Chome Nature Forest Reserve extends over 14,283 ha along the ridges and peaks of the South Pare Mountains. It is located between the West Usambara and the North Pare Mountains. the reserve lies in the Para District of Kilimanjaro Region. Chome Nature Forest Reserve was established in 2016. It is the result of upgrading the conservation status of the former Chome Forest Reserve which was declared in 1957.
The reserve lies within an altitudinal range of 1,250- 2,463 m with the highest peak at Mt Shengena. The reserve sits in the part of the Eastern Arc Mountain, nominated for the World Heritage List in 2010. Chome Forest Reserve has numerous bird species and harbours several types of monkeys. It is surrounded by 27 villages, with a total population of 60,916 in 2008.
Climate
The estimated annual rainfall is 1,400 mm, with short rains between November and December and long rains between March and May. The eastern slopes receive more rainfall than the western slopes, with a mist effect at higher altitudes. Temperature ranges between 15°C in July and 20°C in February.
Attractions found at Chome Nature Forest Reserve
Rich Biodiversity
Chome Nature Forest Reserve is home to four of the 136 vertebrate species endemics to the Eastern Arc Mountains are only found in the South Pare Mountains. More so the reserve is a dwell for 13 vertebrate species endemic that are endemic to Eastern Arc Mountains and has been recorded in the South Pare Mountains. Surprisingly five of these are endangered and are found only in Chome Nature Forest Reserve.
The reserve is home to primates like the Angolan pied colobus, Gentle monkey or blue monkey and the Zanzibar lesser galago; rodent species, the vulnerable black, Rufous elephant shrew and bush pigs, and Chameleon and Rhampholeon Viridis.
Additionally, the reserve is home to two species of warty frog or Callulina that are only found in Chome Nature Reserve, Callulina shengena and Callulina stanleyi. The Kilimanjaro blade-horned chameleon, Kinyongia tavetanum, is found in Chome Nature Reserve.
Birds in Chome Forest Reserve
Chome Forest Reserve has numerous bird species. Some of the birds sighted here include south pare white eye bird , Red capped tailor bird, hamerkop, white-eared barbet, brown-breasted barbet, white-crested helmetshrike , black sawing, Baglafecht weaver, yellow-bellied waxbill, red-billed firefinch , southern citril, hartlaub’s turaco, mountain buzzard, common buzzard, mustached tinkerbird, white-tailed crested flycatcher, African yellow-warbler, barn swallow, black-headed mountain greenbul, cabanis’s greenbul and tawny-flanked prinia among others
Vegetation
The reserve is also home to over 554 plant species that are endemic to the Eastern Arc Mountains grow in the South Pare Mountains. Where six of these are restricted to the South Pares and two of which are recorded only in Chome Nature Forest Reserve.
Moss-covered upper montane forest occurs above 2300 m, with elfin forest on the highest ridges. Wet montane forests cover about 60% of the reserve, particularly on the eastern and western slopes of valleys at 2,000-2,300 m. Ocotea usambarensis is the dominant emergent tree reaching up to 45 m tall. Primary heath, dominated by Erica arborea, occurs along rocky ridges in shallow, acidic soils.
Tourist activities to do Chome Nature Forest Reserve
Bird Watching
Bird watching in Chome Nature Forest Reserve presents you with a lifetime opportunity to look out for the 90 bird species. Over 43 species of birds can be spotted in a single birding tour and the must-see birds include the south Pare white eye bird, mountain wagtail, red-capped robin-chat, African black-headed oriole, trumpeter hornbill, speckled mousebird.
Other birds of Chome Nature Forest include the augur buzzard, long-billed pipit, African stonechat, cape robin-chat, African dusky flycatcher, and olive-headed greenbul.
The useful birding site is the South Pare Mountains which is an important bird area with more than 95 bird species including the South Pare white eye bird.
Forest walk
Chome Nature Forest Reserve is a rich natural forest, home to diverse floral and faunal species. The best way to enjoy a close interaction with nature is by embarking on a guided nature or forest walks. On a forest walk, the likely species to come across include primates such as Angolan pied colobus, Gentle monkey, and blue monkey as well as Zanzibar lesser galago, Rufous elephant shrew and bush pigs, and Chameleon and Rhampholeon Viridis.
Birds include the south pare white eye bird, Red-capped tailor bird hamerkop, white-eared barbet, brown-breasted barbet, white-crested helmet shrike, and more. On a forest walk, you will have remarkable views of the surrounding environment including the Mkomazi National Park, Taita Hills, and Tsavo National Park
Hiking
With well-marked trails that wind through breathtaking landscapes, hiking in Chome is not just an activity; it’s an adventure. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, explore the serene beauty of the forest at your own pace.
Swimming
Cool off in the crystal-clear waters of natural pools scattered throughout the reserve. Swimming amidst the stunning backdrop of towering trees and chirping birds makes for a refreshing break on hot days.
Photographing and Picnicking
Chome Nature Forest Reserve is one of the best places in Tanzania that is worth visiting if you are interested in exceptional views. This amazing reserve features amazing sites such as the South Pare Mountains. These are rich in primates and birdlife, flora, and a lot more.
Village visit
A village visit is a must-do activity while on a Tanzania adventure safari in Chome Nature Forest Reserve. The reserve is home to numerous villages. Engaging in a village visit offers you the chance to learn about their daily way of living. While on your village tours, you will have the chance to participate in a number of cultural activities such as traditional music dancing and tasting local brew among others.
Landscape viewing
Tourist while on the Tanzania adventure tour in this remarkable reserve will have astonishing views of the Mkomazi National Park, Taita Hills and Tsavo National Park (in Kenya) and sisal plantations along the Arusha-Dar es Salaam highway.
How to access Chome Nature Forest Reserve
This reserve is accessible by road from either Kilimanjaro or Dar Es Salaam via the Same town, which is approximately 117 kilometers from Kilimanjaro and 444 kilometers from Dar es Salaam. From Same, it is about 2-hour drive up to the reserve
Accommodation facilities
The reserve offers camping facilities. There are 2 campsites in the reserve, one inside the reserve and one at the reserve entrance. Other accommodation services can be secured outside the reserve. Such accommodation facilities include the Kisaka Village Inn in Chome, Tona Lodge, and Tona Annex in Manka. Alternatively, visitors can stay at guest houses in villages surrounding the reserve. There is a visitors’ center for the reserve just outside Same Town.
