10 Days Birdwatching Tanzania

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer to your lodge in Arusha, the gateway to northern Tanzania’s birding circuit. After check-in, enjoy a relaxed afternoon birdwalk in the lush gardens of your lodge or nearby forested areas. This is a great introduction to Tanzania’s highland and woodland birds. Common sightings include the Collared Sunbird, Variable Sunbird, Bronze Mannikin, and Silvery-cheeked Hornbill. Your guide will brief you on the trip ahead and help you get familiar with the bird species you will encounter over the coming days. Prepare for a bird-rich adventure filled with endemic species, migratory wonders, and diverse habitats.

Accommodation: Four Points Hotel

Meal Plan:Bed and Breakfast

Travel to Tarangire National Park, famous for its ancient baobabs and high density of wildlife, including over 550 bird species. The Tarangire River attracts large flocks of birds year-round, especially during the dry season. Explore woodland and riverine habitats in search of endemic and dry-country species like the Yellow-collared Lovebird, Ashy Starling, Red-and-yellow Barbet, and Northern White-crowned Shrike. Raptors such as Bateleur Eagles, Martial Eagles, and Tawny Eagles soar overhead. In the late afternoon, enjoy a peaceful sundowner while listening to the calls of hornbills, doves, and francolins.

Accommodation: Tarangire Simba Tented Lodge

Meal Plan: All meals Included

Drive into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and ascend into the lush highlands of the crater rim. This montane ecosystem is home to forest specialists and high-altitude endemics. Take a walk through the forest trails near the lodges for sightings of Schalow’s Turaco, Montane White-eye, Baglafecht Weaver, and Tacazze Sunbird. The open grasslands along the crater rim may reveal Augur Buzzards and Hunter’s Cisticolas. If time allows, descend into the crater to birdwatch along the wetlands and open plains. Expect Crowned Cranes, Kori Bustards, and Grey Crowned Cranes among big game.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: All Meals Included

Today, drive through the Ngorongoro highlands into the endless savannahs of the Serengeti. Stop en route for roadside birding in grasslands and acacia woodlands. Watch for Secretarybirds striding across the plains, Rosy-throated Longclaws perched in tall grass, and various bustards, larks, and pipits. Along the journey, your bird list may grow with sightings of raptors such as Long-crested Eagles and Steppe Eagles. Arrive in Central Serengeti in time for an afternoon birding session around Seronera. Look out for the endemic Rufous-tailed Weaver and Grey-crested Helmet-shrike.

Accommodation:Heritage Camps

Meal Plan: All Meals included

Spend the full day birding in Central Serengeti, focusing on grasslands, riverine woodlands, and granite kopjes. This region is a mix of ecosystems that support both widespread and rare bird species. Scan the plains for Kori Bustards, Ostriches, Black-bellied Bustards, and migrant wheatears. Along rivers, watch for Malachite Kingfishers, Goliath Herons, and African Finfoots. On rocky outcrops, spot Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, Rock Martins, and Cinnamon-breasted Rock Buntings. Serengeti is also excellent for birding big flocks of vultures and storks around predator kills.

Accommodation: Heritage Camps

Meal Plan: All Meals included

Depart the Serengeti and head northeast toward the remote Lake Natron region. This arid landscape lies in the shadow of Ol Doinyo Lengai and is the primary breeding site for East Africa’s Lesser Flamingos. Arrive in time for a late afternoon birding walk along the lake’s edge. Observe flamingo colonies, Chestnut-banded Plovers, Ruff, Avocets, and Three-banded Coursers. The harsh alkaline environment attracts unique desert-adapted birdlife. Lake Natron is also excellent for spotting raptors like the Egyptian Vulture and Augur Buzzard soaring against dramatic volcanic backdrops.

Accommodation:Africa Safari Lake Natron

Meal Plan: All Meals Included

Begin the day early to enjoy the cool morning temperatures and best bird activity around Lake Natron. Walk along the Engaresero River and explore nearby canyons and wetlands. Target species include Fischer’s Sparrow-lark, Red-fronted Barbet, Nubian Woodpecker, and Eastern Violet-backed Sunbird. Scan the cliffs for Lanner Falcons and enjoy up-close encounters with thousands of flamingos feeding in the shallow soda lake. The diversity in this remote area is surprising, combining desert birds with wetland species. Cultural interactions with Maasai communities can enrich the experience.

Accommodation: Africa Safari Lake Natron

Meal Plan:All Meals Included

After breakfast, begin your return journey to Arusha, passing through dramatic Rift Valley scenery. Depending on your route and flight schedule, you may stop at birding spots along the way or enjoy a cultural visit. Your guide will help finalize your checklist and review highlights from the trip, including endemics and lifers spotted throughout Tanzania’s national parks and remote regions. Arrive in Arusha for lunch, some souvenir shopping, or a brief rest before your airport transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure. End of your unforgettable birdwatching safari in Tanzania.

If there will be need to overnight in Arusha so a s to catch up with flights the next day, accommodation arrangements shall be made and clients will pay services direct to Hotel/Lodge in Arusha. Range of Hotel/Lodge in Arusha to be booked for the last night can be discussed on arrival.