12-Day Tanzania Birding Safari: Winged Wonders from Highlands to Rift & Rainforest
Explore Tanzania’s top birding hotspots in 12 days—from Serengeti plains to Udzungwa rainforests—spotting 500+ species in a private safari car.
Overview
This expertly guided birding safari takes you across Tanzania’s most diverse ecosystems—ranging from misty montane forests and acacia-dotted savannahs to alkaline lakes and lush tropical rainforests. Traveling in a private 4×4 safari car fully equipped for birdwatching, you’ll journey from the slopes of Mount Meru to the flamingo-dotted Lake Natron and end in the endemic-rich Udzungwa Mountains. With over 500 bird species expected, this itinerary offers exceptional opportunities for dedicated birders seeking both rare endemics and East African classics.
Safari Itinerary
After breakfast our driver will collect you and head into Arusha town for any last-minute purchases before heading off on a 2-3 hour drive to the Tarangire National park. Tarangire is well known for its huge elephant population and ancient baobab trees. It forms the centre of an annual migratory cycle that includes up to 3,000 elephants, 25,000 wildebeest and 30,000 zebras. After a morning game drive, we will stop to enjoy packed lunches and cold drinks. We’ll bring you to your accommodation in Karatu before the evening sets in, either in the park or outside of it depending on your choice of hotel.
Meals: Not Included
Comfort Accommodation: Masailand Safari Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
Today you'll head out in your private safari car for a full day of birding in Arusha National Park. The park’s diversity of habitats—montane forest, acacia woodland, alkaline lakes, and the Ngurdoto Crater—makes it a perfect introduction to East African birdlife. Key targets include Bar-tailed Trogon, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Maccoa Duck, and Lesser Flamingos. Walking safaris led by a ranger offer close-up views of forest species.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Comfort Accommodation: Masailand Safari Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park, a prime birding site known for its ancient baobab trees and rich diversity. You'll explore this vast landscape in your safari vehicle, scanning for Yellow-collared Lovebird, Ashy Starling, Red-and-Yellow Barbet, and various raptors like African Hawk Eagle. The Tarangire River attracts both mammals and a high concentration of waterbirds.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Karatu Simba Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
Depart Karatu and ascend into the Ngorongoro Highlands, birding along the forested slopes for Schalow’s Turaco, White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher, and Eastern Double-collared Sunbird. You’ll descend onto the Serengeti plains, entering the park via Naabi Hill Gate. Enjoy en-route birding for open-country species like Rufous-naped Lark, Grey-capped Social Weaver, and Black-winged Lapwing.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Spend a full day birding the Seronera Valley and surrounding plains. This region is rich in both birdlife and predators. Watch for Kori Bustard, Secretary Bird, Rosy-throated Longclaw, Grey-breasted Spurfowl, and Red-throated Tit. Riverine woodlands host species like African Fish Eagle, while kopjes shelter Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl and Coqui Francolin.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Begin the day with early morning birding in the Serengeti, then slowly make your way toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. En route, look out for White-headed Buffalo Weaver, Rufous-tailed Weaver, and Cisticolas in acacia thickets. As you approach the highlands, birding shifts toward forest-edge species like Jackson’s Widowbird and Augur Buzzard.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Ang'ata Ngorongoro Camp
Premium Accommodation: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s richest birding and wildlife destinations. In the crater’s alkaline lake, watch for Grey-crowned Crane, Lesser Flamingo, Kittlitz's Plover, and Abdim’s Stork. After lunch, travel toward Lake Manyara, stopping to bird the escarpment and forest edge for Narina Trogon, Crowned Hornbill, and other forest specialists.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Motto Cottage
Premium Accommodation: Lake Manyara Kilimamoja
Explore Lake Manyara’s groundwater forest and lake edge, a haven for species like Pink-backed Pelican, African Spoonbill, African Jacana, and Palm-nut Vulture. After morning birding, drive through rift valley escarpments and Maasai villages to reach Lake Natron. Watch for dry-country birds like Von der Decken’s Hornbill and White-bellied Go-away-bird en route.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: African Safari Lake Natron
Premium Accommodation: Ngare Sero – Lake Natron Camp
Spend the day exploring Lake Natron, the East African breeding ground for Lesser Flamingos. Look for Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Three-banded Courser, Somali Fiscal, Grey Wren-Warbler, and Eastern Violet-backed Sunbird. Optional visit to Engaresero waterfalls and walking trails near the lake for more arid-region specialties.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: African Safari Lake Natron
Premium Accommodation: Ngare Sero – Lake Natron Camp
Start early for your transfer to the Udzungwa Mountains, either via a long scenic drive or charter flight (depending on logistics). Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy forest-edge birding for Livingstone’s Turaco, Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher, and Eastern Nicator. The landscape changes dramatically as you arrive in tropical rainforest territory.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Udzungwa Forest Tented Camp
Premium Accommodation: Udzungwa Falls Lodge
Hike through Udzungwa’s tropical forests, one of Africa’s most biodiverse birding hotspots. Target endemic and near-endemic species like Udzungwa Forest Partridge (rare), Rufous-winged Sunbird, Iringa Akalat, Southern Citril, and Sharpe’s Akalat. The forest is alive with bird calls and also home to Sanje Mangabey and Red Colobus Monkeys.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Udzungwa Forest Tented Camp
Premium Accommodation: Udzungwa Falls Lodge
Spend your final morning enjoying the birds of the forest edge—ideal for photographing elusive canopy species in soft morning light. After breakfast, begin your transfer to Dar es Salaam in time for your evening international flight. Reflect on the diversity of birds and habitats encountered across this unforgettable journey.
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch
Departure: Julius Nyerere International Airport
MID-RANGE INCLUDES
- All Meals as per Itinerary
- Airport Transfers
- National Park Fees
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Government taxes and levies
- Soft Drinks & 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
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Government taxes and levies
- Soft Drinks & 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, we do! All our birding safaris include a detailed bird checklist tailored to the specific regions you'll visit during the itinerary. This checklist covers a wide range of species — from common residents and migrants to localized endemics and rarities — and is categorized by habitat and location. Your expert birding guide will also assist you in recording sightings throughout the trip, making it easy to track your lifers and personal highlights. If you have specific target species, let us know in advance so we can do our best to maximize your chances of spotting them.
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.
Giving Back Through Every Journey
At Tanzaniatrail, we believe that travel should create lasting memories and make a positive difference. That’s why 1% of every safari package you book goes directly back to local communities in Tanzania. We regularly visit and support orphanages and community centers, and our dream is to establish a dedicated children’s home under Tanzaniatrail’s care. When you travel with us, you’re not only exploring Tanzania’s beauty — you’re also helping provide education, food, and brighter futures for vulnerable children. Your adventure changes lives. Travel with purpose.