19-Days Cobined Kenya & Tanzania Endemics Birding
Welcome to your extensive 19 Days of East African birding expedition. Below is your detailed schedule covering coastal Kenya to the mountainous forests of Tanzania.
Interested in this Safari?
Day 1: Arrival and The Coastal Forest Awakening
Your birding odyssey begins with a morning arrival in Mombasa, followed by a scenic 2-hour transfer north to the coastal town of Watamu. As the heat of the day softens into the evening, you will head directly into the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, the largest remaining fragment of coastal forest in East Africa. This ecosystem is a high-priority biodiversity hotspot, hosting species found nowhere else on Earth. As dusk approaches, your primary target is the elusive Sokoke Scops Owl, often found roosting in the Cynometra thickets. You will also scan the canopy for the Amani Sunbird, Sokoke Pipit, Clarke’s Weaver, and the Mombasa Woodpecker. The forest floor often reveals the Golden-rumped Elephant Shrew, a large and colorful insectivore, along with Sykes’ Monkeys crashing through the branches. The humid air carries the scent of tropical flora as you listen for the haunting call of the Pale Bat Hawk hunting along the forest edge. This introductory session sets a high bar for the rarities to come, offering a glimpse into a fragile world of coastal endemics.
- Mwanba A Rocha Kenya 4N
Day 2: Deep Immersion in Arabuko-Sokoke
A full day is dedicated to the three distinct forest types within Arabuko-Sokoke: mixed forest, Brachystegia woodland, and Cynometra thicket. This diversity ensures a massive species count. You will search for the Spotted Ground Thrush, a winter visitor that favors the leaf litter, and the striking Fisher’s Turaco with its vibrant red crest. In the Brachystegia sections, keep a sharp eye out for the Pale-billed Hornbill and the Southern Banded Snake Eagle. The forest is also home to the East Coast Akalat and the Scaly Babbler. Among the mammals, the Sokoke Bushy-tailed Mongoose and the Aders’ Duiker—one of the rarest antelopes in the world—are top prizes for the patient observer. Traveling between the different forest gates involves short 15-minute drives, allowing maximum time on foot. The complexity of the bird calls here, from the rhythmic drumming of woodpeckers to the melodic whistles of sunbirds, creates an immersive acoustic environment. By midday, the forest hums with life, providing ample opportunities to study the subtle plumage variations of the Green-headed Oriole and the Black-headed Apalis.
Day 3: Tidal Rhythms at Mida Creek
Today, you shift your focus to the aquatic and mangrove habitats of Mida Creek, located just 20 minutes from your base in Watamu. This expansive intertidal inlet is a crucial stopover for migratory birds. Your primary target is the iconic Crab-plover, often seen in large flocks on the sandbars. You will also encounter the Greater Flamingo, Terek Sandpiper, Dimorphic Egret, and the Greater Crested Tern. The mangrove boardwalks offer a chance to spot the Mangrove Kingfisher and the Water Thick-knee. In the surrounding coastal scrub, look for the Lizard Buzzard and the Golden Palm Weaver. Mammal sightings may include Yellow Baboons foraging along the shoreline and Slender Mongooses darting across the paths. The timing of your birding here is dictated by the tides; as the water recedes, thousands of waders descend upon the mudflats, creating a spectacular display of avian activity. The contrast between the deep green mangroves and the turquoise Indian Ocean provides a stunning backdrop for photography. It is a day of wide-open skies and the constant chatter of shorebirds competing for the creek’s abundant resources.
Day 4: The Dynamic Estuary of the Sabaki River
A 45-minute drive north takes you to the Sabaki River Estuary, where Kenya’s second-longest river meets the sea. This ever-shifting landscape of dunes, salt marshes, and fresh-water pools is a magnet for rare gulls and terns. You will hunt for the African Skimmer, Sooty Gull, Saunders’s Tern, and the Collared Pratincole. During the right season, the Madagascar Pratincole makes a guest appearance. The reed beds are home to the Lesser Swamp Warbler and the Winding Cisticola, while the muddy banks host Hippopotamuses and massive Nile Crocodiles. You might also see Marsh Mongooses hunting in the shallows. The estuary is a high-energy environment where the clash of fresh and salt water supports a unique food chain. As you walk the dunes, look for Malindi Pipits and Zanzibar Red Bishops in the grassy patches. The area is also excellent for raptors, including the Western Osprey and the African Fish Eagle, which are often seen perched on driftwood. The vastness of the estuary allows for long-range spotting of Pink-backed Pelicans and Yellow-billed Storks as they congregate in the shallows under the bright coastal sun.
Day 5: Gateway to the Red Elephant Wilderness
Leaving the coast behind, you embark on a 3-hour drive toward the vast wilderness of Tsavo East National Park, entering via the Sala Gate. The transition from lush coastal forest to semi-arid scrub is dramatic. Your destination is the Ashnil Aruba Lodge, situated near the Aruba Dam, a vital water source. Along the way, you will encounter the “Red Elephants” of Tsavo, colored by the volcanic soil. Avian targets include the Somali Ostrich, Vulturine Guineafowl, Golden-breasted Starling, Taita Fiscal, and the Shelley’s Starling. The plains are also home to the Kori Bustard, the world’s heaviest flying bird. In addition to elephants, you are likely to see Lions, Cape Buffalo, and the elegant Lesser Kudu. The drive from the gate to the lodge is a continuous game drive, with Eastern Chanting Goshawks perched on every other acacia tree. The wide horizons of Tsavo offer a sense of scale unmatched by the coastal forests, with the Yatta Plateau shimmering in the distance. As the sun sets over the dam, the air fills with the sounds of Sandgrouse flying in for their evening drink, marking your first night in one of Africa’s most legendary protected areas.
- Stay: Ashnil Aruba Lodge 1N
Day 6: Plains, Palms, and Predators of Tsavo
A full day in Tsavo East allows you to explore the Galana River and the diverse bushveld. The riverine forest is a hotspot for the Pels’s Fishing Owl (if you are very lucky) and the White-backed Night Heron. On the open savannah, look for the Black-faced Sandgrouse, Rosy-patched Bushshrike, Red-winged Lark, and the Northern Carmine Bee-eater. The park is a stronghold for the Martial Eagle and the Bateleur, which can be seen soaring on the thermals. Mammal sightings continue to impress, with chances for Leopard, Cheetah, and Gerenuk—the giraffe-necked antelope that feeds on its hind legs. You will also visit the Lugard Falls, where the river carves through rock, attracting Rock Pratincoles. The sheer volume of birds in Tsavo is staggering, with over 500 species recorded. The interplay between the dry bush and the life-giving river creates pockets of intense activity where Red-billed Hornbills and Von der Decken’s Hornbills are ubiquitous. As the heat peaks at midday, you will retreat to the lodge to watch Yellow-spotted Hyraxes scuttle over the rocks, only to head back out as the light turns golden, illuminating the dust kicked up by herds of Zebra and Oryx. Later transfer to Taita Hills
- Accommodation: Taita Rock Hotel 2N
Day 7: Searching for the Taita Endemics
Spend a dedicated day trekking through the steep, lush trails of Ngangao Forest. Your focus remains on the “Big Three” endemics, but you will also broaden your search to include the Sharpe’s Starling, Abbott’s Starling (seasonal), and the White-starred Robin. The forest canopy is a riot of activity with Silvery-cheeked Hornbills and Hartlaub’s Turacos flashing their crimson wings. Look closely at the branches for the Taita Hills Two-horned Chameleon, a prehistoric-looking reptile unique to this range. The forest is also home to the Black-and-white Colobus Monkey, whose long white tails can be seen trailing from the high branches. The birding here is slow and methodical, requiring patience to spot the skulking Taita Thrush in the dark undergrowth. You will visit different altitudes within the forest to see how the avian community shifts, spotting the Yellow-bellied Waxbill in the clearings and the African Hill Babbler in the thickets. The conservation story of these hills is poignant, and your presence supports the local community’s efforts to preserve this “Island in the Sky.”
Day 8 Final Morning at Taita and Journey to Tanzania’s Amani Nature Reserve
Your cross-border day tour transfer begins at Kenya’s Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa (formerly Taita Rock/Hills Hotel), descending through the rugged Taita Hills where the critically endangered Taita Thrush or Taita Apalis can sometimes be found. Heading south, you will cross the savanna plains toward the Taveta-Holili border into Tanzania. Keep your eyes peeled near the border’s water bodies for the endemic Taveta Weaver. Once in Tanzania, the drive sweeps past the majestic South Pare Mountains and cuts through the dry country steppes, a haven for the Rosy-patched Bushshrike and Fischer’s Starling. Climbing into the ancient, lush rainforests of the East Usambara Mountains, the final stretch leads to the hyper-biodiverse Amani Nature Reserve. As the canopy thickens, look out for the vibrant Fischer’s Turaco, the elusive Long-billed Forest Warbler, or the Amani Sunbird flitting through the mist, concluding an unforgettable, bird-rich, 300-kilometer African transit.
- Stay: Amani Nature Reserve Guest House 3N
Day 9: Deep dive into Tanzania’s Amani Forest
Your destination is the Amani Nature Reserve in the East Usambara Mountains. This area is often called the “Galapagos of Africa” due to its high endemism. The towering trees and ancient ferns host the Green-headed Oriole (a different subspecies than Shimba), the Amani Sunbird, and the Long-billed Forest Warbler. Listen for the deep hoot of the Usambara Eagle-Owl as dusk falls. The reserve is also famous for its chameleons, including the Deremensis Chameleon. Mammals like the Zanj Elephant Shrew and Black-and-white Colobus Monkeys are frequently seen. The atmosphere in Amani is one of profound antiquity; the forest feels prehistoric. The drive up the mountains offers breathtaking views of tea plantations and primary forest.
Day 10: Biodiversity Hotspot: East Usambaras
Spend the entire day exploring the trails of Amani. The birdlife here is spectacular, with many species found only in the Eastern Arc Mountains. Your targets include the Banded Green Sunbird, Usambara Weaver, Moreau’s Sunbird, and the Sharpe’s Akalat. The forest floor is a good place to look for the White-chested Alethe and the Spot-throat. Amani is also a paradise for butterfly enthusiasts and botanists, with hundreds of endemic plant species. Scan the canopy for the African Tailorbird and the Kenrick’s Starling. In the damp gullies, you might find the African Broadbill performing its circular display flight. Mammals like the Suni (a tiny antelope) and the Giant Elephant Shrew dart through the undergrowth. The reserve’s history as a botanical garden means there are many exotic trees interspersed with the native forest, creating a unique habitat for Silvery-cheeked Hornbills. You will hike to various viewpoints that offer vistas across the mountains to the coastal plains, all while picking up new altitudinal specialists like the Waller’s Starling and the Mountain Buzzard.
Day 11: To the Peaks of West Usambara
After a final morning of birding in Amani to catch any missed species like the Green-headed Oriole, you will drive 4 hours to the West Usambara Mountains, heading for Lushoto and the Magamba Forest. The West Usambaras are higher and drier than the East, leading to a different set of bird species. Upon arrival, the change in flora is immediate, with cedar and podocarpus trees dominating the landscape. You will spend the late afternoon scanning for the Usambara Thrush and the Black-fronted Bushshrike. The West Usambara endemic, the Usambara Akalat, is a major target here. Look for the Stripe-cheeked Greenbul and the Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler in the mixed flocks. Mammals in these heights include the Sykes’ Monkey and the Common Duiker. The drive into the West Usambara involves dramatic switchbacks and stunning views of the “Irente Viewpoint” cliffs. The town of Lushoto, with its German colonial architecture, provides a charming backdrop to this mountain leg of your journey. The air is cool, often necessitating a sweater, as you prepare for a deep exploration of the high-altitude Magamba Forest.
- Mullers Mountain Lodge 2N
Day 12: High Altitude Rarities in Magamba
A full day in the Magamba Forest allows you to reach the higher ridges where the rarest birds dwell. Your primary mission is to find the Usambara Weaver, one of Africa’s rarest birds, which often joins mixed-species foraging flocks. You will also look for the Spot-throat, a bizarre forest bird related to the babblers, and the White-starred Robin. The forest edges are good for the Red-capped Robin-Chat and the African Hill Babbler. Keep a lookout for the Bar-tailed Trogon with its shimmering green and red plumage. The Two-horned Chameleon is a common find on the shrubs along the road. The forest is also home to the Abbott’s Duiker, though it is extremely shy. You will visit the “Skyline” area for panoramic views and a chance at the Mountain Buzzard and Ayres’s Hawk-Eagle. The moss-covered trees and frequent mountain mists create a fairy-tale atmosphere. The birding here requires sharp ears, as many species are first detected by their calls in the dense canopy. As the day ends, the forest falls into a deep silence, broken only by the occasional call of the Lemon Dove in the shadows.
Day 13: The Arid Slopes of South Pare
Leaving the Usambaras, you drive 3 hours to the South Pare Mountains. This range is less visited but holds the endemic South Pare White-eye. The habitat here is a mix of montane forest and drier woodland on the lower slopes. You will spend the day birding the forest patches for the Hunter’s Sunbird, Eastern Double-collared Sunbird, and the Moustached Tinkerbird. On the drier slopes, look for the Red-fronted Barbet and the White-bellied Go-away-bird. The South Pare range offers a rugged beauty, with small villages tucked into the valleys. Mammal sightings are often limited to Rock Hyraxes and Vervet Monkeys. You will then descend to the town of Same (pronounced “Sah-meh”) for the night. Same sits at the base of the mountains, providing a convenient staging point for tomorrow’s lakeside birding. The transition from the high, wet forests of Magamba to the drier Pare mountains showcases the rapid ecological shifts characteristic of the Eastern Arc. The evening in Same offers a chance to see the Slender-tailed Nightjar hunting under the streetlights of the town’s outskirts.
- Stay: Johnson’s Villa 1N
Day 14: Waters of Nyumba ya Mungu
From Same, you head toward the Nyumba ya Mungu Dam, a massive man-made lake that has become a vital wetland. The drive takes about 1 hour. The shoreline and open water are teeming with birds. You will search for the African Skimmer, Lesser Flamingo, Goliath Heron, Great White Pelican, and the Yellow-billed Stork. The surrounding acacia scrub is excellent for the White-headed Buffalo Weaver, Beautiful Sunbird, and Blue-capped Cordon-bleu. In the shallows, look for the African Jacana and the Malachite Kingfisher. The dam is also a good place to see Hippopotamuses and local fishermen in their traditional dugouts. After a morning of lakeside birding, you will continue the 3-hour drive toward Arusha National Park. You will enter the park and climb into the forested hills to reach your campsite. The change from the hot, dusty plains of the dam to the cool, green slopes of Mt. Meru is refreshing. Your campsite within the park offers the chance to hear Lions or Hyenas at night, while Black-and-white Colobus Monkeys grunt from the nearby trees.
- Njiro Climax Arusha or Tulia Hotel and Boutique 3N
Day 15: Exploring the Many Faces of Arusha NP
Arusha National Park is incredibly diverse for its size, encompassing the Momella Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, and the slopes of Mt. Meru. You will spend the day moving between these habitats. At the Momella Lakes, the water is often pink with Lesser Flamingos, and you will also find Little Grebes, Maccoa Ducks, and Cape Teals. The forest sections are the best place in Tanzania to see the Narina Trogon and the Hartlaub’s Turaco. Look for the Scaly Chatterer and the Brown-hooded Kingfisher in the woodlands. The park is famous for its Giraffes, Buffaloes, and Waterbucks. You might also see the Blue Monkey and the Red-duiker. The Ngurdoto Crater, often called “Little Ngorongoro,” provides a spectacular viewpoint where you can see Elephants on the crater floor through your binoculars. The birding is constant, with Augur Buzzards and Verreaux’s Eagles soaring over the cliffs. The lush vegetation around the lakes also hosts the African Marsh Harrier and the Grey-headed Kingfisher. It is a day of stunning landscapes, from the snowy peak of Kilimanjaro visible in the distance to the jagged ash cone of Mt. Meru towering above.
Day 16: The Rare Larks of the North
On your final day, you head to the Lark Plains (Engasumet), an arid grassland north of Arusha (about a 2-hour drive). This is the only place on Earth to see the critically endangered Beesley’s Lark, with fewer than 100 individuals remaining. You will also look for other dry-country specialists like the Athidi’s Lark, Foxy Lark, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, and the Greater Kestrel. The plains are also home to the Speke’s Weaver and the White-billed Buffalo Weaver. Mammals here include the Thompson’s Gazelle and the Steenbok. This is a stark, beautiful landscape where the horizon seems endless. After a successful morning on the plains, you will drive back to
Day 17 and 18: Tarangire National Park
You will embark on an exceptional day of birding and wildlife tracking amidst towering baobab trees. Tarangire boasts over 500 bird species; your expert eye will scan the dry acacia savanna for regional specialties like the localized Ashy Starling, Rufous-tailed Weaver, and the dazzling Yellow-collared Lovebird. Exploring the diverse habitats and swamp edges, you can expect to tick off the striking Vulturine Guineafowl, Northern Pied-Babbler, Red-and-yellow Barbet, Von der Decken’s Hornbill, Pink-breasted Lark, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, and the majestic Martial Eagle. Beyond the remarkable avifauna, Tarangire is famous for its massive herds of African elephants, alongside lions, leopards, fringe-eared oryx, Masai giraffes, and zebras.
- Stay: Tarangire Safari Lodge or Baobab Tented Camp or Tarangire Greenland Retreat Depending on availability
Day 19: Final Morning at Tarangire to Comb-up what you missed and after lunch a journey to the airport
After a final day adventure, a 3-hour return drive brings you back in the afternoon. You will be seamlessly dropped off at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport for their evening return flight, or transferred directly to a local lodge of your choice if you wish to travel the next day.
Inclusions
This estimate includes all meals, private and customized for Kenya and Tanzania Safari 4×4 jeep for transport, a specialized birding guide, midrange accommodation, all park levies, concessions and conservation fees, crater service fees for both persons and car, inclusive of 18% VAT where applicable and all government fees during the tour.
Exclusions
International flights, Tanzania and Kenya entry visas, alcoholic and soft drinks other than water in the car, and laundry. Or any other activity or fees of personal nature and all that are not mentioned on the itinerary
