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9 Days Tanzania Birding Safaris

Overview

The 9 Days Tanzania Birding Safari offers an immersive experience through Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems, targeting endemic and migratory bird species across key national parks. Beginning in Arusha, the journey explores the Lark Plains, renowned for species like Beesley’s Lark and Pygmy Batis. Subsequent visits to Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks provide opportunities to observe waterfowl and forest birds, including the Silver-cheeked Hornbill. The adventure continues to the Ngorongoro Crater, where highland species such as the Fischer’s Sparrow-Lark are prevalent. The safari concludes in the Serengeti, offering sightings of raptors and savanna birds amidst the iconic landscape.

Highlights

Observe endemic species like Beesley's Lark and Pygmy Batis in the savanna plains near the Kenya-Tanzania border.

Spot waterfowl, including Spur-winged and Knob-billed Ducks, Lesser Flamingo, and forest species like the Silver-cheeked Hornbill.

Birdwatch in forested areas and along the crater rim, encountering species such as Fischer's Sparrow-Lark and the Grassland Pipit.

Experience diverse birdlife, including vultures, eagles, and various savanna species, amidst the vast plains of the Serengeti.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at Arusha you will be met by your expert birding guide.

Transfer to your accommodation in Arusha, a city nestled between Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro.

Relax and enjoy some casual birding in the lodge gardens, spotting species like Hartlaub’s Turaco or various weavers.

Overnight at preferred lodge:

After breakfast, take a short drive to Arusha National Park.

This park offers diverse habitats, from woodlands to the Momela Lakes.

Enjoy a guided walking safari with a park ranger, offering the chance to spot birds like the Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Abyssinian Crimsonwing, and a variety of waterfowl on the lakes, including thousands of flamingos.

Dinner and Overnight at preferred lodge:

Depart from Arusha after breakfast and drive to Tarangire National Park.

Known for its vast herds of elephants and iconic baobab trees, Tarangire is also a top-tier birding destination with over 550 species recorded.

Enjoy a full-day game drive, focusing on birds such as the Rufous-tailed Weaver, Northern Pied Babbler, Yellow-collared Lovebird (an endemic species), and the striking Pygmy Falcon.

Dinner and Overnight at preferred lodge:

Spend a full day exploring the different ecosystems of Tarangire, from the swampy areas to the dry riverbeds.

Look for raptors like the Martial Eagle and other large birds like the Kori Bustard, the world’s heaviest flying bird.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush, maximizing your time for bird and wildlife sightings.

After an early breakfast, head to Lake Manyara National Park, a compact park famous for its tree-climbing lions and a large population of flamingos and other waterbirds.

The park’s diverse habitats—from groundwater forests to the lakeshore—provide a wealth of birding opportunities.

Spot African Jacanas, Grey-crowned Cranes, and a variety of storks and cormorants.

Depart for the Serengeti National Park, driving through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

The journey itself is a game drive, offering opportunities to spot highland species such as the Golden-winged Sunbird and Schalow’s Wheatear.

Enter the vast plains of the Serengeti, renowned for the Great Migration and its incredible wildlife and birdlife.

Dinner and Overnight at preferred lodge:

Dedicate a full day to exploring the Serengeti’s rich ecosystems. The park is an Important Bird Area (IBA) with over 500 species.

Search for endemics like the Gray-breasted Spurfowl, Fischer’s Lovebird, and the magnificent Secretary Bird.

The open plains and riverine forests offer fantastic opportunities for spotting a wide range of birds of prey, bustards, and rollers.

Dinner and Overnight at preferred lodge:

Rise early for a breathtaking descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The crater floor is a contained ecosystem with a high concentration of wildlife, including the critically endangered Black Rhino.

Birding highlights within the crater include the Kori Bustard, Rosy-throated Longclaw, and various vultures.

After a memorable morning, begin the journey back to Arusha.

Dinner and Overnight at preferred lodge:

Enjoy breakfast at your lodge in Arusha.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for last-minute souvenir shopping.

Transfer to Arusha for your departure flight.

Essential Packing for a Birding Safari

  • Clothing: Neutral-colored, lightweight, and breathable clothing (khaki, beige, olive green). Long-sleeved shirts and trousers are recommended to protect against the sun and insects. A warm jacket or fleece for chilly mornings and evenings.
  • Footwear: Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes or boots for game drives and walks. Sandals or flip-flops for the lodge.

Gear

  • High-quality binoculars (a must-have for any birder).
  • Camera with a telephoto lens (200mm or more) and plenty of memory cards and batteries.
  • Birding field guide specific to East Africa or Tanzania.
  • Hat and sunglasses for sun protection.
  • Insect repellent (with DEET).
  • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF.

Health and Safety

  • Your passport with at least six months of validity.
  • Travel insurance and a copy of your vaccination records (including Yellow Fever certificate, if applicable).
  • Personal medications and a basic first aid kit.
  • A universal power adapter.

Accommodation and meals as stipulated on each itinerary.

Ground transportation with an English speaking driver/guide or naturalist guide.

Game drives or sightseeing depending on the itinerary – where indicated.

Park or reserve entry fees – where applicable.

International flights.

Airport taxes.

All meals and drinks not specified.

Tips and gratuities.

Items of a personal nature.

Customize this itinerary to match your travel style and preferences

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Discover Tanzania’s iconic safaris, from Serengeti migrations to Ngorongoro wonders, with luxury stays, thrilling game drives, and cultural experiences.

Craft your dream safari, your way.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor 5.0 64 reviews

Third time we have used Elida Tours. David is great, met us at airport, arrange safari, hotels and all transportation in Kenya.
I have been using Elida for some time for transportation around Nairobi! The team is friendly, reliable and extremely helpful!
We have used Elida Tours and David for several years. He is really helpful with hotel bookings, transport, game drives (safaris).

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