Amani Nature Reserve
Amani nature reserve is the largest forest block within the East Usambara mountain and occupies the southern extremity of the mountains, it is the wettest proximity of all the east Usambara forest blocks and has exceptional values that include a rain forest, variety of biological diversity ranging from some being endemic to endangered and threatened flora and fauna; more than quarter of the 30 –add species of amphibians and reptiles are only found here and nowhere else in the world. Amani nature reserve is one of the Tanzania most attractive unspoiled and yet unvisited destination with wonderful sceneries and more than335 species of birds have been recorded, several primates are also spotted in Amani nature reserve area. It is also a wonderful destination for hiking and especially good to the off beaten way lovers, biking tours and night walks adds to its value this will make visitors to this area more few days while saving their budget and enjoy the beauty of the place, people, and their culture as well.
What to do in Amani nature reserve
Amani nature reserve is a rich endowment of nature-based attractions offering tourist a wide range ecotourism activity to embark on such activities includes but not limited to nature viewing, bird watching, walking safaris, picnicking, and camping, sun downers, mountain biking, swimming in the plunge pools of waterfalls, forest trekking (hiking), cultural activities, research and educational opportunities, photographic safaris and so much more to explore in Amani nature reserve.
Amani nature reserve offers you a chance to engage on a cultural tour in the villages surrounding this area, you can embark on a cultural tour to visit some important sites like Amboni caves and some cultural projects and programs like Lutindi Cultural Tourism Project which is perched on the edge of the Usambara Mountains in the southeast of Lushoto district. Lutindi village is the site of the first mental hospital in East Africa, here you can visit the workshops where some residents are employed at craft making, walk in the surrounding tea plantations and gain insights into a side of local life far from general tourism experiences. Lutindi is reached via Msambiazi village, which is about 20km northwest of the town of Korogwe town along the main high way from Dar es Salaam to Arusha.
Bird watching in Amani nature reserve is very common activity among tourists for there are huge different bird species that tourists can encounter in this area. You will be able to see the vulnerable Sokoke scops owls that can be seen very rarely in lowlands but other bird species like Amani sunbirds can also be seen, Long-billed tailorbirds, Usambara eagle owl, Fischer’s turaco, and East coast akalat can be spotted on your walking tour with a talented and expert local guide. Discover different flora and fauna species that differs from one origin to another, more than 400 different species have been discovered and recorded in the coastal areas of the east Africa region.
When to visit
Accessible all year round though the best time to visit Amani Nature reserve is during the dry season, which typically runs from June to October. During these months, the weather is cooler and there is less rainfall, making wildlife spotting easier as animals congregate around water sources. The dry season also offers more stable road conditions, which can be important for safari travel. If you prefer to see the park in its lush, green state and enjoy fewer crowds, the wet season from November to May is also a good option, though it can be more challenging for game viewing due to the dense vegetation and occasional road closures.
