Avian Safaris

One of the most lingering nocturnal sounds of Semuliki Forest is the deep, echoing call of the Nkulengu Rail, often heard around Bumaga Campsite, but only rarely seen.

One night last year, during a nocturnal walk from camp in search of this species and other Guinea–Congo lowland forest specialities, we were fortunate to encounter this trio at close range. The views were remarkable for a bird that is far more often known only by its vocalisation.

Birding the Kilambo Trail in Uzungwa Scarp Forest is special. This Eastern Arc montane forest protects Tanzania’s population of the White-winged Apalis (Apalis chariessa macphersoni).
It is a beautiful, highly localised bird, and every sighting is a reminder of how important these forests are to flora and fauna. With the nominate race surviving only in a tiny patch in eastern Kenya, Uzungwa remains one of the few strongholds for the species.

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During a recent scouting trip in south-western Tanzania, we based ourselves in Sumbawanga and ventured the remarkable Ufipa Plateau in search of one of East Africa’s most localised birds.

The Angola Lark Mirafra angolensis marungensis is a little-known subspecies with a very restricted range, and Ufipa remains the only confirmed location in East Africa where it occurs. Exploring these open grasslands offered not only the excitement of tracking a highly localised lark with the help of Moses and Julian, our site guides, but also a deeper appreciation of Tanzania’s lesser-known biodiversity hotspots.

Fieldwork like this underlines the importance of scouting, local knowledge, and conservation awareness in developing meaningful birding itineraries. The Ufipa Plateau is a reminder that some of Africa’s most significant birding treasures lie well beyond the usual routes.

Magamba Forest in Eastern Arc's West Usambara Mountains is a reminder why these ranges are legendary among birders. Early-morning walks through the understorey reward with glimpses of shy endemics, including the Usambara Thrush, Spot-Throat, Usambara Double-collared Sunbird, and a mix of Greenbuls with distinctive field characters.

The forest’s songs and calls echo through the canopies. As dusk approaches, a very special resident comes out to perform: the Montane Nightjar (Caprimulgus poliocephalus usambaricus – Sometimes treated conspecific with C. p. poliocephalus). Its cryptic plumage and far-carrying evening calls are a perfect soundtrack as darkness sets in. The short video below captures its subtle beauty and masterful camouflage.

We were privileged to find a stunning male Hunter's Sunbird Chalcomitra hunteri in an alarm concert. These love the most dry thickets of East African dry-country habitats; in Tanzania, it must be in the north!
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Endemic to Pemba Island! The Pemba Sunbird (Cinnyris pembae) is another of Tanzania's natural secrets! Male and female featured.