Birding Kilimanjaro Forest Zones and the Moshi Lower Slopes

Visitors usually think of Kilimanjaro as a summit to climb, but the lower and middle slopes are a rewarding birding destination in their own right. Banana and coffee farms around Moshi give way to dense forest, then to heath and open moorland. Cool air, mist and rich vegetation create a very different atmosphere from the savanna parks of the north.

This guide explains the zones, the bird groups to look for, the best months and the practical rules for visiting the forest. It suits birders planning a day or two around Moshi and safari travellers who want a gentle walk before or after a climb or game drive.

This guide is part of our animals of Uganda and East Africa guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Zones and Their Birds

Altitude drives the species list. A plan that includes at least two zones gives a much better picture of the mountain than a single long walk in one band.

Moshi Farmland and Lower Slopes

The farms around Moshi are often overlooked, yet they hold a lively mix of garden and edge birds. Sunbirds visit flowers, weavers build nests in banana plants and doves call from the trees. Walking along streams and farm tracks offers easy birdwatching with local guides, and it can be combined with a visit to a waterfall or coffee farm. See Moshi coffee and waterfall tours and the Moshi town guide for ideas.

Montane Forest Birds

The forest belt is the richest zone. Turacos call from the canopy, hornbills fly heavily between fruiting trees, and thrushes and robins forage on the forest floor and in the undergrowth. Mixed flocks move through at mid-height, and patient watchers can see warblers, flycatchers and white-eyes. Visibility is limited and light is dim, so sound matters as much as sight. The turaco profile and hornbill profile help with these groups.

Heath, Moorland and Raptors

Higher up, the forest opens into heath and moorland where sunbirds feed on flowering plants and chats flit over the tussocks. Augur buzzards and other raptors patrol the slopes, and the white-necked raven is a familiar sight at high altitude. Cold, wind and thin air make this zone demanding, and reaching it normally means joining a guided trek with a registered operator. See the sunbird profile and the Kilimanjaro wildlife guide.

Best Months and Weather

Forest birds can be watched in any month, but the drier periods are better for walking and for views of the mountain. The long rains bring mist, mud and heavy cloud, though they also stimulate breeding. Migrants from Europe and Asia pass through from around November to March. Always bring a waterproof layer, as weather changes quickly. Read the Kilimanjaro best time to visit guide for an overview of conditions.

Rules, Guides and Access

Entry to the national park is regulated and many walks require a registered operator or park-authorised guide. Climbing the mountain needs an operator and follows official park rules, so do not plan independent trekking in the forest. Day walks on the lower slopes can be arranged through local guides. Details of gates and approaches are in Moshi to the Kilimanjaro gates and Kilimanjaro activities.

Combining Forest Birding With a Safari

The mountain pairs naturally with the northern circuit. After a climb or a forest walk, move on to Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara or Tarangire, all described in the birding series. The journey from the coast is covered in Kilimanjaro airport to Arusha, and lodging is described in Moshi and Kilimanjaro where to stay. For climbing plans see the Kilimanjaro climbing guide.

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Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team