Bird Watching in the East Usambara Mountains of Tanzania

The Usamabara Mountains are very special mountains, often that tired clich? 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.

Willow Springs bmw rental chicago .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare
In The News:

A startup claims to have developed the world's first entirely artificial intelligence-designed and 3D-printed shoe, the brainchild of a 25-year-old.
Creating an email alias can help clean up your inbox by organizing emails based on purpose, like creating different aliases for shopping, newsletters and work.
A multipurpose robotic system promises to transform how items are stacked onto pallets, aiming to maximize space utilization and reduce shipping costs.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
The number of people affected by a UnitedHealth data breach in February 2024 was actually higher than previously reported and was the largest medical data breach in U.S. history.
A phishing campaign uses Google Calendar to schedule fake meeting invitations that appear legitimate, redirecting targets to phishing sites.
Toll road text scam: Fake messages claim unpaid fees, seek payment via fraudulent links. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says this scam is becoming increasingly sophisticated and widespread.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says these steps ensure that your friends and family get to the exact moment you want them to see. Try it out and streamline your sharing experience.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson offers tips on how to protect your identity: Be vigilant, monitor accounts, use smart security, know theft response.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says cybercriminals are exploiting iMessage phishing protection, tricking users to reactivate links.
It's hard to imagine life without in-flight Wi-Fi these days – but sky-high web surfing comes with its own set of privacy concerns. Here's how to protect yourself.
Over 400,000 cases of credit card fraud were reported in 2024 to the Federal Trade Commission. The CyberGuy explains how to protect against becoming another victim.
A nondescript metal box transforms into a fully functional electric motorcycle that blurs the line between vehicle and urban infrastructure.
Many apps unrelated to location still ask users for tracking permission, and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit seeking to end this alleged practice by Allstate.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Melody, the artificial intelligence-powered robot, is life-sized and represents a move toward creating robots that resemble people in appearance and interaction.
Here are five easy smartphone rules from the National Security Agency that you can follow to better protect your mobile device from hackers and scammers.
A U.S. robotics company has developed "Jennie," a robotic pet powered by artificial intelligence that's designed to comfort those facing mental health challenges.
Healthcare records for more than 184 million Americans were breached in 2024, but you can take steps to minimize that risk. Kurt the CyberGuy explains.
The Skyrider X1 from Rictor claims to be the "first amphibious flying passenger motorcycle," and it combines land and air travel in one sleek design.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Home inventory and restoration apps help itemize and track every item in your home in the event you have to make an insurance claim after a natural disaster.
The White House launched a new cybersecurity safety label, the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark, intended to help consumers make informed decisions on smart device safety.
Today's tech can help make life so much easier — if you know how to use it. Here are a few tips on the quickest and best ways to make your phone, laptop and other devices work for you.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson offers Windows 11 restart fixes: Update drivers, run system scans and check hardware.

Penguin Parade

Phillip Island is a small island and nature reserve off... Read More

Catch Another Falling Star

Recently we stayed at a state campground in Michigan near... Read More

Camping - Get Those Tents Up!

Have you ever thought you might like to try a... Read More

One of the Oldest Traditions of the American West; The Dude Ranch

Dude Ranches first gained popularity in the 1920s, in large... Read More

Mount Kenya ? Up High at God?s Mountain

Mount Kenya is Africa's second highest mountain, after Kilimanjaro. It... Read More

Mystic Seaport Captured ? Links to Our Past Guide, Part 3

Mystic Seaport celebrates the seafaring past of New England. Known... Read More

Pigeon Forge Campgrounds

Campgrounds are a perfect Pigeon Forge lodging option for visitors... Read More

Disneyland for Hikers: A Walk to Mt. Whitney

Base camp sits at 12,000 feet - stark, windy, unshaded... Read More

Wildebeest Migration - How To Get The Best Seats In The House

To get the most out of a wildebeest migration safari... Read More

Rigid Inflatable Boats

A rigid inflatable boat is defined as a hard-hulled boat... Read More

Tanzania Safari Top Five National Parks and Game Reserves

Ask about perfect wildlife destinations and a Tanzania safari will... Read More

Its an Alien World in Every River

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

4 Steps to an Enjoyable Hike

Some people have fought many years of their lives to... Read More

Bird Safaris: Timbavatis Most Desired Plumage

Normally when you think Safari you think Big 5. The... Read More

Hiking Safely on the Hills

SAFE WALKING TREKKING OUTDOORSIf you are contemplating a long distance... Read More

Going it Alone: The Waterfall at Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska

I stood at the observation point on the balcony at... Read More

The Wandle Trail - Map and Illustrated Guide

The Wandle offered wonderful trout fishing up to the latter... Read More

Trekking Poles And Walking Sticks

Are walking sticks longer than trekking poles? What about hiking... Read More

Yellowstone Camping In The Fall

Soon, the busy summer tourist season will be over in... Read More

Tom Sawyer Day - Floating Down The River

There were four of us on that first Tom Sawyer... Read More

Comal White Water or More Blue Green

White Water on the Comal river in Central Texas is... Read More

On Safari in Northern Tanzania ? Back to The Sixth Day of the Creation

Tanzania's natural endowment as a wildlife safari destination is unrivalled.... Read More

The Benefits of Inflatable Fishing Boats

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

Whitewater Rafting Trip

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

Rafting on the Rogue River in Oregon

Oregon's Rogue River is one of the nation's most beautiful.... Read More

Oak Lawn car service to O'Hare ..