Pare Mountains (Birding Area & Trekking)

The Pare Mountains are located in the Kilimanjaro Region of northeastern Tanzania, stretching between the towns of Mwanga in the north and Same in the south, close to the Kenyan border. They are divided into the North Pare Mountains near Mwanga and the South Pare Mountains near Same. Geographically, the mountains are bordered to the west by the Makanya plains and Mount Kilimanjaro, while to the east lies the Usambara Mountains. To the southeast, the range descends towards Lake Jipe, a picturesque lake that straddles the border between Tanzania and Kenya, known for its rich birdlife, fishing, and local boat rides.

Nearby, you’ll find Mkomazi National Park, famous for rhinos, wild dogs, and vast open savannahs, just south of Same. Within the Pare Mountains, visitors can trek to Shengena Peak, the highest point offering sweeping views of the plains, Kilimanjaro, and even across to Kenya on clear days. The area is rich in cultural heritage, ancient ritual sites, traditional Pare villages, and scenic terraced hills, making the Pare Mountains a captivating blend of nature, culture, and adventure with easy connections to other northern Tanzanian attractions.

 Bird Species in Pare Mountains

The Pare Mountains are a rewarding destination for keen birders, especially for spotting species restricted to the Somali-Maasai arid zones. The mountains are home to the endemic South Pare White-eye (Zosterops winifredae), found nowhere else in the world, and the localized paarensis race of the Bar-throated Apalis. The blend of montane forests and surrounding bushlands provides diverse habitats that make birdwatching here both unique and memorable.