Tropical Birding ToursReviews on record for tropicalbirding.com

I am very happy to be associated with this site.

It's when things go wrong that one finds out about the quality of a company and its staff. We had been traveling in Tanzania for 3 weeks and were on the last part of our trip. We were flying back from Pemba Island with a change over in Zanzibar back to Arusha. Our plane was delayed in Pemba, missed the connection in Zanzibar to Arusha. One potential flight left leaving at 10 that night (12 hours from now) with a change of airports in Arusha. All flights were full for the next day. The change of airports is important because it meant a 90 minute trip to the hotel instead of 20 minutes. Once we got provisional booking (airline would not confirm our booking for several hours yet) on the 10 pm fight that was now delayed to 11 pm, I sent an email to Desiree, the office mgr asking for some help in contacting the hotel to let them know of our late arrival. TB had already been aware of our missed flight, when we didn't show up at the original time and had already been working on our situation. We heard back from our Guide Ken, the owner Keith, our dirver Njona and the local tour operator Stephanie. All were primed to assists us. When the flight finally left Zanzibar at 1 am, arrived at 2 am in Arusha Njona was there to pick us up with a smile. Hotel was ready and waiting at 3:30 am when we arrived. Hotel in the case is small family run affair that only has 8 rooms, Katambuga House and is highly recommended as well by us. This review is a big thank you to the folks a TB for all their efforts behind the scenes. But how was the birding you might ask? Incredible, knowledgeable, and interesting guides, both Ken and Andres. Tanzania should be on everyone's bucket list. In our pre-decision planning, we were trying where to go in Africa. Based on their suggestion, "If you are only going to visit Africa one time in your life, make it Tanzania." We couldn't agree more.

Because our dates in country did not align with any group tour offered by Tropical Birding, they arranged a custom tour for us in the Tandayapa Valley region of Northwest Ecuador. The staff at TB were incredibly helpful and worked with us to design and schedule the tour that we wanted. Several times during the planning process we asked for changes or accommodations, and they were able to make these happen. Our experience was amazing, in very large part due to our guide, Andres de la Torres. His knowledge of birds (by sight and by song or call), as well as of the flora and other natural history of the region was extensive. We have engaged a number of guides on our birding travels and Andres was clearly among the best - we recommend him without any reservations at all! He is fully bilingual, was extremely attentive to our interests and desires, and was a pleasure to be with for our 8-day tour. The only downside to an overall great tour experience was the lodging. TB owns the Tandayapa Birding Lodge, which features helpful and friendly staff, and good food. TBL is set in the forest, but unlike several other lodges we visited in the area there is no clear space or view of the valley. There are feeders set out at TBL, but the hummingbird feeders and solid food feeders are on opposite sides of the building, so we had to choose to watch one or the other. Additionally, our visit was during the rainy season, and there are regular mudslides that block the road above and below TBL. On two separate occasions we had to alter our day’s itinerary because the road was blocked. Fortunately, Andres was able to come up with alternative plans on those days and our biding adventures continued. Overall a great tour – thank you Andres and Tropical Birding!

Full disclosure - I did not go on a tour with this group, but had a great experience with their guides that made me feel I ought to write a good review regardless. While at Artemis Station in FNQ I happened upon a Tropical Birding tour group, and while making small talk with the guides idly mentioned it was my first time heading up to the Iron Ranges. Despite not having hired them they proceeded to give me a full in-depth lecture on where to find each specific target species of note, in some cases down to describing the exact place to stand and direction to look, and so far this intel has proved flawless. They clearly know their stuff, so I must highly recommend them.

This was probably my best birding trip ever (Costa Rica Photo, Feb. 2024). First, as things turned out, there were only two of us on the tour with Pablo Cervantes as our guide and driver. We were all reasonably compatible personalities so, virtually the whole time, the trip atmosphere was very congenial, respectful and mutually considerate. Second, the pace was mostly easy, balanced and manageable (for old bodies). We had enough time everywhere to indulge our respective interests, to see all the birds that were reasonably seeable and to take all the photos we wanted. None of us are maniacal listers, so the balance between birding, photography and our respective abilities to enjoy the whole experience was just right. Virtually perfect from my septuagenarian perspective. Third, I learned more about my camera, photography and bird photography in particular, thanks to Pablo’s experience and tactful readiness to teach a slow learner and to help correct ingrained habits. Fourth, in prepping for the trip, I had identified some 450 species we might see (based on eBird sightings over the past five years) of which over half would be lifers for me. By the time we finished, we had seen 250 total species (some not on my list!) and I had 99 lifers. In addition, for most of them, I managed to get good photos. Fifth, apart from one lodge whose infrastructure and management had clearly seen better days, accommodation and meals ranged from good to enjoyably unique, to truly spectacular. Finally, all TB staff - and especially Pablo - were unfailingly friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and willing to accommodate special and specific interests. This was one exceedingly excellent and very memorable trip.

My fourth trip to Ecuador with Tropical Birding was going fabulously! Guide José was finding birds that I had missed on my prior visit to the eastern Andes and even coaxing most of the ‘difficult’ birds into view. José was cheerful and energetic regardless the long trails, rain and mud that you encounter when searching for special birds. But. News of Corvid-19 loomed ominously. What happened next proves the value of traveling with a company with capable and devoted office support with extensive connections throughout the region, as well as exceptional guides. First, Tropical personnel arranged an alternative lodge because national parks were closing. One day later Guide José and Office Staff worked very late on a Saturday night to arrange travel back to the US, starting with scheduling a 3-hour boat trip to the nearest airport city, when news indicated that borders and airports were closing in 24 hours. I already have another trip scheduled with Tropical and I will certainly plan more. At times like those – emergencies or any event that might impact the usual smooth operation and great bird-watching that I’ve experienced on prior trips - the value of a trip with Tropical is priceless!

Exceeded all my expectations. Simply an amazing experience. Our guide Jose is undoubtedly the best bird guide I have ever been with. Everything worked perfectly and it was wonderful to just enjoy the birds and not have to worry about anything.

Excellent. Good accommodation, superb food, and top class birding. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and the itinerary was well designed to ensure new & interesting birds every day. Highly recommended.