Why Choose Tanzania for Bird Watching?

• Over 1,100 species recorded, including at least 30 endemic and near-endemic species

• Critical stopover for Palearctic and intra-African migratory birds

• Top birding locations in both lowland and highland environments

• Opportunities to combine bird watching with game drives, walking safaris, and cultural tours

• Highly skilled birding guides familiar with specific calls, habitats, and seasonal movements

• Year-round birding with peak season between November and April during the migratory period

Best Bird Watching Destinations in Tanzania

1. Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is not just about the Big Five and the wildebeest migration. It’s also an outstanding birding area, with over 500 bird species recorded. The open grasslands and savannahs are home to species like:

• Secretary Bird

• Kori Bustard (Africa’s heaviest flying bird)

• Fischer’s Lovebird (near-endemic)

• Grey-breasted Spurfowl

• Black-headed Gonolek

• Various larks, pipits, and raptors

Marshy areas and riverbanks host waterbirds such as saddle-billed storks, herons, and African jacanas. During the migration season (November to April), Eurasian migratory species such as the lesser kestrel and European roller add even more diversity.

2. Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara is famous for its flamingos, especially when water levels are ideal, but its dense groundwater forest, acacia woodlands, and open grasslands support over 400 species, including:

• Silvery-cheeked Hornbill

• Crested Guineafowl

• African Fish Eagle

• Narina Trogon

• Crowned Hornbill

• White-backed Night Heron

The park’s small size makes it perfect for a compact but rewarding birding excursion, and it’s easily accessible from Arusha.

3. Tarangire National Park

Tarangire is a lesser-known gem for bird lovers, with over 550 recorded species and diverse habitats including baobab forests, riverine woodlands, and wetlands.

Key species include:

• Yellow-collared Lovebird (endemic)

• Northern Pied Babbler

• Rufous-tailed Weaver (endemic)

• Bateleur Eagle

• Great White Pelican

• Pygmy Falcon

The Tarangire River is a magnet for both birds and wildlife, especially during the dry season from June to October.

4. Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The highland forests of the Ngorongoro Crater rim contrast beautifully with the alkaline lake and grasslands of the crater floor. Here, bird watchers may spot:

• Schalow’s Turaco

• Golden-winged Sunbird

• Hunter’s Cisticola

• Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture)

• Lesser Flamingo (on Lake Magadi)

• Augur Buzzard

• White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher

The montane forest on the rim is also home to forest species often missed elsewhere in northern Tanzania.

5. Arusha National Park

A hidden treasure just outside the city of Arusha, this park contains forest, savannah, lakes, and alpine zones. It boasts around 400 bird species, including:

• Hartlaub’s Turaco

• Bar-tailed Trogon

• African Crowned Eagle

• White-starred Robin

• Black Saw-wing

• Red-fronted Parrot

Birders can explore on foot, canoe, or traditional game drive, making it an exciting and varied experience.

6. Usambara and Uluguru Mountains

These Eastern Arc Mountains are critical biodiversity hotspots, particularly for endemic and rare bird species. The misty forests of the East and West Usambara ranges host:

• Usambara Eagle-Owl

• Usambara Akalat

• Long-billed Forest Warbler

• Spot-throat

• Banded Green Sunbird

Birding here is usually done with local community guides and requires some walking through forest trails, but the rewards are immense for true enthusiasts.

7. Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)

This vast and remote park in southern Tanzania is a wetland-rich area with riverine forests and woodlands. Expect:

• White-fronted Bee-eater

• Bohm’s Bee-eater

• African Skimmer

• Pel’s Fishing Owl

• Spur-winged Goose

• African Openbill Stork

Boat safaris on the Rufiji River allow for unique waterbird observations up close.

8. Ruaha National Park

Ruaha’s blend of savannah, baobabs, and riverine environments attracts a mix of eastern and southern African species, including:

• African Hawk-Eagle

• Bare-faced Go-away-bird

• Violet-crested Turaco

• Three-banded Courser

• White-bellied Go-away-bird

The park is less visited, offering a quiet and intimate birding experience with fewer vehicles.