Herpetology Expedition December 2026

Explore three of Tanzania's most important centres of herpetological diversity as you search for endemic chameleons, forest geckos, snakes, and amphibians in the Uluguru, Nguru, and East Usambara Mountains. These ancient Eastern Arc forests are renowned for their extraordinary levels of endemism and harbour some of Africa's most remarkable reptiles and amphibians.

• Overview

  Explore three of Tanzania's most remarkable biodiversity hotspots on this 14-day herpetological expedition through the Eastern Arc Mountains and northern Tanzania.

  The journey begins in the Kimboza Forest Reserve at the foothills of the Uluguru Mountains, home to the spectacular electric blue day gecko (Lygodactylus williamsi), one of the world's most sought-after reptiles. Despite its relatively small size, Kimboza supports an extraordinary concentration of endemic reptiles, amphibians, plants, and invertebrates, making it one of the most important lowland forest remnants in East Africa.

  From the Ulugurus, the expedition continues to the remote Nguru Mountains, one of the least-explored blocks of the Eastern Arc range. These ancient forests harbour a remarkable diversity of endemic wildlife, including rare chameleons, forest geckos, frogs, and numerous species found nowhere else on Earth. With several days dedicated to exploration, participants will have the opportunity to experience one of Tanzania's most pristine and biologically significant mountain ecosystems.

  From the forests of the Eastern Arc, the expedition travels north to Mkomazi National Park. This vast and little-visited wilderness provides a striking contrast to the mountain forests and offers opportunities to observe large mammals, birds, reptiles, and some of Tanzania's most spectacular landscapes beneath the shadow of Kilimanjaro.

  The final stage of the expedition is spent in the Amani Nature Reserve in the East Usambara Mountains, one of Africa's most important centres of biodiversity. Amani is renowned for its exceptional levels of endemism and is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife, including Usambara chameleons, endemic forest birds, colourful amphibians, rare invertebrates, and a rich diversity of tropical plants. Day and night excursions through the forest provide outstanding opportunities for wildlife observation, photography, and natural history.

  Throughout the expedition, participants will gain insight into the ecology, evolution, and conservation of Tanzania's remarkable wildlife while exploring landscapes rarely visited by international travellers.

  Optional Extensions

  Guests wishing to extend their stay may choose from several coastal add-ons.

  The Tanga Coast Extension offers opportunities to explore mangrove forests, kayak along sheltered waterways, snorkel coral reefs, and relax on Tanzania's quiet northern coastline.

  Alternatively, the Mafia Island Extension provides access to some of the Indian Ocean's finest diving and snorkelling, together with opportunities to explore mangrove ecosystems, coastal forests, and the island's rich marine biodiversity.

  Both extensions provide the perfect complement to an active field expedition and can be customised to suit individual interests and travel schedules.

• Itinerary

  • Day 1 : Arrival in Dar es Salaam (1 night)

  • Days 2–3: Uluguru Mountains – Kimboza Forest (2 nights)

  • Day 4: Travel to Turiani (1 night)

  • Days 5–9: Nguru Mountains (5 nights)

  • Days 10–11: Mkomazi National Park (2 nights)

  • Days 12–13: Amani Forest, East Usambara Mountains (2 nights)

  • Day 14: Return to Dar es Salaam and international departure

  
  Duration: 14 days / 13 nights

  Optional Add-Ons:

  Tanga Coast

  • Day 14 - Travel to Fish Eagle Point, Tanga

  • Day 15 & 16* - Explore the Tanga Coast (Mangroves, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Diving)

  • Day 17 - Return to Dar es Salaam and international departure

  
  Mafia Island

  • Day 14 - Travel to Mafia Island via Dar es Salaam

  • Day 15-17* - Mafia Island Diving, Snorkeling, Mangrove Forest exploration

  • Day 18 - Return to Dar es Salaam and international departure

  *length of stay can be defined individually

• Species Highlights

  1. Lygodactylus williamsi (Electric Blue Day Gecko)

  2. Rhampholeon uluguruensis (Uluguru Pygmy Chameleon)

  3. Nectophrynoides cryptus (Uluguru Forest Tree Toad)

  4. Ancylodactylus barbouri (Uluguru Round-eyed Gecko)

  5. Prosymna ornatissima (Ornate Shovel-snout Snake)

  6. Kinyongia oxyrhina (Sharp-nosed Chameleon)

  7. Callulina meteora (Meteor Rain Frog)

  8. Rhampholeon spinosus (Usambara Spiny Pygmy Chameleon)

  9. Atheris ceratophora (Usambara Bush Viper / Horned Bush Viper)

  10. Probreviceps macrodactylus (Large-fingered Forest Frog)