Experiences
Tanzania Premium Birding Safari
15 Days / 14 Nights
Start your Tanzania Premier Birding Safari at Julius Kambarage Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam and journey through some of Tanzania's most stunning birding destinations. From the lush Usambara Mountains to the world-renowned Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, this safari offers an unparalleled birding experience with a wide variety of both resident and migrant bird species. Finish your journey at the peaceful Oldonyo Sambu, a hidden gem with exceptional birdwatching opportunities. Each location is carefully selected to ensure the best birding experiences, with two nights at each lodge to fully enjoy the flora and fauna of each area.
FROM: US$ 6,655.97
PER PERSON SHARING
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival at Julius Kambarage Nyerere International Airport – Transfer to Usambara Mountains
- Arrival in Dar es Salaam (DAR):
You’ll be greeted by your expert birding guide at Julius Kambarage Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam). After a brief welcome, you will begin your birding journey, heading to the Usambara Mountains, one of the most biodiverse regions in Tanzania. - Drive to Usambara Mountains:
The Usambara Mountains are known for their rich birdlife and are a paradise for bird watchers. It is home to rare and endemic species, including the Usambara Thrush, Usambara Eagle Owl, and the stunning White-starred Robin. - Overnight in Usambara:
Stay at a comfortable lodge, located within the scenic Usambara Mountain range, and enjoy the quiet beauty of the area.
Usambara Mountains – Full Day Birding Exploration
- Birding in Amani Nature Reserve:
Spend the day in the Amani Nature Reserve, home to more than 300 bird species. This mountain rainforest is teeming with forest birds, including the Usambara Weaver, Green-headed Sunbird, and the elusive White-cheeked Turaco. The varied habitats provide ample opportunities to observe forest, mountain, and woodland species. - Overnight in Usambara:
Return to your lodge for an overnight stay, surrounded by the sounds of the mountain’s avian inhabitants.
Drive to Arusha – Enroute Birding
- Travel to Arusha:
After breakfast, travel to Arusha, Tanzania’s gateway to the northern safari circuit. Enroute, enjoy the diverse landscapes and the possibility of spotting birds such as common kestrels, yellow-necked spurfowls, and African hobby. - Overnight in Arusha:
Stay at a lodge in Arusha, where you can unwind and enjoy the evening birdwatching around the lodge grounds.
Arusha – Full Day Birding in Arusha National Park
- Birding in Arusha National Park:
Arusha National Park offers an incredible range of habitats, from montane forests to lake shores, making it an exceptional spot for birding. Over 400 bird species have been recorded here, including the beautiful blue-cheeked bee-eater, African fish eagle, and the elusive tawny-flanked prinia. - Boat Ride on Momella Lakes:
Take a boat ride on Momella Lakes for more birding opportunities, spotting waterfowl such as white-faced whistling ducks, yellow-billed storks, and greater flamingos. - Overnight in Arusha:
Return to your lodge for the evening and enjoy a leisurely night.
Drive to Tarangire National Park – Birding Safari
- Drive to Tarangire National Park:
Depart for Tarangire National Park, known for its majestic baobab trees, large elephant herds, and incredible birdlife. The park boasts over 550 bird species, including the yellow-collared lovebird, long-tailed starling, and silverbird. - Birding Safari in Tarangire:
Explore Tarangire’s woodlands, savannahs, and swamps, looking for a variety of birds such as the silverbird, African fish eagle, gray kestrel, and booted eagle. - Overnight in Tarangire:
Stay at a lodge in Tarangire, enjoying a peaceful night in the heart of nature.
Tarangire National Park – More Birding Adventures
- Birding in Tarangire:
Head out early to catch a glimpse of morning bird activity. Tarangire offers sightings of species such as the white-bellied go-away bird, kori bustard, and red-necked falcon. - Overnight in Tarangire:
Spend another night in Tarangire to fully enjoy the park’s unique avian offerings.
Drive to Lake Manyara National Park – Birding Safari
- Travel to Lake Manyara National Park:
After breakfast, you will transfer to Lake Manyara National Park, renowned for its birdlife and the flamingo populations that grace the lake during certain times of year. Over 400 species of birds have been recorded here, including Lesser flamingos, grey crowned cranes, and greater white-fronted bee-eaters. - Birding in Lake Manyara:
Explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, including woodlands, savannahs, and the lake shore, and enjoy sightings of species such as the blue-cheeked bee-eater, white-headed vulture, and African grey hornbill. - Overnight at Lake Manyara:
Stay at a lodge on the edge of the park, where you can enjoy great birding opportunities right from the lodge grounds.
Lake Natron – Unique Birding at Tanzania's Most Scenic Lake
- Travel to Lake Natron:
Depart for Lake Natron, one of Tanzania’s most unique landscapes. This alkaline lake is famous for being a key breeding ground for lesser flamingos. The area is a hidden gem for birders, offering a variety of waterbirds and raptors. Migrant birds such as the Lesser Kestrel and Egyptian Goose are common, especially in the dry season. - Birding at Lake Natron:
Spend the day birding along the lake, looking for Lesser flamingos, black-winged stilts, and the elusive pale chanting goshawk. - Overnight near Lake Natron:
Stay in a lodge offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding volcanic landscapes.
Lake Natron – Birding and Exploration
- Morning Birding at Lake Natron:
Take a morning birding walk to spot flamingos, white-headed storks, and migratory birds like the sociable weaver. - Explore the Surrounding Area:
The surrounding volcanic landscapes are also great for spotting red-necked francolins, white-crowned shrikes, and rufous-tailed weavers. - Overnight near Lake Natron:
Return to your lodge for an overnight stay.
Drive to Serengeti National Park – Full Day Birding Safari
- Travel to Serengeti:
After breakfast, drive to Serengeti National Park, one of the world’s most iconic safari destinations. The Serengeti is also a birding paradise, home to over 500 bird species, including kori bustards, brown snake eagles, and rufous-tailed weavers. - Birding Safari in Serengeti:
Spend the day exploring the park’s varied habitats, from grasslands to riverine forests. Look out for species like the African paradise flycatcher, white-backed vulture, and Bateleur eagle. - Overnight in Serengeti:
Stay at a luxury camp in Serengeti to experience the wilderness up close.
Serengeti – More Birding Adventures
- Morning and Afternoon Birding:
Serengeti offers birding all day, with morning sightings of species like the golden-breasted starling and greater kestrel, and afternoon sightings of African hawk-eagle, grey-crowned crane, and sand martins. - Overnight in Serengeti:
Enjoy a second night in Serengeti, surrounded by the sounds of wildlife and birds.
Ngorongoro Crater – Birding Along the Crater Rim
- Drive to Ngorongoro Crater:
After breakfast, head to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a birding hotspot with more than 500 bird species recorded. The area is famous for its waterfowl, crane species, and vultures. - Birding Around the Crater Rim:
Take a birding walk along the crater rim to spot species like Augur buzzards, grey-capped social weavers, and the red-collared widowbird. - Overnight at Ngorongoro Crater Rim:
Stay at a lodge on the crater’s rim with stunning views and amazing birdwatching.
Oldonyo Sambu – Exclusive Birding in a Private Conservation Area
- Drive to Oldonyo Sambu:
Travel to Oldonyo Sambu, a private conservation area located near the foothills of Mount Meru. This area offers unique birding opportunities in its savannah and wetlands. Species like the grey-crowned crane, black-winged kite, and white-headed buffalo weaver can be spotted here. - Birding in Oldonyo Sambu:
Explore the area’s diverse habitats and enjoy peaceful birdwatching, with sightings of African paradise flycatchers, fischer’s lovebirds, and green wood-hoopoes.
Overnight in Oldonyo Sambu:
Stay in a lodge offering exceptional views of Mount Meru, with a tranquil atmosphere perfect for birding enthusiasts.
Oldonyo Sambu – Morning Birding and Relaxation
- Morning Birding at Oldonyo Sambu:
Spend your final morning birdwatching in this peaceful conservation area. Look for species such as red-billed hornbills, yellow-necked spurfowls, and greater kestrels. - Overnight in Oldonyo Sambu:
Enjoy a leisurely final night in this serene setting.
Departure from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport:
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight home, filled with memories of incredible birding experiences across Tanzania’s most stunning landscapes.
Inclusions:
-
All accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
-
Drinking water in the safari jeep
-
All road transfers
-
Professional safari guide
-
All meals as indicated
-
All park fees
-
4x4 safari jeep (pop up roof)
-
Airport transfers
Exclusions
-
International flight
-
Accommodations before & after the safari
-
Personal items
-
Government imposed increase of taxes
-
All activities unless indicated in the itinerary
