regional birds while watching for elephants and plains wildlife. Accommodation is at Tarangire Safari Lodge, Baobab Tented Camp or Tarangire Greenland Retreat, according to availability.

Use the morning for birds missed during the Tarangire stay. After lunch, begin the return transfer, estimated at three hours, for an evening departure from Kilimanjaro or Arusha airport. A local lodge drop-off can be arranged if the onward flight is the next day.