Amani Nature Reserve


Day 24 & 25 – 2nd & 3rd July 2019

We had been told that the East Usambara Mountain range was magical, and now it was time to see so for ourselves.

Our plans had been to stay at Emau Hill, but once we had made the 30 km journey up the mountain, we had decided that we were going no further!  From the town at the base of the mountain, the first thirteen km’s were not too bad, but it took us at least two hours to do the last 17 km’s.  It was one of the hairiest road trips I have ever taken – ten thousand times worse than Sani Pass from Himeville to Lesotho (for those of you who can relate)!

The people at Amani, like every Tanzanian we had come across, were ever so welcoming.  As we were the only campers there, they suggested that we camp at the Resthouse area.  This was a double bonus as we could use electricity as well as the bathroom of one of the cottages; and all the birding trails start at the Resthouse.  We were ready to do some serious birding, as depicted by Johan and Joanne:


 Aloys, our bird guide for the day is such a knowledgeable guy not only on birds, but also trees and Tanzania as a whole, and in fact in world news too.  We did at least, and if not more, than two Park Runs in one day (approximately 10 - 15 km’s) hiking for birds – early morning in open areas, and a 10h30 walk for two hours in the forest, and again a 15h30 forest walk.

A pair of Silvery-Cheeked Hornbills
Loads of birds were seen, very few of which we also get back home.  At the risk of boring our non-birding friends, to mention just a few:  Amani Sunbird, Violet Sunbird, African Green Pigeon, White-Browed Coucal, Black & White Mannikin and Silvery-Cheeked Hornbill.   

We also came across the flap- and three-horned chameleons.  We could not get over how the three-horned can camouflage themselves perfectly!

Three Horned Chameleon as we're approaching
The chameleon as just another leaf on the vine

After a long and hard debate over the road to get here, we decided that it really was worth the journey.

Day 26 - 04th July

We have arrived at Elephant Motel at Same, and shall be visiting the Mkomazi National Park tomorrow - another birding paradise.  There we hope to see the Vulturine Guinea Fowl.
Wish us luck.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Tarangire National Park

Image
Day 30 & 31 – 8 th & 9 th Jully 2019 The trip from Arusha to Tarangire was absolutely facinating.  Being Masaai territory, you expected only to see the Masaai tending their herds.  But our journey co-incided with a special cattle market in the Mgagau area.  It is here where people come and buy and sell cattle, goats and sheep for either for butcheries, milking and farming. Mgagau Cattle Market  And, of course, some Masaai are too lazy to walk their goat to the market! A Masaai taking his goat to market Tarangire National Park thus far has been the best National Park we have ever visited.   Not a large variety of game, but massive herds of zebra, buffalo, elephant and giraffe.   Also, huge prides of lion. Upon arrival at the gate, the large number of tour operated vehicles was overwhelming.  This is possibly forerunner of what we can expect in the Serengeti earlier next week. Tour Operator's vehicles for Tarangire We wanted special camps
Read more

Peponi Beach Resort

Image
Peponi is really off the beaten track, and for a resort, terribly unspoilt.   We were pleasantly surprised that the campsites had electricity.  We did nothing other than relax for the three days! Peponi Beach When the tide was low, like Zanizibar’s East Coast, the water ebbs for miles. We enjoyed huge bon fires after dinner at the campsite and also bought a big fish (we think a yellow tail) and a much smaller bottom feeder which sort of looks like a grunter, off a local fisherman.  They were prepared on the braai with lovely roasted vegetables and sweet potatoes that we had bought along the road.  Delicious! As there were only 4 vehicles camping, we got to meet the other two couples – the first a young couple from north London, Gabby and Fred, who were on a six-month belated honeymoon that started in Sri Lanka, followed by India and now Africa for the remaining 4 months.  They joined us around the camp fire one evening. The second couple were South Africans from
Read more

The countdown has begun!

After tons of internet research and input from experienced overland travellers who are members of the 4 x 4 Community website, we have finalised our travel plans.  Our thanks go to all those who contributed to our proposed itinerary.  As a great mentor, Stan Weakley deserves a special mention for his valuable input and advice on our plans.  Thanks Stan! This trip will take us from the east coast of South Africa through Botswana, into Katima Mulilo in Namibia, Zambia,Tanzania and Rwanda, and then returning through Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Botswana  home.  A trip of 90 days. Travelling through Africa does not come without its difficulties.  Due to the recent outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the Limpopo, no raw meat can be taken into Botswana.  Also, when entering Botswana this time last year, they confiscated our fruit and veg at the border because of an alleged "fruit fly problem" which according to Botswana border controls up north should not have happened.  A fu
Read more