Northern Tanzania Birding Safari

Ox-peckers clinging to swaying giraffe, buffalo weaver flitting between thorny acacia, lappet-faced vulture circling and searching for a lion’s abandoned kill, great white pelican wading aside a grunting hippo, flamingo gathering in their thousands, and a multitude of starling, bee-eater, sunbird, hornbill, plover, weaver and hundreds of other varieties – this is what awaits the discerning safari-goer / bird enthusiast who chooses this extra-special tour.

This birding safari begins with a circuit of the most famous national parks and conservancies in northern Tanzania.

Tarangire gives a great overview of birds which a typically Tanzanian – yellow-throated francolin, buffalo weaver, magpie shrike, red-billed hornbill, white-backed vulture, tawny eagle and, of course, ostrich are all present here – amongst many large mammals, plains game and predators!  Lake Manyara is the ideal place for spotting water birds like pelican, egret, kingfishers and a variety of waders, as well as forest species like the striking silvery-cheeked hornbill.  The Serengeti is so vast that it is impossible to give a snapshot of the 450 bird species which can be found here, though birds of prey are definitely a highlight.  The Ngorongoro Crater is breathtaking for anyone, but for bird-lovers the crater bottom provides a mini-ecosystem, a world unto itself, where Kori bustards move cautiously through tall grasses, flamingo gather in their thousands and black kite swoop over hippo-infested waters.

Afterwards, you will discover other, lesser-travelled national parks of northern Tanzania.  Though not as famous as other national parks on the northern circuit, they offer a veritable haven of discovery for any bird enthusiast.  

Mkomazi Game Reserve is bordered by the Pare and Usambara mountains at the southern boundaries, and is home to over 450 different bird species, as well as a special breeding project for African wild dogs – ever more threatened in Africa.  Amani Nature Reserve is at the eastern Usambara Mountains, and is home to two endemic species – the Usambara eagle owl and the Usambara weaver.  Spotting either of these birds would be a treat for any enthusiastic ornithologist!  Your trip will end in Morongoro, where you can take a tour of a working local farm as well as spotting birds in the vicinity.

Note; this particular tour can be further enhanced with our specially developed southern Tanzania birding extension – get in touch for more details.   

Alternatively, you can call us on +255 732 975 210 or fill in the form below.