Summary
Established to protect endemic species, Magamba nature reserve features German colonial caves, viewpoints such as the skyline, and rich birdlife. It is a premier destination for nature walks, camping, and cultural tours.
TANGA: INTERNATIONAL avid birdwatchers from South Africa and the United States have called on Tanzania to accelerate investment aimed at expanding birdwatching tourism in the country.
The visitors noted that Tanzania is among a handful of countries on the continent, and indeed in the world with an exceptionally rich diversity of bird species, many of which are found nowhere else on the globe.
The birdwatchers, currently in the country enjoying ecotourism at various destinations, made the appeal while visiting the Magamba Nature Reserve in the Tanga region.
They spoke over the need for the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) to strengthen its conservation efforts and adopt advanced technologies to protect natural forest reserves.
Mr. Errol De Beer, a South African tourism stakeholder leading a group of birdwatchers from the US said Tanzania is home to rare and strikingly beautiful birds.
“Visiting the Usambara Mountains this morning has been a blessing for me and my fellow visitors. This area provides a habitat for rare, shy species and many more birds than in many other parts of the world I have visited,” he said.
He also expressed his admiration for the ecological richness of the larger forest.
Ms. Letitia Lussier, a U.S.-based park ranger, said Tanzania is one of the best birdwatching hotspots.
“Magamba Nature Reserve is wonderful in every aspect, the vegetation, beautiful birds, butterflies, and numerous flower species. This is amazing,” she said.
She pledged to serve as a good ambassador, encouraging other birdwatchers from the United States to visit the 9,283.9-hectare montane rainforest, renowned for its birdwatching, biodiversity, hiking, and history.
Mr. Victor Micongewa, a tour guide with the Arusha-based Tanzania Birdwatching, insisted the importance of effective forest preservation to provide better habitats for bird species.
“Today, the world praises us for preserving rare birds, but this is only possible because of the presence of these well-preserved natural forests,” he noted.
Ms. Joyce Kabuche, Senior Conservation Officer (SCO) for the Magamba Nature Reserve under TFS, said effective measures are being implemented to ensure the forest’s sustainability.
“We have established a solid system for the management and effective conservation of Magamba Nature Reserve,” she said.
She explained that the system involves surrounding local communities, who play a central role in caring for this vital resource.
“This forest borders 21 villages, and we have formed Village Natural Resources Committees (VNRC) in each village,” she noted.
Ms. Kabuche added that TFS has provided committee members with key conservation awareness, and that the strategy is yielding positive results.
Managed by TFS, the Magamba Nature Forest Reserve is located in the West Usambara Mountains near Lushoto, Tanga. The 9,283.9-hectare montane rainforest is well known for its biodiversity, hiking, birdwatching, and unique history.
Established to protect endemic species, the reserve features German colonial caves, viewpoints such as the skyline, and rich birdlife. It is a premier destination for nature walks, camping, and cultural tours.
