Pare Mountains

12 Days Kenya and Tanzania Wildlife Safari Combo

12 Days Birding Safari in Tanzania

10 Days Wildlife Kenya and Tanzania Safari

10 Days Safari in Uganda and Tanzania

10 Days Kilimanjaro Climb via Northern Circuit Route

The Pare Mountains are not a Big Five destination. On a tour safari Tanzania, you come here for the small things. The forests are home to the black-and-white colobus monkey, which you can see swinging through the canopy. Blue monkeys are also common. Bush pigs and red duikers live in the thick undergrowth, but they are shy and hard to spot. On a tour safari Tanzania, the real stars are the birds and the butterflies. The Pare Mountains are a biodiversity hotspot, with several endemic species found nowhere else. The South Pare white-eye is a small, yellow bird that lives only in these forests. The Pare red colobus monkey is found only here, though it is extremely rare. On a tour safari Tanzania, you are more likely to see the Usambara three-horned chameleon, a large, prehistoric-looking reptile that is common in the forests. The best time for wildlife viewing is early morning, when the animals are most active. Bring binoculars. Your guide will help you spot the chameleons, which blend perfectly into the branches.

Birders, the Pare Mountains are a hidden treasure. On a tour safari Tanzania, the forests are home to several endemic and rare bird species. The South Pare white-eye is the star. It is a small, yellow bird with a white eye-ring, and it is found only in the South Pare Mountains. The banded green sunbird is another highlight, a tiny, iridescent jewel that feeds on the forest flowers. On a tour safari Tanzania, you will also see the Usambara akalat, the African tailorbird, and the Kretschmer's longbill. The forests are alive with the calls of turacos, hornbills, and barbets. The best time for birding is the wet season from November to April, when the birds are breeding and singing. But the dry season from June to October is also good, as the trails are less muddy. On a tour safari Tanzania, early morning is best. Hire a local guide. They know the calls and the hiding spots of these rare birds. Bring a good pair of binoculars and a bird book for East Africa.

The best time to visit the Pare Mountains is during the dry seasons. On a tour safari Tanzania, the long dry season from June to October offers the most comfortable conditions. The trails are dry, the skies are clearer, and the temperatures are pleasant. Daytime temperatures are around 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Nights are cooler, around 15°C to 18°C (59°F to 64°F). The short dry season from January to February is also a good time. The landscape is green and the flowers are blooming. On a tour safari Tanzania, the wet seasons from March to May and November to December bring heavy rains. The trails become slippery and muddy. The views can be obscured by clouds. But the forests are at their most lush, and the birding is at its best. For most travelers, the sweet spot is June through October.

The weather in the Pare Mountains is similar to the Usambaras but drier. On a tour safari Tanzania, the mountains create their own microclimate. The lower elevations are warm and humid, with temperatures from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). The higher elevations, on the forested ridges, are cooler, around 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). At night, the temperature drops. On a tour safari Tanzania, the main challenge is the rain. Even in the dry season, you can get an afternoon shower. The humidity is high. The sun is less intense than on the coast, but you can still get sunburned at higher elevations. Bring a hat and sunscreen. The best time for hiking is the dry season, but you should always pack a rain jacket. The trails can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip.

Getting to the Pare Mountains takes a bit of effort, but it is worth it. The range is located in northeastern Tanzania, near the Kenyan border. On a tour safari Tanzania, the main access point is the town of Same. Same is on the main A23 highway between Arusha and Dar es Salaam. It is about a two-hour drive from Moshi and about three hours from Arusha. The road is paved and in good condition. From Same, you will need a 4x4 to reach the trailheads. The roads into the mountains are rough and unsealed. On a tour safari Tanzania, most travellers hire a driver in Same or join a guided tour. You can also take a bus from Arusha or Moshi to Same. The bus is cheaper but slower. Once you are in the mountains, you must hire a local guide. You cannot hike alone. The guides are local farmers who know the trails and the forest.

The Pare Mountains are a safe destination. The local people, the Pare, are known for their hospitality. On a tour safari Tanzania, the main dangers are environmental, not criminal. The biggest risk is slipping on the trails. The paths can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip. Do not hike alone. Hire a local guide. They know the trails and the weather. On a tour safari Tanzania, the second risk is the sun and the heat. Even in the mountains, you can get dehydrated. Drink plenty of water. Wear a hat and sunscreen. Malaria is present in the lower elevations. Bring insect repellent with DEET. Sleep under a mosquito net. Consult your doctor about malaria pills. In Same town, use normal precautions. Keep your valuables secure. Avoid walking alone at night. The people are friendly, but it is always wise to be aware of your surroundings.

Accommodation in the Pare Mountains is very basic. On a tour safari Tanzania, there are no luxury lodges inside the park. The best option is to stay in Same town. The Same View Lodge is a comfortable mid-range hotel with clean rooms, a restaurant, and beautiful views of the mountains. For a more authentic experience, stay in a local guesthouse in one of the villages. The rooms are basic, but the hospitality is genuine. You will eat home-cooked food and learn about Pare culture. On a tour safari Tanzania, there are also public campsites in the forest. You must bring your own tent and supplies. The campsites are wild, with no facilities. For most travelers, staying in Same is the best option. You get a comfortable bed and a hot shower. The drive to the trailheads takes about an hour. On a tour safari Tanzania, book in advance for the dry season. The best guesthouses fill up quickly.

Booking your trip to the Pare Mountains with Dav Safaris ensures a safe, well organized, and authentic experience. Our local guides are from the Pare tribe. They grew up on these slopes. They know the trails, the medicinal plants, and the best spots for birding. On a tour safari Tanzania with Dav Safaris, we handle everything including transport from Moshi or Arusha, guided hikes, and accommodation in Same. You just show up with your camera and your hiking boots. Their itineraries are flexible. Want to focus on birding and the endemic South Pare white-eye? We can do that. Want to combine a hike in the Pare Mountains with a visit to the Usambaras or Kilimanjaro? We can arrange it. Dav Safaris supports local communities by hiring Pare guides and using locally owned guesthouses. You focus on the green hills, the friendly people, and the quiet forests. We handle everything else on your tour safari Tanzania.