The Udzungwa Mountains National Park is home to approximately 400 species of bird, many of which are endemic to the area. Known as the Galapagos of East Africa due to the spectacular levels of biodiersity and endemsim, the birdwatching opportunities here are unrivalled in Tanzania and the park ranks as one of the top ten birdwatching locations in the whole of the African continent.
The list of birds includes one of Udzungwa's most unusual birds, the Udzungwa Forest Partridge. The partridge, endemic to Tanzania and the Udzungwa Highlands, was only recently discovered in 1991 and is listed in the IUCN Red List 2008 as "globally threatened". Other Udzungwa bird species that are worthy of note include the Rufous-winged sunbird, which was discovered in 1981, and also Swynnerton's robin the Dappled mountain robin, the green-headed oriole, and the Usambara eagle owl. Other bird species, common and rare, are found throughout the forest.
Of particular relevance to the Udzungwa Forest Lodge are the Hondo Hondo or Hornbills found in profusion in and around the campsite. Located on the forest edge, the campsite plays host to a remarkable nightly sight, as the three species of hornbills for which the camp is named come home to roost. Trumpeter, Silver-cheeked and Crowned Hornbills soar in across the forest at dusk, their calls echoing over the valley. You can watch as they call and settle in the surrounding trees, without having to leave the comfort of your campsite!
Please Contact Us for reservations and further information.
