Bird Watching in Tanzania: A Paradise for Avia Enthusiasts

Tanzania, a jewel in East Africa, is not only famous for its breathtaking landscapes and large wildlife numbers that roam its vast wilderness but also for its incredible bird diversity that includes rare, endemic, endangered, and migratory species. Bird Watching in Tanzania/ Bird watching tours in Tanzania are customized safari tours that offer bird enthusiasts a chance to explore the country’s rich avian biodiversity in their natural habitat. Tanzania is home to over 1,100 recorded bird species, found in the country’s lush highlands, arid savannas, and coastal wetlands among others. Bird Watching in Tanzania takes you to some of the popular Tanzania safari destinations like Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park among others for a remarkable birding experience. For over two decades, we have been organizing Tanzania birding tours for our clients – our knowledge about Tanzania Birding is truly unmatched.

Tanzania is a rich bird destination, boasting several endemic bird species, highly sought after by bird lovers. Among the endemic bird species in Tanzania are; the Tanzania Red-billed Hornbill (Tockus ruahae), Uluguru Bushshrike (Malaconotus alius), Tanzania Mountain Greenbul (Andropadus nigriceps), Neumann’s Starling (Poeoptera femoralis), Usambara Thrush (Turdus olivaceus), Kiborian Greenbul (Andropadus tephrolaemus), East African Sandgrouse (Pterocles exustus), Tanzanian Blue Flycatcher (Elminia ighis), and the Yellow-collared Lovebird (Agapornis personatus) among others.

During certain periods of the year, especially during the wet season (November to April), Tanzania also receives a number of migratory bird species including; The African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer), Spoonbills (Platalea spp.), Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava), Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica), European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster), Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia), White Stork (Ciconia ciconia), and the Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) among others.

Tanzania is also home to a number of Unique raptors and waterfowl species that you will encounter during your Tanzania Bird Watching safari tours. You will encounter species like the Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax), Bateleur Eagle (Terathopius ecaudatus), Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis), African Harrier-Hawk (Polyboroides typus), Palm-nut Vulture (Gypohierax angolensis), African Black Duck (Anas sparsa), White-faced Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna viduata), Pink-backed Pelican (Pelecanus rufescens), Great Egret (Ardea alba), Marabou Stork (Leptoptilos crumenifer), and the African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus) among others. A Birding Safaris in Tanzania is really rewarding with incredible sighting. Our well customized Tanzania Birding packages for 2025 – 2026 will take you to different National Parks, wetlands, forests, and the costal areas for unbeatable birding experience in Tanzania.

 

Top Birding Destinations in Tanzania – Where to go Bird Watching in Tanzania (Best birding locations in Tanzania)

Serengeti National Park

When thinking about a Tanzania Safari Holiday Tour/ Tanzania Holiday, many travelers think about the iconic Serengeti National Park. Popular for its unrivaled wildlife numbers including the African Big Five Animals (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant), the spectacular wildebeest migration, and spectacular wilderness, Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is by far the most popular destination for Tanzania Wildlife safaris and adventures. Besides the incredible wildlife numbers, Serengeti has about 500 recorded bird species that inhabit its diverse habitat including grasslands, woodlands, and riverine forests making it a top tire destination for birding safaris in Tanzania. Bird watching is a top safaris activity to include in your bucket list when visiting Serengeti for a holiday tour in Tanzania. The Serengeti inhabits a diverse array of birdlife including the five endemics which can only be seen in the Serengeti – Mara ecosystem. The endemics that can only be spotted here include the Grey-breasted spurfowl commonly sighted around the areas of Seronera, Rufous tailed Weaver, Usambiro Barbet, grey crested helmet shrike among others.  The other species in the park include the Grey backed fiscal, African Fish Eagle, Secretary Bird, Kori Bustard, Tawny Eagle, Bateleur Eagle, Yellow Wagtail, African Jacana, White-backed Vulture, Marabou Stork, African Grey Hornbill, Red-billed Hornbill, Lilac-breasted Roller, Crested Francolin, African Pygmy Goose, Eurasian Bee-eater, Great Egret, Common Greenshank, Black-shouldered Kite, and Orange-breasted Bush shrike among others. This therefore makes Serengeti National Park an iconic Safari destination in Tanzania and the world at large.

The best time for a birding Safari in Serengeti National Park is contrary to the best time for wildlife viewing safaris. The best birding experience in Serengeti National Park can be experienced during the wet months of the year – two wet seasons of the year. The longer rainy season extends from March to May and the shorter rain season is in November. During the wet seasons, the National Park receives a number of migratory species, adding to the resident bird life in the park.

Although most travelers prefer to visit during the peak season which is also the dry season in Serengeti, the wet month of the year are perfect for those who wish to experience Serengeti’s diverse avifauna during a holiday in Tanzania.

 

Birding in the Usambara Mountains, Tanzania: A Hidden Gem for Avian Enthusiasts

The Usambara Mountains, nestled in the northeastern Tanzania, a real paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers visiting Tanzania. The Usambara relict a patch of the great tropical forests that once spanned Africa from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean. These forests in the region are much more like those in the West Africa. The Usambara is a major site for top endemics in Tanzania including species like; the Usambara Thrush, Amani Sunbird, Usambara Weaver, and the Long-billed Cuckoo among others. Amani Nature Reserve is one of the popular locations for birding safaris here. The other areas you can visit for birding include the Lushoto and the Soni River Valley all providing a diverse habitat for the wide range of bird life in the area.

 

Bird Watching in Lake Manyara National Park: A Feathered Paradise

Nestled within the northern safari circuit of Tanzania, Lake Manyara National Park is a top safari destination in Tanzania, known for its tree-climbing lions, stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems and excellent bird watching opportunities. Travelers from all over the globe annually flock to this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for opportunities to witness its wildlife and the diverse avian treasures. Lake Manyara National Park is home to about 400 recorded bird species that live in its varied habitat. the diverse habitat in the park are ideals for both migratory and resident bird species thus making it a heaven for bird lovers.

Some of the commonly spotted bird species in Tanzania include; Flamingos, African Fish Eagle, Secretary Bird, Grey Crowned Crane, and the African Jacana among others. There are several birding trails in Lake Manyara National Park, offering not only bird watching opportunities but also an opportunity to experience nature at its best. The popular birding trails in Lake Manyara National Park include;

The Lakeshore Drive trail: This trail is popular for its scenic drive along the lake’s edge. The trails allows visitors to experience nature, wildlife and bird life on a single expedition. It is an excellent trail to follow for those who wish to witness the diverse species of waterbirds and also have a chance to spot large mammals.

The Forest Circuit: This trail ventures into the forests of Lake Manyara National Park. The Forests Circuit trail is a network of trails through the lush forests that is perfect for spotting forest-dwelling species like the Turaco and various sunbirds on your Tanzania Birding Safari Tour.

Birding in the Rufiji Delta: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

Nestled in the southern part of Tanzania, the Rufiji Delta is a remarkable ecological region where the Rufiji River meets the Indian Ocean. The area is popular for its diverse landscapes of mangroves, wetlands, and estuaries all offering an ideal habitat for different bird species. The Rufiji Delta has about 300 recorded bird species making is a great destination for birding opportunities in Tanzania during Tanzania Holiday Safaris. Although most safaris to Tanzania take you to the northern safari circuit of Tanzania, Bird Watching in Tanzania will grat you a chance to explore the south too, visiting the Rufiji Delta.

There are a number of bird species that can be spotted in the Rufiji Delta including the; African Fish Eagle, Pink-Backed Pelican, Great White Egret, African Skimmer, and the Blue-Cheeked Bee-Eater among others.

Bird Watching in Ngorongoro Crater: A Hidden Avian Gem

A UESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Crater is nested in the heart of Tanzania is a popular destination for Safaris tour in Tanzania especially for big Five viewing experience. Although it is popular for Tanzania wildlife safaris, the Ngorongoro Crater is a superb destination for birding safaris in Tanzania. The crater floor has an impressive array of birdlife that you will witness during your Birding Safari in Tanzania/ Bird Watching in Tanzania. The diverse habitat including lush highlands, grasslands, woodlands, forests, and the crater floor offer refuge to both migratory species and resident birdlife.

Some of the notable species in Ngorongoro Crater include; the Kori Bustard, African Grey Hornbill, Greater Flamingo, Secretary Bird, and the Lesser Striped Swallow among others. Birding in the crater can be done on guided birding tours and Self-drive safaris.

 

Best time for birding in Tanzania – When should I go for Bird Watching in Tanzania?

Bird watching in Tanzania can be done year round however, there are certain months of  the year that offer excellent birding opportunities than the others. Just like all the rest of East African Countries, Tanzania receives two seasons, the wet season and the dry season. The best time for bird watching in Tanzania is during the wet season between November to April. This period of the year is when the migratory bird species arrive in Tanzania adding to the array of Tanzania’s birdlife. Birding in every top birding spot in Tanzania during this period of the year is excellent. There are high chances of spotting migratory species from Europe and Asia on top of the resident rare and endemic species.

The wet season is also the breeding season, giving you an opportunity to witness in their breeding plumage – making it even more colorful and active.

For travelers that are planning to combine birding with wildlife viewing, the dry season between June to October also offers bird watching opportunities and wildlife viewing opportunities. During this time of the year, there is high chance of witnessing birdlife concentrating near waterholes. There is also high rapture activity as you will witness them hunting.

What to pack for a birding safari in Tanzania? – What to include in your packing list when going for an African Safari

Just like any other African safari, when embarking on Bird Watching in Tanzania, you need to prepare well, and cary the right gear along with you. Among the must include I your packing list are; Neutral-Colored Clothing, Long-Sleeved Shirts, Lightweight Pants, Hiking Boots/Sandals, Hat, Light Jacket or Fleece, and a Rain Jacket. We also encourage you to carry a pair of Binoculars and a Camera with Zoom Lens.

Other essentials include; Sunscreen, Insect Repellent, Travel Insurance, Backpack or Daypack, Lightweight Towel, and Travel Adapter among other. You can add up more to this list depending on what you wish to have during safaris.

Experience Tanzania’s avian diversity; book your bird watching safari with Acacia Safaris Limited. Our Birding tours in Tanzania 2025 – 2026 are well crafted to allow you visit all the top birding spots. We also offer excellent Tanzania wildlife adventure including hot air balloon safaris, wildlife viewing safaris among others.

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