Bird Watching in the East Usambara Mountains of Tanzania
The Usamabara Mountains are very special mountains, often that tired cliché is used comparing them to Switzerland. These mountains are defiantly African mountains, not European but African. Baron Von Saint discovered the African violet ? the world's favorite flower here in the Usambara's in 1892, you will find them here in every shade of red, blue and pink. The primary source of knowledge for the cataloging of birds in this area is due to Reginald and Winfred Moreau who lived in Amani from 1926 to 1948. The East Usamabara Mountains is accessible with care and a robust 4 x 4. Here you will find the Amani Game Reserve [Amani being Swahili for peace]. This Game Reserve is made up of lush cool forest and teaming with rare birds. Thirteen species of birds are registered on the list of threatened species. Accommodation here is basic, clean and reasonably priced. Local people who speak English and are full conversant with the flora and fauna of the area are available for hired as guides. [Note that it is customary to tip for good service if you hire a guide]. The Amani Nature Reserve Information Centre was built by the Germens in 1914. The centre is open ever day [so I am assured] and the entrance is free The rare Tailorbird (Orthotomus moreaui) Amani Sunbird (Anthreptes pallidigaster), Hyliota usambarensis, Dricrurus adsimilis and Terpsipone viridis are just a few of the long list of birds that are spotted regularly in this area. A more comprehensive list is available to anyone that is interested through the Tanzania Tourist Information website or specialist tour operators. Trekking through these sometimes very cool and wet forests is the equivalent of being transported back to pre historic times. The effort and time spent traveling to this area is rewarding indeed; the experience so moving to be almost magical or spiritual. Once you have climbed up and through the sometimes quite steep forest, you emerge onto the Amani Plateau. There are also a large number of birds are spotted at the higher altitudes so the climb is well worth the effort. There are also large numbers of amphibians in excess of 33 species including some rare tree frogs in the more densely forested areas. The horseshoe bat, the three-horned chameleon, the rare zanj elephant shrew is also found here - as can many small rare reptiles and many colorful insects. The most notable mammals to be seen here are the black and white colobus monkeys. Many tour operators do not usually offer a trip to the East Usambara Mountains ? it may be easier to just visit the tourist information office ? on either the web or Boma Street Arusha and arrange the trip yourself or let them recommend some operators that are willing to take you to the wonderful and seldom visited treasure in Tanzania. We are a non-profit making organization ? http://www.betheladventures.co.uk working in Aruhsa Tanzania using tourism to fund Community Initiatives.
Related News
City revises ordinance on smoking outdoors - Ventura County Star
City revises ordinance on smoking outdoorsVentura County Star, CA -16 hours agoThe council voted 4-1 to revise a recently adopted outdoor smoking ordinance to exclude playing areas at the golf course. The revision changes the ... |
Outdoors calendar - Dallas Morning News
Outdoors calendarDallas Morning News, TX -23 hours ago972-222-2207 or www.mediabass.com SATURDAY, JULY 26 – JC Outdoors' Lake Fork Nights Open Bass Tournament, Lake Fork, 7:30 pm-1:30 am $130. ... |
Outdoors: Power of place; wilderness offers cleansing treks to ... - San Francisco Chronicle
Johnson Outdoors to Release Third Quarter 2008 Results on July 25 ... - MarketWatch
Taxidermist brings love of outdoors to profession - Tower Timberjay News
Taxidermist brings love of outdoors to professionTower Timberjay News, MN -5 hours agoPart of that feeling stemmed from his appreciation for the outdoors as an avid angler and bowhunter. But the craft also appealed to his creative instincts. ... |
CPP Outdoors Manifesto - Peace fm Online
CPP Outdoors ManifestoPeace fm Online, Ghana -12 hours agoThe Convention People's Party on Tuesday adopted a vision of urgency towards national development as the main thrust of its strategy for winning Election ... |
Inside the outdoors - Detroit Free Press
Inside the outdoorsDetroit Free Press, United States -17 hours agoIf you're going to be in northern Michigan this weekend, it's a great chance to see the country's longest nonstop canoe race, the 120-mile Weyerhauser Au ... |
Outdoors Report: Line on chinook season blurred - Seattle Post Intelligencer
Outdoors Report: Line on chinook season blurredSeattle Post Intelligencer -19 hours agoBy GREG JOHNSTON The Puget Sound chinook season is not exactly sizzling like the way a big king salmon rips line off a reel, and fishing in the ocean isn't ... |
OUTDOORS CALENDAR FOR THURSDAY, JULY 24, 2008 - La Crosse Tribune
OUTDOORS CALENDAR FOR THURSDAY, JULY 24, 2008La Crosse Tribune, WI -11 hours agoBy Tribune staff FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY: Field Days at Melrose Rod and Gun Club in Melrose, Wis.; call (715) 284-2401. SATURDAY: Tuna’s Bar biggest ... |
Some hikes left in outdoors series - IdahoStatesman.com
Some hikes left in outdoors seriesIdahoStatesman.com, ID -12 hours agoTrinity Lakes, Friday and Saturday: The Trinity Lakes and Rainbow Lakes area is north of Mountain Home between the Middle and South forks of the Boise River ... |
|
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Student Travel ? Backpacking In Europe
For the fortunate few, life isn't complete without a backpacking trip through Europe. This right of passage is believed to further the maturation process of college students, according to sociologists. Of course, others have opined that copious amounts of alcohol, sun and Amsterdam have something to do with it. Regardless of your purpose, you still have to figure out what to take.
Costa Rica White Water Rafting Trip
Costa Rica's mountainous topography and copious rainfall are both responsible for one of the best white water rafting river choices in the world. Experienced rafting outfitters regularly run about half a dozen of rambunctious rivers, and those river trips not only provide plenty of excitement, but also allow enjoying gorgeous scenery. Not only do white water rafting enthusiasts flock Costa Rica, including several Olympic kayaking teams, but every year tens of thousands of visitors experience here the thrill of rafting for the first time.
Mystic Seaport Captured ? Links to Our Past Guide, Part 3
Mystic Seaport celebrates the seafaring past of New England. Known as The Museum of America and the Sea, the seaport is an entertaining journey through 19th century nautical life.
Boondocking America
Boondocking is fun! Boondockers go anywhere they want, at any time they want and at any speed they want! If you are a member of Loners on Wheels (LoW) or any other single RV'ing group you will want to boondock at least some of the time.
The Different Styles of Tents Available
The dictionary defines a tent as 'a portable shelter usually of canvas or other cloth stretched over poles or supports and fastened to the ground with pegs and ropes'. That definition covers a wide variety of structures in many sizes, shapes and styles. Whether you're looking for family shelter on a camping trip, a pavilion for a wedding or a beach canopy, there's a tent to suit your needs.
Mammoth Cave: One of the Most Beautiful in Our National Park System
Directly south of Louisville, just off Interstate 65 and not far from Cave City, Mammoth Cave National Park sits nestled in the rolling, wooded hills of west-central Kentucky. Cedar trees dominate the landscape around the park, broken only by grazing cattle, small tobacco fields, and immense limestone outcroppings.
Arrowhead Hunting and Rock Collecting
We weren't planning to go rock and arrowhead hunting in Arizona. My wife and I just liked that hotspring in the desert. It was agood place to escape the Michigan winter for a while.
Unforgettable Cape Cod Vacations: The National Seashore Gift
Take a captivating trip through the Cape Cod National Seashore with miles of white sandy beaches, trails and hikes to take your breath away, and majestic dunes. Just keep reading and you can visit all those places right now.
Alaska Sport Fishing Guide
WHAT TO FISH AND WHERE: Alaska offers some of the most diverse and incredible fishing opportunities in the world. You can drop a line into a roadside river and catch a nice size rainbow trout. Or charter a boat and reel in one of Alaska's giant Pacific halibut. You also can treat yourself with a freshly caught shellfish- shrimp, crab, clam. There are almost 400 fish species in Alaska's fresh and salt waters including all five species of Pacific Salmon: King (chinook), Silver (coho), Red (sockeye), Chum (dog, keta), Pink (humpy). It is not uncommon to catch a 50-pound King salmon, the Alaska record was set by a fish weighing 97 pounds. Arctic greyling, sheefish and northern pike are easy to find in many inland streams. Diverse Alaska geographic areas offer adventure for everyone, give us various choices:
Viewpoints on Whale Watching in Hermanus!
If you're looking to spot a whale, the first few things you'll hear people say is:
Visiting Croatia
Croatia has quickly become Europe's hottest destination, and for good reason.
The rocky coastline continues for 1778 kilometres and includes pine-fringed coves,
wide sandy beaches and cozy inlets. As if that weren't enough, there are a good
1185 islands that range from lush and wooded to stark and hilly. Yachties love
the sailing opportunities, sunbathers have an incredible choice of beaches and
scuba divers have a paradise of sea life to explore.
Beyond the pretty scenery, Croatia also boasts a fascinating history and cultural
life.The walled city of Dubrovnik on its southern tip is a must-stop for Mediterranean
cruises but the long coast is littered with remnants of Croatia's varied past.
Whitewater Rafting Trip
For the dedicated water sport enthusiast there can be no greater challenge than embarking on a whitewater rafting trip. The abundance of whitewater rafting trip courses available worldwide offer enjoyment and challenges for both the novice and the more experienced adventurer.
RV Camping at Casinos
There's nothing that will quicken the interest of RVers like the prospect of free overnight parking. Places such as Wal-Mart parking lots, and truck stops, are well known freebies, and if you are on the move in your RV, expanding the list of possible free overnight camping locations will broaden your options. What is especially encouraging is that Casinos as a whole are RV friendly.
The Price of Gas Really Doesnt Matter!
"The good news is that there is no reason to cower in the corner of your RV trying to avoid the gasoline bogeyman," asserts Carol White, author of Live Your Road Trip Dream ? Travel for a year for the cost of staying home. "While none of us are thrilled about the new reality of gas prices, this is not a reason to cancel your travel plans, particularly if you are planning that dream trip of a lifetime."
Three Places to Interact with Dolphins in Hawaii
Visitors to Hawaii frequently see dolphins from shore or on a whale-watching cruise or fishing boat. Visitors sometimes happen to be in the water snorkeling or kayaking when a pod of dolphins swims by. Some visitors even seek out dolphins, either by frequenting areas where dolphins live and play, like Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island, or by taking a boat tour that frequents areas where dolphins live and play.
The Best Backpacking Food
Maybe your favorite backpacking food is a freeze-dried turkey dinner. There really is no "best" backpacking food. There are reasons to bring certain foods, though. Here are ten foods, and the reasons you might want to consider them.
The Lumemo Trail - An African Wilderness Experience for the Practiced Hiker
The Udzungwa Mountains National park was created primarily for the protection of flora rather than fauna. The park was registered in 1992 and is the first of its kind in Tanzania. This park is a series of mountain rangers and interlocking valleys - ranging from the top of the Kilombero Valley at 300 meters above sea level to peaks of around 2,570 meters above sea level. Only experienced hikers can mange this difficult train. Making these mountains pristine and largely untouched by humans.
Drive Me to WA Today!
Western Australia Driving Adventure
Great Australian Road Trip
Large is not the word for it. Massive doesn't cover it either. Gigantanormous might be a little closer to the mark, but unfortunately you won't find it in any dictionaries. Welcome to Western Australia, where elbow room has never been a problem.
If you're looking for the ultimate Great Australian Road Trip, then flying into Perth is an excellent first step. One of the most popular road trips you can do in the big WA is cruising up the enormous stretch of coastline to the north, stopping along the way to visit tiny towns, romp along beaches with no footprints, and burrow around mind-blowing national parks.
Gearing up and getting outta here!
The adventurous will be aiming for Broome and beyond, to lose themselves in the wilds of Kimberly, freaking out at the alien landscape of the Bungle Bungles before crossing the border and heading for Darwin. Those of us who like to shower a little more often will probably cruise along the North West Coastal Highway as far as the popular holiday town of Exmouth ? possibly popping over to Karijini National Park (well worth a look) ? before turning around and heading home.
Before you rush out into the unending horizon, make sure you've got a trusty car at the ready, able to take punishing distances, and equipped with life-saving air-conditioning. Not having a car isn't even an option in a state the size of India, with the majority of the population clinging to the outskirts of Perth and south coast. So if you don't have your own, grab yourself a good deal for a Perth car hire, chuck your luggage, stores of water and petrol in the back, and put your foot on the accelerator.
Need a car for your road trip? Rent one at Car Rental Perth
Cavorting up the coast
First stop should be the Pinnacles in Nambung National Park near Cervantes with random spooky limestone pillars standing silently in the sand, staring at you. Stay over in Cervantes or keep the wheels turning until you reach Geraldton ? WA's second largest city. If you're a keen diver or like to snorkel, then charter a boat (or catch the seaplane) and check out the Abrolhos Islands, and have a float around the Batavia shipwreck. Just up the road (relative to distances regularly encountered in WA) is the resort town of Kalbarri with its national park ? easily accessible by cars and walking.
Get back in your car and keep your foot on the gas until you get to the World Heritage listed Shark Bay. This unbelievably ecologically diverse area tends to be overshadowed by the fame of Monkey Mia's friendly dolphins, but poking around the bays to spot turtles and serene dugongs can be infinitely as rewarding as an encounter with one of the bottle-nosed dolphins. Visit the Zuytdorp Cliffs and Shell Beach (where the sand is actually composed of ? yep, you guessed it ? little white shells). If you're roaring around in a 4WD you can hike your way out to Francois National Park.
The next mandatory stop is Coral Bay and Exmouth to reward yourself with balmy year-round weather, and Ningaloo Reef, where you can't splash around without bumping into a big underwater creature of some kind.
After this, it's the determination of dusty traveler which will get you past the next many hundreds of kilometers, past the industrial towns of Dampier, Karratha and Port Hedland and on into Broome, the charming doorstep to the wilds of the Kimberley ? one of the last great unconquered expanses of nature left in the world. It's here you can throw around all the over-the-top descriptors you like: rugged, breathtaking, spiritual, bloody brilliant. But you'll have to go there yourself. Save me from using up all my adjectives.
Beyond that, you've only got Kununurra and the Bungle Bungles before you cross the border and into the NT.
Need a car in Perth?
There's a plethora of websites out there which hunt down cheap car hire deals and put them all on the one website. Just do a search on google for "car hire deals" or go to a website such as http://www.vroomvroomvroom.com.au who often have good Perth and Western Australia deals.
Drive Safe and Happy Adventuring!
Rigid Inflatable Boats
A rigid inflatable boat is defined as a hard-hulled boat with air inflatable collars. RIB hulls are made of fiberglass, aluminum or composite materials. The soft bumpers or fenders, called ""sponsons,"" can be air tubes, or all foam systems. These boats are powered by a variety of motors and usually come from the manufacturer as a package ? boat with tube, motor and trailer.
Kayak Travel and Trips
If you love the thrill and adventure of kayak travel, the waters and lakes are yours to explore! Mankind has always been drawn to the sea and a kayak trip is truly one of the ultimate highs as far as kayak travel is concerned. Human beings have always invented useful devices that enhance our lifestyles and kayak travel is a great and marvelous feat, which blends excitement, fun and freedom of movement in one great adventure.
|