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.

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