Tanzania Birding Safaris

Birding Safari Holidays in Tanzania

Tanzania boasts a bird list of 1,038 species, the 3rd biggest in Africa. Eight of the 10 families endemic to mainland Africa are present. Raptors, plovers, parrots, turacos, bee-eaters, barbets, starlings, weavers, pipits and sunbirds are well represented. Led by excellent guides specialized in Bird life, this safari will visit some of the most interesting areas in Northern Tanzania focusing into different habitats and ecosystems. This is a true safari for keen naturalists, for people interested in something else than just viewing wildlife from the comfort of their vehicle. The best birding spots are the Acacia woodlands, plains of Sinya, the Mountain Forests of Arusha National Park and Ngorongoro, the Baobab country in Tarangire, the Rift Valley escarpment and the forests at Lake Manyara and the Serengeti Plains in search of the most interesting bird species.

Birding Safari Holidays in Tanzania

Tanzania boasts a rich avifauna, with around 1,100 bird species recorded. Among these, several are unique to the country, including some national endemics.

Tanzania Birding Safaris and Tours

Tanzania birding safaris offer one of the best bird watching experiences in East Africa. Bird watching in Tanzania is a dream for nature lovers. We take you to the best locations for spotting iconic and endemic birds of Tanzania. The best bird watching tour destinations include Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Usambara Mountains, Ruaha, and Selous. The birds of Tanzania include popular species like the shoebill, Fischer’s lovebird, secretary bird, lilac-breasted roller, and the endemic Usambara eagle-owl.

Bird watching safaris

Best Destinations for Bird Watching in Tanzania

Serengeti National Park

  • Key Species: Kori bustard, secretary bird, Fischer’s lovebird, raptors (eagles, vultures).
  • Why Visit: The vast savannahs attract ground birds and migratory species. The Seronera Valley is a birding hotspot.
  • Best Time: November to April (migratory birds).

Ngorongoro Crater

  • Key Species: Greater and Lesser Flamingos at Lake Ndutu, ostriches, Augur buzzard, Schalow’s turaco.

  • Why Visit: The crater’s mix of grasslands, swamps, and forests hosts over 500 bird species.

  • Best Time: Year-round (flamingos peak in wet season).

Lake Manyara National Park

  • Key Species: Pink-backed pelicans, African spoonbill, silvery-cheeked hornbill, flamingos.
  • Why Visit: Famous for tree-climbing lions and its alkaline lake attracting thousands of waterbirds.
  • Best Time: July to October (dry season for concentrated wildlife).

Selous Game Reserve

  • Key Species: African skimmer, Pel’s fishing owl, kingfishers, carmine bee-eaters.
  • Why Visit: Remote and pristine riverine forests, the Rufiji River delta which is ideal for birding safari in Tanzania.
  • Best Time: June to October (easier access and fewer mosquitoes).

Udzungwa Mountains

  • Key Species: The endemic Udzungwa partridge, African violet-backed sunbird, forest buzzard.
  • Why Visit: A biodiversity hotspot with 400+ species, including 4 found nowhere else.
  • Best Time: Dry season (June to October) for clear trails.

Tarangire National Park

  • Key Species: Yellow-collared lovebird, ashy starling, vulturine guineafowl.
  • Why Visit: Baobab-dotted landscapes are very attractive.
  • Best Time: Novembe to April (nesting season).

Arusha National Park

  • Key Species: Narina trogon, Hartlaub’s turaco, flamingos (Momella Lakes).
  • Why Visit: Compact park with montane forests and crater lakes. It is easy for day trips.
  • Best Time: Year-round.

Rubondo Island National Park

  • Key Species: African fish eagle, pied kingfisher, rare sitatunga antelope.
  • Why Visit: A secluded island on Lake Victoria with wetland birds and primates.
  • Best Time: December to February (migrant arrivals).

Serengeti National Park

  • Key Species: Crested barbet, pale-billed hornbill, racket-tailed roller.
  • Why Visit: Lesser-visited wilderness with over 570 bird species.
  • Best Time: May to December (dry season concentrates birds at rivers).

Why Choose Tanzania for Birding?

Tanzania is a top birding destination in Africa, boasting over 1,100 recorded bird species. Birds of Tanzania includes many resident and migratory birds, and a number of endemic species.

  • Diverse Habitats: Tanzania provides the best destinations for birdlife.
  • Endemic and Rare Species: Spot the top Tanzanian bird species such as red-billed hornbill, Fischer’s lovebird, and the Usambara eagle-owl.
  • Year-Round Birding: Migratory birds and resident species ensure all time bird watching experience.
  • tanzania birding safaris

Tanzania Birding Tour Gallery

Embarking on a birding safari in Tanzania presents an exceptional blend of photography and nature, offering a unique chance to capture the diverse and colorful avian life of East Africa.

tanzania birding

tanzania-birding-safaris

Birding at Serengeti National Park

Birding at Serengeti

Tarangire National Park birding

Frequently Asked Questions

Tanzania’s most iconic and unique bird is the Fischer’s Lovebird (Agapornis fischeri). It is a vibrant small parrot endemic to the northern regions near Lake Manyara and Serengeti. Udzungwa Partridge is also a rare bird found only in the Udzungwa Mountains.

Tanzania boasts over 1,100 recorded bird species, making it one of Africa’s top birding destinations. The key bird watching destinations are Selous Game Reserve and Eastern Arc Mountains.

The Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum) is the national bird of Tanzania. It is known for its striking golden crest and elegant dance displays.

Top birding destinations in Tanzania include Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Ruaha, Selous, and the Usambara Mountains.

The best time for Tanzania birding safaris is from November to April, when migratory birds from Europe and Asia arrive. However, resident species can be spotted year-round.

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