10 Day of Birding in Tanzania's Wild Beauty.
Overview
Embark on a 10-day bird-watching safari through Tanzania’s most spectacular ecosystems. From the lush forests of Arusha National Park to the vast open plains of the Serengeti, this tour is designed for avid bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Accompanied by expert guides, you will encounter an array of bird species, from colorful sunbirds and weavers to majestic raptors and endemics. Each day is carefully planned to enhance your birding experience, complemented by stays in comfortable lodges and scenic drives across diverse landscapes. This itinerary not only promises exceptional bird-watching opportunities but also offers the chance to witness Tanzania’s other iconic wildlife
Safari Itinerary
Upon landing at the airport, you'll be whisked away to your hotel, marking the start of your Tanzanian adventure. Here, you will meet your guide who will provide a comprehensive briefing on the incredible journey ahead. Afterward, take the time to rest or explore the vibrant city of Arusha, known as the gateway to Tanzania's world-renowned national parks. The hotel staff will be more than happy to recommend exciting activities and hidden gems around the area, ensuring you have a memorable first day in this beautiful country.
Meals: Not Included
Comfort Accommodation: Masailand Safari Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
After breakfast, head to Arusha National Park for a day of exploration. The park offers a diverse range of habitats, from the montane forests of Mount Meru to the Ngurdoto Crater. Begin with a guided walking safari, an intimate way to experience the park’s rich birdlife and possibly encounter bushbuck, giraffes, and colobus monkeys. Look for the Narina Trogon and the dazzling Hartlaub’s Turaco. Return to your lodge in Arusha as dusk falls, discussing the day’s sightings over dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Comfort Accommodation: Masailand Safari Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
Depart early for Tarangire National Park, famous for its elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Upon arrival, delve into game drives along the Tarangire River, which attracts a plethora of wildlife and an impressive variety of birds. Spot the endemic Ashy Starling and the vibrant Yellow-collared Lovebird. After a full day of bird watching, retire to your camp within the park, where the sounds of the African bush create a magical nighttime ambiance.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Lake Barunge Tented Camp
Premium Accommodation: Maramboi Tented Lodge
Enjoy a morning birding session in Tarangire, then journey to the town of Mto wa Mbu near Lake Manyara. Check into your lodge outside the national park, offering sweeping views of the Rift Valley escarpment. Spend the afternoon relaxing or take a short walk in the area, which is often teeming with birdlife, providing casual yet rewarding bird watching opportunities.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Motto Cottages
Premium Accommodation: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Dedicate today to exploring Lake Manyara National Park. This small but ecologically diverse park features forest, savannah, and an alkaline lake that draws countless waterbirds, including flamingos and large flocks of pelicans. On a forest drive, keep an eye out for the Silvery-cheeked Hornbill and the elusive Leopard. The park’s compact size makes it ideal for comprehensive and varied bird watching.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Karatu Simba Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
Depart Karatu for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural amphitheater teeming with wildlife and an outstanding place for bird watching. Spot Kori Bustards and the endemic Ngorongoro Rosy Thrush-tanager among the resident wildlife. Spend the evening at a lodge on the crater rim, where the high altitude offers cool temperatures and excellent night sky viewing.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Karatu Simba Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
Start your day departing from the Ngorongoro highlands, moving towards the Serengeti National Park. This transition between landscapes offers a visual feast as you progress from the verdant highlands into the iconic open savannahs of the Serengeti. Arrive by afternoon and commence your birding and wildlife adventures with a game drive. Explore the rich biodiversity that makes the Serengeti a legendary wildlife sanctuary. Your camp in the Serengeti is strategically positioned to maximize exploration, providing a perfect base for the next few days of in-depth discovery of this magnificent park.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Spend a full day in the Serengeti, where the open savannahs and acacia woodlands are home to over 500 species of birds. From the majestic Secretary Bird to the small but striking Fischer’s Lovebird, the Serengeti offers unparalleled bird watching. Enjoy morning and afternoon drives with opportunities to photograph the spectacular wildlife and landscapes.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
After a morning game drive in the Serengeti, capturing last-minute bird sightings and wildlife encounters, you'll fly back to Arusha. Enjoy a farewell dinner at your lodge, sharing memories and photographs from your journey across some of Tanzania’s most beautiful and wildlife-rich areas.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Comfort Accommodation: Masailand Safari Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
Depending on your departure time, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a final stroll around the lodge gardens for any last-minute birding. You will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home, or you can choose to extend your stay by flying to the tropical island of Zanzibar. In Zanzibar, engage in coastal birding and relax on its pristine beaches, offering a perfect end to your Tanzanian adventure.
Meal: Breakfast
MID-RANGE INCLUDES
- All Meals as per Itinerary
- Airport Transfers
- National Park Fees
- Private 4x4 safari Jeep with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Government taxes and levies
- Soft Drinks & Wines/Beers
MID-RANGE EXCLUDES
- Travel Insurance
- International Flights
- Tipping
- Personal Equipments
- Visa fees
LUXURY INCLUDES
- All Meals as per Itinerary
- VIP airport pick-up and drop-off
- All national park and conservation area fees
- Private 4x4 safari Jeep with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Government taxes and levies
- Soft Drinks & Wines/Beers
- Premium accommodation in high-end lodges or luxury tented camps
LUXURY EXCLUDES
- Travel Insurance
- International Flights
- Tipping
- Personal Equipments
- Visa fees
- Premium wines and spirits (unless specified)
FAQs
Birding in Tanzania is a year-round delight, but the best season is from November to April, when the country welcomes migratory species from Europe and Asia. During this period, many birds are in colorful breeding plumage, and the landscapes are lush and vibrant, offering the perfect backdrop for photography and observation. However, even outside this window, Tanzania’s resident bird population remains active and diverse, especially in forested and wetland areas.
Tanzania is one of Africa’s premier birding destinations, boasting over 1,100 recorded species. Depending on your itinerary length and locations visited, a well-planned birding safari can yield sightings of 300 to 500 species. From colorful bee-eaters and turacos to large eagles and elusive forest birds, the range is impressive—suitable for both checklist birders and photographers alike.
Yes! Our birding safaris are led by seasoned guides with specialized knowledge in ornithology. Whether it’s identifying birds by song, behavior, or plumage, our guides are equipped with field guides, checklists, and scopes to enhance your experience. For those who wish, we can arrange private safaris with ornithologist-level experts for in-depth educational experiences.
Absolutely. We can combine birdwatching with general wildlife viewing for mixed-interest groups, couples, or families. Our guides tailor the experience to balance both interests.
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
Absolutely. Whether you’re chasing lifers like the Shoebill, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, or Uluguru Bushshrike, we can craft a fully personalized birding safari based on your target list. Just let us know your top species, and we’ll create a route that maximizes your chances while balancing comfort, photography, and adventure.
Absolutely. Birding safaris in Tanzania are designed to be inclusive, informative, and relaxed. Whether you're new to birdwatching or an experienced birder, our guides will match the pace to your comfort and curiosity. We offer gentle introductions to bird ID, plenty of time to observe, and detailed explanations to help you build confidence and enjoyment in the field.
Of course! We often design birding safaris that balance wildlife game viewing with birdwatching, so everyone enjoys the experience. For non-birders, there are breathtaking landscapes, cultural visits, and sightings of Africa’s iconic animals like lions, elephants, and giraffes. These blended itineraries make it easy for couples or families to travel together without compromising interests.
For a satisfying birding experience, we recommend a minimum of 7 to 12 days. This allows you to explore multiple habitats—from wetlands and woodlands to mountains and open plains. Serious birders may opt for 14+ days to target endemics and rare species. We can tailor the trip length based on your interests, availability, and birding goals.
A birding safari places greater emphasis on slow travel and attention to detail. Rather than rushing to spot the Big Five, birding safaris involve quiet observation, early morning starts, and time in more diverse microhabitats. However, you’ll still encounter abundant mammals—especially in parks like Serengeti and Tarangire—so it’s the best of both worlds for nature lovers.
Definitely! Tanzania is ideal for bird photography, with plenty of light, open landscapes, and cooperative species. Our guides understand how to position the vehicle and approach birds slowly to avoid disturbance. We also offer special photography safaris with private vehicles and optional photography coaching.
Explore Tanzania`s Beauty
Exclusively set apart from the rest, we focus on giving you life affirming and intimately designed experiences throughout Africa. We have safari packages that will suit your needs and budget, We also curate tailor-made safari itineraries. Travel with us today!