14 Days of Wild Wonders of Ultimate Birding & Photography Safari.
Overview
Embark on a rich and rewarding journey across Northern Tanzania’s premier wildlife and birding destinations. This 14-day immersive safari is designed specifically for birdwatchers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts. You’ll explore lush forests, alkaline lakes, open savannahs, and ancient craters teeming with wildlife and over 1,100 recorded bird species — from rare endemics to migratory marvels. With expert birding guides, scenic landscapes, and abundant wildlife, this is the ultimate African birding and photographic expedition.
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
Visit the Lark Plains, one of the few places to spot the rare Beesley’s Lark. Then ascend to the Ngorongoro Highlands. Along the way, scan for Eurasian migrants like kestrels, bee-eaters, rollers, and wheatears. The highland forests and crater rim host raptors, vultures, and weavers.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Ang’ata Ngorongoro Camps
Embark on a long but scenic drive westward to the Lake Victoria basin. Upon arrival, check in at your lakeside lodge and enjoy the peaceful setting. Relax and prepare for tomorrow’s birding bonanza.
Meals: Breakfast: Lunch
Comfort Accommodation: Hotel Tilapia
Premium Accommodation: Malaika Beach Resort
Spend the day exploring the shores and wetlands of Africa’s largest lake. Spot malachite kingfishers, bee-eaters, malabou storks, swallows, and dozens of weaver species. Capture vibrant action shots in the early morning and golden hour light.
Meals: Breakfast: Lunch
Comfort Accommodation: Hotel Tilapia
Premium Accommodation: Malaika Beach Resort
Drive through changing landscapes toward the heart of Serengeti National Park. Along the way, enjoy sightings of raptors, bustards, and open-country birds. Afternoon arrival in Seronera with game drive en route.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Spend two full days exploring the vast and varied ecosystems of Central Serengeti. This area is renowned for its diverse habitats, which include extensive savannahs and scattered acacia woodlands, ideal for bird watching and big game viewing. Focus on spotting rare endemics such as the Usambiro Barbet and the Grey-breasted Spurfowl, along with a plethora of other bird species. These days are also perfect for observing Central Serengeti’s abundant wildlife, including lions, leopards, and elephants. The central location provides excellent opportunities to witness the drama of predator-prey interactions, especially if your visit coincides with the Great Migration.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Transition to the Ndutu region, situated in the southern part of the Serengeti ecosystem, during the next two days. This area is particularly famous for the Great Migration's calving season between December and March, where vast herds of wildebeest and zebra give birth, attracting scores of predators. This natural spectacle offers unparalleled wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities. Birding in Ndutu is equally rewarding, with species like the Rufous-tailed Weaver and various helmet-shrikes thriving in the region’s acacia thickets and alkaline lakes. Enjoy mornings and evenings filled with extensive game drives and bird watching excursions, capturing the essence of East Africa’s ecological diversity.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: African Safari Ndutu
Premium Accommodation: Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Lodge
Descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to over 500 bird species. Spot crowned cranes, sunbirds, vultures, and waterfowl. Later, drive to Karatu for an overnight stay in the highlands.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Karatu Simba Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
Begin your exploration of Tarangire National Park, celebrated for its stunning landscapes dominated by ancient baobab trees and dense elephant herds. This day is dedicated to intensive bird watching, seeking out dry-country species such as the Yellow-collared Lovebird and Ashy Starling, which are endemic to the region. The park's unique terrain also supports a rich variety of other birds like the Red-necked Francolin and Rufous-tailed Weaver. Enjoy your safari amid the beautiful scenery, enhanced by the golden light of the setting sun, which provides perfect photographic conditions.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Lake Barunge Tented Camp
Premium Accommodation: Maramboi Tented Lodge
On your final day in Tarangire, embark on an early morning game drive to maximize your chances of encountering wildlife in action and spotting any elusive bird species you might have missed. After lunch, you will be driven back to Arusha, arriving in time to relax and reflect on your safari experiences at your lodge. This evening provides an opportunity to pack and prepare for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Comfort Accommodation: Masailand Safari Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
After breakfast at your lodge, choose to extend your stay by traveling to Zanzibar for a few days of relaxation on its white sandy beaches and exploring its rich cultural heritage, or proceed to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your international flight. If opting for Zanzibar, expect a seamless transition with assistance for all your travel arrangements, promising a blend of coastal bird watching and tropical leisure to perfectly conclude your Tanzanian adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
Explore Tanzania`s Beauty
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