Bird Watching in Tanzania

Tanzania’s national parks and reserves are home to some of the continent’s most spectacular birding sites. Below, we highlight the best locations for birding safaris in Tanzania, each offering unique species and landscapes.

Tarangire National Park: A Birding Paradise

Tarangire National Park, known for its elephant herds and iconic baobab trees, is a hotspot for bird watching, with over 550 species recorded. Its wetlands, river systems, and acacia woodlands attract a vibrant array of birds, making it a must-visit for birders.

• Key Species: Look out for the endemic ashy starling, yellow-collared lovebird, and rufous-tailed weaver. Raptors like the bateleur eagle and martial eagle soar above, while waterbirds such as the African jacana and saddle-billed stork thrive in the park’s swamps.
• What to Expect: Guided walks along the Tarangire River or game drives through the park’s diverse habitats offer excellent birding opportunities. The park’s Silale Swamp is a magnet for waterfowl and waders, especially during the wet season.
• Best Time: The wet season (November to May) is ideal for migratory birds and lush scenery, while the dry season (June to October) concentrates birds around water sources for easier spotting.
• Best Bird Watching Lodges in Tarangire:
  • Tarangire Treetops: This eco-friendly lodge, perched in elevated treehouses, offers guided birding walks and drives with expert naturalists. Its proximity to Silale Swamp makes it a prime choice for waterbird enthusiasts.
  • Swala Camp: Located in a secluded corner of Tarangire, Swala provides intimate birding experiences with private verandas overlooking a waterhole, attracting species like the red-and-yellow barbet and African fish eagle.
  • Oliver’s Camp: A boutique camp with a focus on sustainability, Oliver’s offers tailored birding safaris in Tanzania, including night drives to spot nocturnal species like the Verreaux’s eagle-owl.

Ruaha National Park: Untamed Wilderness for Avian Tours

Ruaha, Tanzania’s largest national park, is an undiscovered gem for birders seeking remote and exclusive avian tours in Ruaha. With over 570 species, including rare and endemic birds, Ruaha’s rugged landscapes and riverine forests provide a dramatic backdrop for bird watching.

• Key Species: Spot the endemic Tanzania red-billed hornbill, Ruaha chat, and black-necked weaver. The park is also home to raptors like the African hawk-eagle and waterbirds such as the Goliath heron along the Great Ruaha River.
• What to Expect: Avian tours in Ruaha include guided walks along riverbanks and game drives through miombo woodlands, where you’ll encounter colorful species like the lilac-breasted roller and purple-crested turaco. The park’s remoteness ensures a peaceful birding experience.
• Best Time: The wet season (November to May) brings migratory birds and vibrant greenery, while the dry season (June to October) is ideal for spotting resident species near water sources.
• Specialized Safari Camps:
  • Jabali Ridge: This luxurious camp offers bespoke birding safaris with expert guides, combining comfort with prime access to Ruaha’s bird-rich habitats. Its elevated location provides stunning views for spotting raptors.
  • Ikuka Safari Camp: Perched on an escarpment, Ikuka specializes in avian tours in Ruaha, with guided walks and drives tailored to birders’ interests. The camp’s eco-conscious design enhances the experience.
  • Kigelia Camp: A mobile tented camp, Kigelia offers intimate birding adventures along the Mwagusi River, ideal for spotting waterbirds and forest species.

Serengeti National Park: Birds Amid the Migration

The Serengeti, famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration, is also a birding hotspot with over 500 species. Its vast plains, woodlands, and rivers attract a diverse range of birds, from ostriches to tiny sunbirds.

• Key Species: Highlights include the Kori bustard, secretarybird, and Schalow’s turaco. Migratory species like the Eurasian roller and African paradise flycatcher arrive during the wet season, adding to the diversity.
• What to Expect: Birding in the Serengeti is best during game drives or guided walks, with opportunities to spot birds alongside iconic wildlife. Kopjes and riverine areas are particularly rich in avian life.
• Best Time: The wet season (November to May) is prime for migratory birds, while the dry season (June to October) offers clear views of resident species.
• Specialized Safari Camps:
  • Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge: This lodge offers guided birding tours with access to diverse habitats, complemented by luxurious amenities and panoramic views.
  • Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti: A premium choice for birders, this lodge provides tailored birding itineraries and expert guides, ideal for spotting raptors and waterbirds.
  • Nomad Tanzania’s Lamai Serengeti: Located in the northern Serengeti, Lamai offers exclusive birding experiences near the Mara River, a hotspot for waterfowl and forest species.

Arusha National Park: A Hidden Gem for Forest Birds

Just a short drive from Arusha, this compact park is a birding haven with over 400 species, thanks to its diverse habitats, including forests, lakes, and Mount Meru’s slopes.

• Key Species: Look for the Hartlaub’s turaco, Narina trogon, and silvery-cheeked hornbill. The Momella Lakes attract flamingos and other waterbirds, while forests host elusive species like the African broadbill.
• What to Expect: Guided walks through forests and canoe trips on the lakes offer intimate birding experiences. The park’s proximity to Arusha makes it ideal for day trips.
• Best Time: Year-round birding is possible, with the wet season (November to May) best for migratory species and the dry season (June to October) for resident birds.
• Specialized Safari Camps:
  • Hatari Lodge: Located near the park, this retro-chic lodge offers guided birding walks and drives, with a focus on forest and lake species.
  • Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge: A serene retreat with access to Arusha’s birding trails, this lodge provides personalized birding tours and cozy accommodations.

Planning Your Bird Watching Safari: Tips and Essentials

To make the most of your birding safaris in Tanzania, consider these practical tips:

• Choose Specialized Camps: Opt for lodges like Tarangire Treetops or Jabali Ridge, which offer expert guides and tailored birding itineraries. These camps are among the best bird watching lodges in Tarangire and Ruaha for their proximity to prime birding sites.
• Pack the Right Gear: Bring binoculars (8×42 or 10×42 recommended), a field guide (e.g., Birds of East Africa by Stevenson and Fanshawe), and a camera with a telephoto lens. A notebook or app for logging sightings is also useful.
• Best Time to Go: The wet season (November to May) is ideal for migratory birds and lush landscapes, while the dry season (June to October) offers better visibility for resident species.
• Health and Safety: Ensure you’re up-to-date on vaccinations (e.g., yellow fever) and carry insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes in wetland areas. Check with your camp for specific health requirements.
• Book in Advance: Birding safaris, especially at specialized camps, can book up quickly during peak seasons. Reserve 3–6 months in advance for the best availability.
• Respect Wildlife: Follow your guide’s instructions to avoid disturbing birds, especially during nesting seasons. Use quiet observation techniques to maximize sightings.

Specialized Birding Experiences at Luxury Camps

Tanzania’s best bird watching lodges in Tarangire and Ruaha enhance your birding adventure with luxurious amenities and expert-guided tours. Here’s what sets these camps apart:

• Guided Expertise: Camps like Swala and Ikuka employ ornithologists and naturalists who lead small-group tours, ensuring you spot rare and elusive species.
• Prime Locations: Lodges are strategically located near bird-rich habitats, such as rivers, swamps, and forests, maximizing your chances of diverse sightings.
• Eco-Friendly Practices: Many camps, like Oliver’s Camp and Jabali Ridge, support conservation initiatives, protecting bird habitats and supporting local communities.
• Luxury Amenities: From gourmet dining to private verandas, these camps offer comfort and exclusivity, making your birding safari a seamless blend of adventure and relaxation.