Description
This immersive birding journey takes you through Tanzania’s most ecologically diverse habitats, offering the chance to spot hundreds of bird species along with the iconic wildlife of East Africa. From the dry bushlands of Mkomazi to the wetlands of Manyara, the forests of Ngorongoro, and the river ecosystems of the Serengeti, each destination presents a unique opportunity to observe migratory and endemic birds. You’ll be accompanied by expert birding guides and stay in strategically located camps and lodges that place you close to both rare birds and abundant game.
- Over 500+ potential bird species across multiple ecosystems
- Birding-focused drives, nature walks, and photographic opportunities
- Classic Big Five game drives paired with specialist birding
- Visit a mix of arid, forested, highland, and riverine habitats
- Spot unique species like the Secretary Bird, Verreaux’s Eagle, Saddle-billed Stork, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Fischer’s Lovebird, and Black-headed Heron
- Private safari vehicle with birding checklists and binoculars provided
- Stay in remote, eco-conscious lodges and camps ideal for birders
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Welcome Briefing & Birdwatching Walk
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you’ll be welcomed by your guide and transferred to a quiet lodge surrounded by lush gardens. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a short birding walk around the property, often rewarding with sightings of sunbirds, barbets, and turacos. Evening briefing and dinner.
Day 2: Mkomazi National Park – Dry Country Specialists
Depart early for Mkomazi National Park, a semi-arid reserve bordering Tsavo in Kenya. Known for its rare dry-country bird species, you’ll search for Somali Ostrich, Vulturine Guineafowl, Kori Bustard, Rosy-patched Bushshrike, and more. Game is sparse but includes gerenuk, oryx, and endangered black rhino (in a sanctuary). Overnight in a remote bush camp with excellent birding access.
Day 3: Tarangire National Park – Birds and Baobabs
After breakfast, drive to Tarangire, one of Tanzania’s birding gems. The park’s swamps and baobab-studded plains host over 500 species, including Yellow-collared Lovebirds, Pygmy Falcons, and Bateleurs. During your game drive, you’ll also spot elephants, giraffes, and lions. Stay at a tented lodge near the river, perfect for dawn birdwatching.
Day 4: Lake Manyara National Park – Rift Valley Bird Paradise
This compact park is a birder’s haven. The alkaline lake attracts thousands of flamingos, pelicans, storks, and ducks. Forested areas are alive with Crowned Hornbills, African Fish Eagles, and Blue Monkeys. A walking safari along the lake edge offers close-up views of waders and raptors. Overnight in Karatu or on the escarpment rim.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater – Highland Forest & Wetland Birds
Descend into the crater for a full-day safari in this natural amphitheater. Look out for Ostriches, Grey Crowned Cranes, Augur Buzzards, and flocks of Red-billed Teals. The Lerai Forest is home to turacos, cuckoos, and raptors. A picnic lunch by a hippo pool adds scenic charm. After the game drive, ascend to your lodge on the crater rim or in the surrounding highlands.
Day 6: Western Serengeti (Grumeti River) – Raptors & Riverine Birds
Drive to the Serengeti’s western corridor, following the wildlife-rich Grumeti River. This ecosystem offers excellent birding for Martial Eagles, African Fish Eagles, Saddle-billed Storks, and kingfishers. Afternoon game drives focus on the river’s predators and birdlife. Overnight in a luxury tented camp along the river.
Days 7–8: Western Serengeti Continued – Bush Walks & Bird Focused Drives
Spend the next day exploring wooded savannah and river areas. Early morning bush walks (where permitted) reveal bee-eaters, rollers, and weavers. You may witness seasonal wildebeest crossings, but birding remains the focus. Evenings are perfect for night sounds and possibly spotting owls or nightjars.
Day 9: Northern Serengeti – Mara River and Raptors
Head north to the remote Mara River zone, where cliff habitats and dramatic landscapes host species like Rüppell’s Vultures, Tawny Eagles, and Verreaux’s Eagle Owls. The river draws in storks, herons, and sandpipers. Game drives here are both bird- and predator-rich. Overnight near the Mara River in a secluded camp.
Day 10: Northern Serengeti – Final Full-Day Bird Safari
Spend your last full day exploring open plains and river valleys, with chances to spot Secretary Birds striding through the grass, Bustards displaying, and smaller grassland birds like larks and pipits. Optional walking safaris and picnic lunches round out your final Serengeti experience.
Day 11: Fly to Arusha – Optional Cultural Extension
After breakfast, fly back to Arusha. Enjoy lunch and perhaps a visit to a local bird rescue or cultural center before your international flight home.
Optional Day 12: Departure or Extension to Lake Natron or Usambara Mountains
For dedicated birders, consider extending your journey to Lake Natron for flamingos or to the Usambara Mountains for forest endemics.
- Extensive exploration of Serengeti’s wildlife and landscapes
- Witnessing the Great Migration (seasonal)
- Exclusive game drives in the Ngorongoro Crater
- Cultural interactions with the Maasai people
- Panoramic views and luxury accommodation at the crater rim
