13-Day Tanzania Birding Safari & Wildlife Adventure.
Overview
Tanzania ranks among the premier birding destinations in Africa, with over 1,100 species recorded. This 13-day birding safari offers a blend of expert-guided bird watching and luxurious accommodations, traversing from the lush slopes of Mt. Meru to the vast plains of the Serengeti and the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater. Perfect for avid birders and wildlife photographers alike, this journey features a kaleidoscope of avian colors and calls, alongside unforgettable encounters with Africa’s 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
Kick off your birding excursion with a trip to Arusha National Park. This park features a mix of habitats, including the montane forests of Mt. Meru and picturesque lakes. Begin the day with a guided walking safari, allowing you to immerse yourself in the park's natural beauty on foot. This intimate exploration offers close encounters with the park’s birdlife, such as the Crowned Hawk-Eagle and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, and potentially sight giraffes, colobus monkeys, and various antelopes. This walking safari provides a unique perspective and deeper connection with the natural environment, enhancing your bird watching experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Comfort Accommodation: Masailand Safari Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
Venture to the Lark Plains around Mt. Meru, the sole habitat of the critically endangered Beesley’s Lark. This unique landscape provides opportunities to observe rare sandgrouse, wheatears, pipits, and larks. Nearby scrubs and thickets are home to the Red-throated Tit and Black-throated Barbet, adding depth to your birding list.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Comfort Accommodation: Masailand Safari Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
Travel to Tarangire National Park, known for its towering baobabs and abundant wildlife. The park’s varied habitats support a wealth of bird species including the endemic Ashy Starling and the near-endemic Yellow-collared Lovebird. Over these three days, enjoy extensive game drives that reveal not only spectacular birds but also large herds of elephants and vibrant ecosystems.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Karatu Simba Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
Ascend to the Ngorongoro Crater, exploring its rim where Golden-winged and Tacazze Sunbirds flit among the Leonotis flowers. A full-day safari into the crater allows for incredible birding among large mammals, with the high-altitude environment supporting a unique assortment of avian life amidst breathtaking scenery.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: African Safari Ndutu
Premium Accommodation: Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Lodge
Head to the Ndutu region in the southern Serengeti during the Great Migration’s calving season, a spectacular time for both predator-prey interactions and bird watching. The area’s alkaline lakes and acacia woodlands are teeming with birds such as Fischer’s Lovebird and the Gray-breasted Spurfowl, providing exceptional opportunities for bird photography.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: African Safari Ndutu
Premium Accommodation: Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Lodge
Explore the iconic landscapes of the central Serengeti, particularly the Seronera area, known for its rich birdlife including the Usambiro Barbet and Tanzania Red billed Hornbill. These days are filled with dynamic game drives through river systems and vast grasslands, offering close encounters with Africa’s top predators and a variety of bird species.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Conclude your safari with a morning bird-watching session, then embark on a scenic drive Arusha. Enjoy a memorable farewell lunch at Gibbs Farm, which provides an excellent opportunity for last-minute birding, with the chance to see species like the Grosbeak Weaver and Green-headed Sunbird. Spend the evening in Arusha, reflecting on the journey and preparing for your next steps.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Comfort Accommodation: Masailand Safari Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
Today, you have the option to extend your adventure to Zanzibar, where you can relax on its white sandy beaches, explore historic Stone Town, and enjoy coastal birding. If you're returning home, we will provide a transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport to catch your international flight. Whether you choose the peaceful retreat of Zanzibar or begin your journey home, we ensure a seamless
Meals: 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.
Yes. All our birding safaris include regional bird checklists, binoculars (if needed), and field guidebooks. Our guides also bring spotting scopes and apps for sound identification. Whether you're keeping a detailed log or just enjoying the beauty of the birds, you'll be well-supported with the tools you need.
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!
