Bird watching
One of the finest birding destinations on the continent
Tanzania is one of the finest birding destinations on the continent. It rarely gets the attention it deserves from travellers focused on the big mammals. Over 1,100 species have been recorded across the country. From the open plains of the Serengeti to the forests of Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes, the soda lakes of the Rift Valley and the coral reefs of the Zanzibar coast — the range of habitats is exceptional.
The northern circuit offers outstanding birding alongside its wildlife. Lake Manyara alone records over 400 species. The alkaline shoreline draws flamingos in numbers that shift with the seasons. Tarangire is among the best parks in East Africa for dry-country species. Raptors, hornbills and ground-nesting birds of the open woodland are all well represented. The Serengeti’s grasslands support secretary birds, kori bustards and a concentration of eagles that serious birders visit specifically to see.
Arusha National Park deserves particular attention. The montane forest on the slopes of Mount Meru holds species found nowhere else on the circuit. The Momella Lakes bring together waterbirds in a setting compact enough to cover in a single day.
A dedicated birding safari moves at a different pace to a standard game drive. Stops are longer. Early mornings matter more. The guide needs to know which habitats hold which species at which time of year. We work with guides who have that knowledge — and share it in a way that works for experienced birders and first-timers alike.
We are happy to create a dedicated birding safari or add birding elements to any standard safari itinerary.
