14-Day Ultimate Northern Tanzania Birding & Wildlife 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
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!
