Arusha National Park

So where did we go birding in the first week-end of September 2008?
Burchells Zebra: photo Anabel Harries

Well, we went to our local park - Arusha National Park where, on average, we go twice a month.

It costs $80 (US) in TANAPA entrance fees for two adult 'foreigners', in a local car with a local driver, for a day visit; that's for twelve hours 0700 to 1900. Every visit is well worth the money; being completely different from the visit before. Every visit yields fabulous surprises. Each visit becomes a safari in itself. Sunday September 7, 2008 was no exception; even though it was my fortieth trip to Arusha National Park.

photo Anabel Harries

July in East Africa. It's mid-winter in Arusha National Park at three degrees south and more than a mile above our warming oceans. We're experiencing mornings that do feel chilly right enough. Such that both locals and residents would really appreciate a wind-proof fleece. This past week I've been busy in the cool; early birding with overseas visitors; and local bird-guide training. Spending the chilly early mornings in the misty evergreen forests of Arusha National Park on Meru mountain side. And the warmer afternoons out in dry and dusty Meru-Maasai country, across the northern plains that mantle the national park's perimeter.
Mt Meru: photo Martin Goodeye

Recent Reports - February 2007
African Cucko-Hawk: Photo Anabel Harries
A female African Cuckoo-Hawk in Arusha National Park and other smaller gems.