Species profile
About this species
Chamaeleo nicosiai, commonly known as Nicosia's chameleon, is a species of chameleon native to Tanzania in East Africa. It is a relatively little-studied species that inhabits forested areas & displays the typical laterally compressed body form & prehensile tail characteristic of chameleons. Like other chameleons, it is capable of changing colour & has independently mobile eyes that allow it to scan its surroundings without moving its head.
Montane & lowland forest edges, shrubby vegetation & woodland areas in Tanzania, East Africa
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Nicosia's chameleon with us in Madagascar.
These departures are part of our Africa programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning hours during the dry season when chameleons are more active & visible basking on exposed branches
Search slowly along branches & vegetation at eye level where chameleons tend to perch, as their cryptic colouration makes them easy to overlook. Use a macro or short telephoto lens to achieve close-up detail without disturbing the animal, & shoot in aperture priority mode to control depth of field. Early morning light provides soft, warm illumination that brings out the texture & colour of the skin without harsh shadows.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Nicosia's chameleon
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.