9 Day Tanzania Birding Safari
Discover Tanzania’s rich birdlife across diverse habitats—savannahs, lakes, forests—spotting flamingos, raptors, endemics, and vibrant migratory species.
Overview
This immersive 9-day birdwatching safari traverses Tanzania’s most iconic and ecologically diverse landscapes — from flamingo-filled alkaline lakes and golden savannahs to dramatic volcanic highlands and lush riverine woodlands. As you journey through the Great Rift Valley, Serengeti plains, and baobab-dotted wilderness, you’ll encounter a dazzling array of bird species in their natural habitats, including endemics, migrants, and raptors soaring above untouched skies.
Led by expert birding guides with in-depth knowledge of East Africa’s avifauna, this itinerary is designed to balance focused birdwatching with the sheer joy of safari travel. Each destination offers unique birding zones — from soda lake edges frequented by pelicans and plovers to forested escarpments hiding turacos and barbets. With over 1,100 bird species recorded in Tanzania, every day presents new opportunities to observe and photograph rare and colorful sightings.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder building your life list, or a nature lover drawn to Tanzania’s raw beauty, this safari offers an unforgettable fusion of ornithology, wildlife encounters, scenic drives, and cultural insights. Tailored for comfort and flexibility, you can choose from carefully selected accommodation levels each night — ensuring your experience is as relaxing as it is rewarding. Optional activities like walking safaris, local village visits, or post-safari beach extensions to Zanzibar allow you to further personalize your adventure.
From dawn chorus in the Serengeti to the whispering baobab groves of Tarangire, every moment of this birding expedition is a celebration of Tanzania’s rich natural heritage.
Safari Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your professional birding guide will warmly welcome you. After a short transfer to Arusha, take time to unwind and receive a detailed briefing about your safari. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy optional birding around the lodge, spotting local species such as sunbirds, hornbills, and weavers in the lush gardens.
Meals: Not Included
Comfort Accommodation: Masailand Safari Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
Today you drive through scenic Maasai territory and the Great Rift Valley to reach the remote and otherworldly Lake Natron. Known for its caustic waters and massive flamingo colonies, Natron is also home to Chestnut-banded Plovers, sandgrouse, bee-eaters, and more. Late afternoon birding along the lakeshore offers a serene and colorful welcome to the region.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: African Safari Lake Natron
Premium Accommodation: Ngare Sero – Lake Natron Camp
Depart Lake Natron and drive toward Lake Manyara National Park, a scenic jewel nestled beneath the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley. The park’s blend of groundwater forest, open grasslands, and alkaline lake attracts a rich mix of species — from Silvery-cheeked Hornbills and Narina Trogons in the trees, to large flocks of flamingos, storks, and pelicans on the lake. Afternoon birding will also reveal kingfishers, bee-eaters, and colorful barbets.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Motto Cottage
Premium Accommodation: Lake Manyara Kilimamoja
After a leisurely breakfast, depart for Serengeti National Park via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. En route, birdwatch along woodland savannahs and open plains, where you might spot Augur Buzzards, Ostriches, and Grey-breasted Spurfowls. Arrive in Serengeti in time for an afternoon game and birding drive.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Spend the day traversing Serengeti’s expansive landscapes, home to over 500 bird species. Highlights may include Kori Bustards, Secretary Birds, Tawny Eagles, Helmeted Guineafowls, and the endemic Usambiro Barbets. You’ll also enjoy excellent chances of spotting large mammals, making it a thrilling day of mixed birding and wildlife.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Enjoy morning birding en route as you exit Serengeti and ascend into the Ngorongoro Highlands. The transition in habitat brings sightings of Schalow’s Turaco, Baglafecht Weavers, and White-eyed Slaty Flycatchers. Optional stop at Olduvai Gorge for a glimpse into Tanzania’s archaeological heritage.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Karatu Simba Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
Drive to Lake Eyasi, a birding hotspot flanked by acacia woodland and seasonal wetlands. Look out for Fischer’s Lovebirds, Pink-breasted Larks, White-headed Buffalo Weavers, and more. This region also offers an optional cultural visit to the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes for insight into indigenous ways of life.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Karatu Simba Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
Depart early for Tarangire National Park, a landscape dominated by massive baobabs and home to over 550 bird species. Key species include Yellow-collared Lovebirds, Ashy Starlings, and various hornbills and raptors. Birding is particularly rewarding along the Tarangire River during the dry season.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Ang'ata Tarangire Camp
Premium Accommodation: Tarangire Greenland Retreat
Enjoy optional early morning birding before beginning your journey back to Arusha. After lunch, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your international flight or continue your journey to Zanzibar for coastal birding and relaxation.
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.