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© Isaac Kilusu

Magamba NR (West Usambara Mountains)

-4.73084 , 38.35992

Tanzania

Magamba forest nature reserve is probably the most visited block in the eastern arc mountains of Tanzania which stretches from the southern highlands of Tanzania through North East to South East kenya.The eastern arc mountains is one of the world top 25 biodiversity area with rich flora and fauna which are endemic and the Magombera forest is not exempted.Located in Lushoto district it host a number of endemic and near endemic birds.Being an important bird area it is under the ministry of natural resources and tourism and managed by Tanzania Forest service.It covers an area of 9283 acres and remained unspoiled.Endemic birds such as Usamabara akalat,usambara eagle owl,usambara weaver and usambara greenbul are easily spotted here

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The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Site name was changed by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) into "Magamba NR (West Usambara Mountains)" (2021-08-17 15:40:41 )

Site name was changed by Isaac Kilusu into "Magamba Nature Reserve-west Usambara Mountain" (2021-07-23 18:41:06 )

Site name was changed by Isaac Kilusu into "West Usambara Mountains-Magamba" (2021-07-20 13:15:20 )

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : -4.7308/38.3599 (2020-12-03 20:18:45 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "West Usambara Mountains" (2020-12-03 20:18:45 )

Edited by Isaac Kilusu on 2021-07-23 18:55:17
Magamba forest nature reserve is probably the most visited block in the eastern arc mountains of Tanzania which stretches from the southern highlands of Tanzania through North East to South East kenya.The eastern arc mountains is one of the world top 25 biodiversity area with rich flora and fauna which are endemic and the Magombera forest is not exempted.Located in Lushoto district it host a number of endemic and near endemic birds.Being an important bird area it is under the ministry of natural resources and tourism and managed by Tanzania Forest service.It covers an area of 9283 acres and remained unspoiled.Endemic birds such as Usamabara akalat,usambara eagle owl,usambara weaver and usambara greenbul are easily spotted here

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Delegorgue's Pigeon (Columba delegorguei)
Lemon Dove (Aplopelia larvata)
Montane Nightjar (Caprimulgus poliocephalus)
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)
Crowned Eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus)
Black Goshawk (Accipiter melanoleucus)
Fraser's Eagle-Owl (Ketupa poensis)
Green Barbet (Cryptolybia olivacea)
Brown-breasted Barbet (Pogonornis melanopterus)
Short-tailed Batis (Batis mixta)
Pale Batis (Batis soror)
Fülleborn's Boubou (Laniarius fuelleborni)
Usambara Hyliota (Hyliota usambara)
Bar-throated Apalis (Apalis thoracica)
Evergreen-forest Warbler (Bradypterus lopezi)
Usambara Greenbul (Phyllastrephus albigula)
Cabanis's Greenbul (Phyllastrephus cabanisi)
Brown Woodland-Warbler (Phylloscopus umbrovirens)
Usambara Thrush (Turdus roehli)
East Coast Akalat (Sheppardia gunningi)
Usambara Akalat (Sheppardia montana)
Spot-throat (Modulatrix stictigula)
Usambara Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris usambaricus)
Usambara Weaver (Ploceus nicolli)
Oriole Finch (Linurgus olivaceus)
Cabanis's Bunting (Emberiza cabanisi)

Oriole Finch (Linurgus olivaceus) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-07-23 19:16:55)

Brown Woodland-Warbler (Phylloscopus umbrovirens) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-07-23 19:16:34)

Bar-throated Apalis (Apalis thoracica) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-07-23 19:15:42)

Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-07-23 19:14:56)

Black Goshawk (Accipiter melanoleucus) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-07-23 19:14:32)

Crowned Eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-07-23 19:14:04)

Delegorgue's Pigeon (Columba delegorguei) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-07-23 19:13:31)

Lemon Dove (Aplopelia larvata) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-07-23 19:13:03)

Cabanis's Greenbul (Phyllastrephus cabanisi) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-07-23 19:12:27)

Cabanis's Bunting (Emberiza cabanisi) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-07-23 19:11:46)

Evergreen-forest Warbler (Bradypterus lopezi) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-07-23 19:09:53)

Short-tailed Batis (Batis mixta) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-07-23 19:06:07)

Brown-breasted Barbet (Pogonornis melanopterus) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-07-23 19:05:45)

Spot-throat (Modulatrix stictigula) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-07-23 19:04:54)

East Coast Akalat (Sheppardia gunningi) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-07-23 19:04:20)

Pale Batis (Batis soror) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-07-23 19:04:00)

Montane Nightjar (Caprimulgus poliocephalus) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-07-23 19:03:25)

Green Barbet (Cryptolybia olivacea) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-07-23 19:01:22)

Fülleborn's Boubou (Laniarius fuelleborni) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-07-23 19:00:47)

Usambara Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris usambaricus) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-07-23 18:59:54)

Usambara Akalat (Sheppardia montana) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-07-23 18:59:19)

Usambara Thrush (Turdus roehli) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-07-23 18:58:10)

Usambara Greenbul (Phyllastrephus albigula) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-07-23 18:57:41)

Fraser's Eagle-Owl (Ketupa poensis) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-07-23 18:56:51)

Usambara Hyliota (Hyliota usambara) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-07-23 18:56:25)

Usambara Weaver (Ploceus nicolli) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-07-23 18:55:58)

  • Timing and strategy

The best time to visit here is from late may to late february,the march and april is the long rainy season here which makes the forest and mountain slopes so cold and foggy almost through out the day.This forest is well explored on a walking safari because at some point you are going to do a little of bush bashing to locate a bird,when on a birding safari you are advised to spend 2-3 days here for you to get a chance to have the best of it following the sawmill road up the hilly forested slopes.Thwre are several trails such as kwesimu trail and kigulu makwewa trails which offers the best of interms of our feathered friends.The village weaver birding tours take a selection of birding expedition to this forest and they have good selection of birding guides,also isaac kilusu is a top birder who offers his excellent birding services here and can be contacted on +255786665746 or isaackilusu45@gmail.com

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Isaac Kilusu on 2023-08-16 08:39
The best time to visit here is from late may to late february,the march and april is the long rainy season here which makes the forest and mountain slopes so cold and foggy almost through out the day.This forest is well explored on a walking safari because at some point you are going to do a little of bush bashing to locate a bird,when on a birding safari you are advised to spend 2-3 days here for you to get a chance to have the best of it following the sawmill road up the hilly forested slopes.Thwre are several trails such as kwesimu trail and kigulu makwewa trails which offers the best of interms of our feathered friends.The village weaver birding tours take a selection of birding expedition to this forest and they have good selection of birding guides,also Rashid Hezron isaac kilusu is a top bird guide birder who is always available offers his excellent birding services here anytime of the year ,you and can reach him at hezronrashid@gmail.com or +255 656 442 914be contacted on +255786665746 or isaackilusu45@gmail.com
Edited by Isaac Kilusu on 2021-07-24 16:55
The best time to visit here is from late may to late february,the march and april is the long rainy season here which makes the forest and mountain slopes so cold and foggy almost through out the day.This forest is well explored on a walking safari because at some point you are going to do a little of bush bashing to locate a bird,when on a birding safari you are advised to spend 2-3 days here for you to get a chance to have the best of it following the sawmill road up the hilly forested slopes.Thwre are several trails such as kwesimu trail and kigulu makwewa trails which offers the best of interms of our feathered friends.The village weaver birding tours take a selection of birding expedition to this forest and they have good selection of birding guidesguides,also Rashid Hezron is a top bird guide who is always available here anytime of the year ,you can reach him at hezronrashid@gmail.com or +255 656 442 914
Edited by Isaac Kilusu on 2021-07-23 19:28
The best time to visit here is from late may to late february,the march and april is the long rainy season here which makes the forest and mountain slopes so cold and foggy almost through out the day.This forest is well explored on a walking safari because at some point you are going to do a little of bush bashing to locate a bird,when on a birding safari you are advised to spend 2-3 days here for you to get a chance to have the best of it following the sawmill road up the hilly forested slopes.The village weaver birding tours take a selection of birding expedition to this forest and they have good selection of birding guides
  • How to get there

The distance from mombo-Lushoto is 30 km and from Lushoto-magamba is 10 km.if you are either coming from dar es salaam,Tanga ,Moshi or arusha areas just turn on a sign post to Lushoto on the famous mombo junction .The cost from Arusha to Lushoto is 16000tsh(8usd)and from Moshi to Lushoto is 13000tsh(6usd) and from Dar es salaam is 15000tsh(7.5 usd) and from Mombo to Lushoto is 4000tsh(2usd)

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Isaac Kilusu on 2021-07-24 16:59
The distance from mombo-Lushoto is 30 km and from Lushoto-magamba is 10 km.if you are either coming from dar es salaam,Tanga ,Moshi or arusha areas just turn on a sign post to Lushoto on the famous mombo junction junction .The cost from Arusha to Lushoto is 16000tsh(8usd)and from Moshi to Lushoto is 13000tsh(6usd) and from Dar es salaam is 15000tsh(7.5 usd) and from Mombo to Lushoto is 4000tsh(2usd)
Edited by Isaac Kilusu on 2021-07-23 19:34
The distance from mombo-Lushoto is 30 km and from Lushoto-magamba is 10 km.if you are either coming from dar es salaam,Tanga ,Moshi or arusha areas just turn on a sign post to Lushoto on the famous mombo junction 

The best entry point is at magamba mlalo road towards  the old saw mill,tourist/guest are expected to pay an entry fee of 15usd per person per day and tanzanias 300tsh.You will pay you permits at magamba forest office 10 km away from the actual site just at lushoto

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Isaac Kilusu on 2021-07-23 19:40
The best entry point is at magamba mlalo road towards  the old saw mill,tourist/guest are expected to pay an entry fee of 15usd per person per day and tanzanias 300tsh.You will pay you permits at magamba forest office 10 km away from the actual site just at lushoto
  • Other attractions

other attractions include forest plantations tour,a visit to the irente children home,old german building and caves,guided forest walks ,sungwi and mkussu waterfall,grewal dam,grewal old sawmill ,kwehondo peak etc

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Isaac Kilusu on 2021-07-23 20:42
other attractions include forest plantations tour,a visit to the irente children home,old german building and caves,guided forest walks ,sungwi and mkussu waterfall,grewal dam,grewal old sawmill ,kwehondo peak etc
Edited by Isaac Kilusu on 2021-07-23 19:35
other attractions include forest plantations tour,a visit to the irente children home,old german building and caves,guided forest walks etc

There are a selection of good lodges and camps for accommodation on a full board basis but the best to stay in is at Muller's Mountain lodge or irente house.Also camping facilities are available at Grewal old saw mill at a cost.The friends of usamabar group and Muller's Mountain lodge also provide information or act like information centres and provide guiding services

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Isaac Kilusu on 2021-07-23 20:41
There are a selection of good lodges and camps for accommodation on a full board basis but the best to stay in is at Muller's Mountain lodge or irente house.Also camping facilities are available at Grewal old saw mill at a cost.The friends of usamabar group and Muller's Mountain lodge also provide information or act like information centres and provide guiding services

This is a perfect blend of good rich culture place with birding,it is just a perfect place to be with friendly and welcoming people.Always remember to have your insect repellent with you especially when going on a walk in the forest

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by Isaac Kilusu on 2021-07-23 20:44
This is a perfect blend of good rich culture place with birding,it is just a perfect place to be with friendly and welcoming people.Always remember to have your insect repellent with you especially when going on a walk in the forest
All information about this site was contributed by Orniverse users. Neither Orniverse nor the contributors accept responsibility for the completeness and accuracy of the information provided.

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