Tanzania
February 2 to 17, 2024
Migration and Predation
Timing is everything. The vast herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle that constitute the Great Migration of the Serengeti ecosystem arrived in the southern shortgrass plains just after the seasonal rains brought a green hue back to the landscape. February proved to be the perfect time for seeing young herbivores and carnivores, as well as migratory birds from Europe and Asia, who joined the many colorful resident species to partake in the bounty of nature. Travelers witnessed about 50 species of mammals and over 300 species of birds, along with some fascinating reptiles. The diverse habitats of Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti provided an unforgettable wildlife-watching experience.
Highlights
- Tarangire’s Elephants: Observing these giants as they frolicked in wetlands or feasted on grass and leaves beneath towering baobab trees.
- Dramatic Predators: Searching for lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas, and observing their complex social systems.
- Colorful Birdlife: Enjoying sightings of weavers, rollers, starlings, oxpeckers, secretarybirds, and storks in their natural habitats.
- Herbivores and Carnivores: Comparing the ecological strategies of diverse herbivores and small carnivores.
- Ngorongoro Crater: Marveling at the dense wildlife herds contained by the lush caldera walls.
- Great Migration: Experiencing the astonishing abundance of large mammals involved in the Serengeti’s Great Migration.
- Cultural Heritage: Learning about early hominid discoveries at Oldupai Gorge and the traditional pastoral heritage of the Maasai.
“First class accommodations combined with experienced guides.” -Alan Robinson
Day 1: Arrived in Arusha
Participants met with local guides and fellow travelers, setting the stage for an exciting journey.
Day 2: Exploring Arusha National Park
The journey began with a day on the slopes of Mt. Meru, ascending through montane forest to spot baboons, monkeys, African buffalo, and dozens of bird species. The group peered into the pristine ecosystem of Ngurdoto Crater and proceeded through woodlands to the Momela Lakes, observing a wide variety of wildlife, including giraffes, waterbucks, shorebirds, and flamingos.
Days 3–4: Wildlife Encounters in Tarangire National Park
In Tarangire National Park, travelers explored a diverse landscape of open plains, baobab stands, riverine forest, and extensive marshes. They observed resident lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, giraffes, and much more. The park also offered exceptional birding opportunities with several endemic species. A special night game drive provided unique sightings of nocturnal mammals like civets, genets, springhares, mongooses, and bushbabies.
Days 5–7: The Wonders of Ngorongoro Crater
The group headed west to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, ascending to the crater rim for breathtaking views of the landscape below. They explored one of the world’s largest calderas, home to a diverse ecosystem supporting lions, hyenas, baboons, zebras, hippos, and more. The visit to Empakaai Crater offered stunning views and a chance to walk through beautiful forest to a pristine caldera lake.
Days 8–10: The Great Migration in Ngorongoro and Serengeti
Travelers ventured into the short-grass plains of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where they witnessed the vast migratory herds and the synchronized calving of wildebeest. This period also meant an abundance of predators, making it a prime area for lion prides and cheetahs. Lakes Ndutu and Masek provided exceptional birding and opportunities to see scavengers like vultures, eagles, jackals, and hyenas.
“A high-end experience with the best accommodations and most experienced and knowledgeable guides.” -Alan Rackelmann
Days 11–12: Exploring Central Serengeti
The group journeyed north to the Central Serengeti, a landscape of rolling plains, dramatic rock outcrops, and riverine forests. They enjoyed superb birding, spotting diurnal birds of prey, sunbirds, bee-eaters, rollers, and more. The Acacia Bliss Tented Camp, set in a stunning landscape, offered excellent wildlife sightings, including leopards. A visit to the Serengeti visitor center provided insights into the region’s ecology and history.
Day 13: Discovering Oldupai Gorge and Ngorongoro Highlands
After a final breakfast in the Serengeti, travelers visited Oldupai Gorge, renowned for early hominid discoveries, and its museum. They also had the opportunity to visit a Maasai Village before relaxing at the Ngorongoro Farm House, where they shared highlights of their safari. During their stay, guests were fortunate enough to encounter Jane Goodall at the lodge. Cheesemans’ co-owner and co-CEO, Scott Davis, took some time to chat with her, rekindling a personal history that goes way back.
Day 14: Returned to Arusha
The group returned back to Arusha filled with wonderful new memories, full hearts and SD cards, as well as many stories to tell when they return home.
Mkomazi National Park Extension: Northern Tanzania’s Hidden Gem
February 16 to 20, 2024
Participants discovered the exclusive Mkomazi National Park, a conservation success story and beautiful landscape that few visitors to Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit even know about. In the 1980s, only 11 elephants survived in the area, but today a thousand or more wandered through this landscape. This birding paradise offered the chance to see wintering birds from Eurasia, as well as many beautiful resident species. With only two small camps, travelers enjoyed the rare privilege of wildlife viewing without hordes of competing tourists. This was wild Africa at its finest!
Day 1: Drove to Mkomazi
After lunch in Arusha, travelers enjoyed the changing scenery as they proceeded east to Moshi at the foot of majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro, then southeast to the Pare Mountains and the entrance to Mkomazi National Park on the border with Kenya. They encountered vervet monkeys and colorful birds at the park entrance, then observed birds and mammals in the lush landscape. The group settled in at Mkomazi Wilderness Lodge to savor the sunset and enjoy some bush luxury with a friendly staff.
Day 2: Exploring Mkomazi National Park
Near the camp, Dindera Dam created an oasis that attracted thirsty wildlife. Participants saw elephants, giraffes, elands, zebras, kongonis, and other herbivores, as well as some of the carnivores looking for a meal. The lake also hosted storks, waterfowl, shorebirds, and much more. A bush breakfast near the lake provided exciting wildlife observation opportunities and delicious sustenance. Travelers discovered endemic bird species not found elsewhere in Tanzania.
Day 3: More Exploring of Mkomazi National Park
The day involved a leisurely game drive through the park to visit a center where captive breeding programs and releases have had remarkable success in restoration efforts for endangered black rhinos and African wild dogs. This was a special opportunity to see conservation in action and to observe hyraxes, yellow baboons, colorful lizards, and flashy birds. The park also hosted the elegant fringe-eared oryx, the spiral-horned lesser kudu, the shy red duiker, and the bizarre long-necked gerenuk. In the evening, participants shared highlights of their adventures and toasted their incomparable driver-guides.
Day 4: Morning in the Park and Drove Back to Kilimanjaro Area
The final morning featured another memorable game drive, looking for any of the special animals that may have been missed. Previous guests rated this park visit as one of the most memorable of their safari experiences. Afterward, the group drove back through Moshi to the Kia Lodge for relaxation, optional birding, and preparation for departure at nearby Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Day 5: Arrive Home
Participants arrive home, filled with memories of their Tanzanian journey.
Prized Memory: “On the main safari, it was getting up close to a multi female and adolescent cub pride of lions who were playing in a low tree and around our vehicles in the central Serengeti portion of our trip. For the Mkomazi extension, it was seeing the wild dogs up close during their feeding time.” -Alan Robinson
Join Us for Future Adventures!
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- Visit Our 2025 Trip Page: Tanzania 2025 to learn more and book your trip.
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Colombia
Feb 11 to 18, 2024
Avian Jewels of the Choco Region
Our 2024 travelers relished in the avian wealth of Colombia, home to the richest bird diversity in the world. With 562 documented species in the Cali area alone—more than all of Europe—this journey promised incredible bird-watching opportunities. The beautiful Araucana Lodge served as a home base to explore a variety of ecosystems from the Western Andes to the wetlands. The trip also offered a unique immersion into Colombian culture, providing a holistic and unforgettable experience.
Highlights
- Bird Diversity: Documented 416 different species on the trip and extension combined.
- Prime Locations: Explored renowned birding spots like KM 18, Sonso Lagoon, San Cipriano Reserve, and Santa Marta.
- Unique Experiences: Enjoyed small, private backyard birding spots as well as stunning shows like mating rituals of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock.
“You take care of your clients. You go to interesting places and we get to spend quality time in those places with good/excellent guides.” -Mariann Cyr
Day 1: Arrive in Cali, Colombia
The adventure began 40 minutes after departing the Cali airport when our travelers arrived at the beautiful Araucana Lodge set on 20 acres of Andean forest perfectly located for day trips to hotspots. The property was designed by birders for birders and includes a vegetable farm and orchards, walking paths, forests, and gardens.
“Loved Aracuana Lodge! I enjoyed the grounds, my room was fabulous, the food and staff excellent. The people at the lodge really enhanced my experience.” -Linda Walden
Day 2: KM 18
The group spent the day at KM 18, a renowned birding hotspot. They searched for endemics like the Chestnut Wood-Quail, Colombian Chachalaca, Grayish Piculet, and the spectacular Multicolored Tanager. The area is a tanager paradise, featuring species like the Purplish-Mantled, Summer, Golden, and Golden-Naped Tanagers. Participants also enjoyed an impressive display of hummingbirds including the Long-Tailed Sylph, Booted Racket-Tail, and White-Necked Jacobin at a private house along the road.
Day 3: Sonso Lagoon
A two-hour drive brought the group to Sonso Lagoon, one of the Cauca Valley’s few remaining wetlands. Here, they spotted species such as Fulvous and Black-Bellied Whistling-Ducks, Roseate Spoonbill, and Snail Kite. The wetlands also offered sightings of Wattled Jacana and Greater Ani, showcasing fascinating polyandry and communal nesting behaviors.
Day 4: Araucana Lodge and Bosque de San Antonio
The morning was spent exploring the 20 acres of Araucana Lodge. Birders searched for targets like Parker’s Antbird, Smoky-Brown Woodpecker, and Crimson-Rumped Toucanet. They also strolled through trails and organic gardens, enjoying the lodge’s natural beauty. In the afternoon, the group headed to nearby Bosque de San Antonio and enjoyed sightings such as the Montane Woodcreeper, Montane Foliage-Gleaner, Red-Headed Barbet, and Andean Solitaire.
Day 5: San Cipriano Reserve
The group traveled to Zaragosa and entered the San Cipriano Reserve on an exciting ride via motorcycle-powered wooden carts on rails. In this humid forest, they encountered Choco Toucan, Blue-headed Parrots, and various antbirds. High humidity and heat made for a rich birding experience, with sightings of species like the Pacific Flatbill and Blue-capped Manakin.
Day 6: Upper Anchicaya – Doña Doras – Cock-of-the-Rock Lek
The Anchicaya watershed in Farallones National Park offered a day of exceptional birding. The group visited the El Descanso area where Doña Dora’s small cafeteria provided a unique bird-watching spot. Highlights included the endemic Crested Ant-tanager, Green Thorntail, and a local favorite – the Toucan Barbet. After lunch, they witnessed the spectacular mating rituals of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock.
Day 7: Atuncella and Rio Bravo
A visit to the village of Atuncella introduced the group to a dry forest habitat with unique species like Bar-crested Antshrike and Pale-breasted Spinetail. Later, at the Rio Bravo Reserve, they sought out targets such as Rufous-throated Tanager and Cerulean Warbler in one of the wettest parts of the world.
“I never expected to see sooooo many birds. I have been on trips where birding was part of the experience or maybe a whole day but not a birding trip this extensive. And what a beautiful place to be.” -Linda Walden
Day 8: Flew home or to Baranquilla for the Santa Marta Extension
After breakfast at Araucana Lodge, participants were transferred to the airport for their flights home, or they joined the Santa Marta Extension for more birding adventures.
Santa Marta Extension
February 18 to 25, 2024
Our group on the Santa Marta Extension traveled to one of the most important centers of endemism on the planet as they ascended from the Caribbean shore to the world’s highest coastal peak encountering a variety of endemic species. They explored Eldorado, Tayrona, and Los Flamencos National Parks.
Day 1: Travel to Barranquilla, Colombia from Cali
After flying to Barranquilla, participants spent the late afternoon birding.
Day 2: Barranquilla to El Dorado
The group ascended the Santa Marta Mountains, encountering a variety of bird species along the way. They also stopped for a lovely lunch in the charming town of Minca.
Day 3: El Dorado Lodge
Birding around El Dorado Lodge and at a lovely garden behind their lunch spot provided opportunities to see hummingbirds and endemic species like the Santa Marta Brushfinch. The day included efforts to spot the elusive Santa Marta Antpitta and the near-endemic Black-fronted Wood-Quail.
Day 4: Cerro Kennedy
An early start led to higher elevations toward Cerro Kennedy, home to endemics like Santa Marta Parakeet and Santa Marta Bush-tyrant. The group enjoyed a picnic with stunning views and continued birding on the descent. They were treated to an endemic Santa Marta Antpitta coming out for a worm as well as extended viewing of a male and female Quetzal entering and exiting their nest.
Day 5: El Dorado Lodge to Barlovento
The group birded along the road to Minca, enjoying lunch at the same local restaurant everyone wanted to visit again. They then descended to a hotel near Tayrona National Park.
Day 6: Los Flamencos National Park
Los Flamencos offered sightings of male and female Vermilion Cardinal and White-whiskered Spinetail. Participants enjoyed the variety of birds in this dry forest habitat before walking on the beach and watching fisherman cast their nets among the waterfowl. They enjoyed a seafood lunch at a local spot before returning to Barlovento.
Day 7: Tayrona National Park and back to Barranquilla
The group visited Tayrona National Park, hoping to see the Blue-billed Curassow and other unique species. After lunch, they headed to Barranquilla to prepare for their flights home.
Day 8: Flew Home
Participants departed from Barranquilla, concluding their unforgettable birding adventure.
Ready to explore the avian treasures of Colombia?
Book your spot on our next adventure and immerse yourself in the world’s richest bird diversity.
Secure Your Spot Today!
- Visit Our 2025 Trip Page: Colombia 2025 to learn more and book your trip.
- Contact Us: Reach out to us directly for any questions or assistance with your booking.
- Follow Us: Stay connected on social media for updates, stunning photos, and travel inspiration.
Don’t wait—spaces are limited and filling up fast. Join us for an unforgettable journey through Colombia’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant wildlife.