7-Day Northern Tanzania Birding Safari
Overview
Explore Tanzania’s top birdwatching destinations, from forests to savannas and crater lakes, with a professional bird guide. Begin in Arusha National Park, home to diverse woodlands and lakes. Continue to Tarangire, known for its varied landscapes and rich wildlife. At Lake Manyara, spot flamingos and other vibrant species. The Serengeti offers riverine habitats and vast plains. Discover highland and wetland birds in the Ngorongoro Crater before concluding at Lake Duluti.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Arusha – Birding at Arusha National Park
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to Arusha National Park. This park offers an excellent introduction to Tanzanian birdlife, with over 400 recorded species. You will explore the lush montane forest, the Momella Lakes, and open grasslands, where you may spot Hartlaub’s Turaco, Narina Trogon, Bar-tailed Trogon, Scaly Francolin, and Silvery-cheeked Hornbill. Other highlights include the African Fish Eagle and various species of Kingfishers. After an exciting birding experience, you will return to your accommodation in Arusha for the night.
Accommodation: Arusha Farm House
Day 2: Kigali/AkageDay 2 Tarangire National Park – Birding & Wildlife Viewingra National Park
After breakfast, you will drive to Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s premier birding destinations, home to over 500 species. The park’s varied habitats, including woodlands, swamps, and riverine forests, provide the perfect setting to observe a wide range of birdlife. You will explore these diverse environments, keeping an eye out for both common and rare species, including endemic and migratory birds, as well as raptors soaring above the park’s iconic baobab trees.
In the evening, you will stay at a Maasai Eco Boma, where you’ll immerse yourself in local culture and the surrounding wilderness. During your stay, you’ll interact with the Maasai community and learn about their rich traditions. The boma is set in a scenic location, offering comfortable accommodations in a rustic and sustainable environment. Designed to minimize ecological impact, it uses local materials and supports conservation efforts.
Accommodation: Maasai Eco Boma
Day 3 Lake Manyara National Park – Flamingos & Waterbirds
Today, you will head to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its alkaline lake that attracts thousands of Lesser and Greater Flamingos. This is a prime location for waterbirds, including African Jacanas, White-faced Whistling Ducks, and Pink-backed Pelicans. The park’s groundwater forest is home to Crowned Eagles, Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters, and Crowned Hornbills. You will enjoy birdwatching along the lake and in the forest before continuing to Karatu for an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Marera Mountain View Lodge
Day 4 Serengeti National Park – Birding in the Endless Plains
After an early breakfast, you will drive to Serengeti National Park, a world-renowned wildlife destination that also offers incredible birding opportunities. The Serengeti’s vast savannas, riverine areas, and rocky kopjes provide habitat for a variety of birds, including the Kori Bustard, Secretary Bird, Fischer’s Lovebird, and Grey-breasted Spurfowl. Raptors such as the Lappet-faced Vulture, Martial Eagle, and Tawny Eagle are commonly seen. You will explore different birding hotspots before settling into your accommodation in the central Serengeti for the night.
Accommodation: Safari Haven Serengeti Camp
Day 5 Serengeti National Park – Special Birding Experience
A full day in the Serengeti offers the opportunity for in-depth birdwatching and exploration of various habitats. You will visit marshy areas, open plains, and riverbanks, searching for species like the Coqui Francolin, Usambiro Barbet, Red-throated Tit, and Yellow-throated Sandgrouse. With an impressive variety of birdlife, you’ll have the chance to spot both resident and migratory species, depending on the season. The experience concludes with a sundowner at your camp or lodge, surrounded by the sounds of the wild.
Accommodation: Safari Haven Serengeti Camp
Day 6 Ngorongoro Crater – Birding & Big Game Viewing
This morning, you will depart for the Ngorongoro Crater, a unique ecosystem that supports over 500 bird species. As you descend into the crater, you will be on the lookout for Rosy-throated Longclaw, Augur Buzzard, Lesser Kestrel, and African Spoonbill. The crater floor’s marshes and lakes provide excellent opportunities for viewing waterbirds, while the surrounding grasslands attract Kori Bustards and Ostriches. Apart from birding, this day offers a chance to see Black Rhinos, Lions, and other wildlife. After an exciting day, you will head to Karatufor your overnight stay.
Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Day 7 Return to Arusha – Birding at Lake Duluti & Departure
On your final day, you will enjoy a morning birdwatching session at Lake Duluti, a peaceful crater lake near Arusha. This location is ideal for spotting African Fish Eagles, Malachite Kingfishers, Black-headed Herons, and African Pygmy Geese. After a relaxed morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure, marking the end of your incredible birding safari in Tanzania.
No Accommodation
- Inclusions
- Exclusions
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcohol drinks
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Why book with us?
- Unbeatable support
- World Class Guides
- Expert Advice 24/7
- Specialized Safari Vehicles
