9-Day Tanzania Birding Safari
From colorful forest species to impressive raptors and wetland birds, this safari is specially designed for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers.
- Tanzania
- -13 Days
- From $50092 Per Person
- Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Serengeti
Overview
Safari Vibes Africa offers this 9-day birding safari through some of Tanzania’s best birding destinations. You will visit Arusha National Park’s forests, Tarangire’s baobab woodlands, the Ngorongoro Highlands and Crater, and the vast Serengeti plains.
With expert guides who know bird calls, behavior, and identification, you can expect to see a wide variety of species — from sunbirds and kingfishers to eagles, hornbills, and bustards.
The trip balances great birding with comfortable lodges and relaxed game drives. Ideal for serious birders as well as those who enjoy photography and wildlife.
Highlights
- Excellent birding in four different ecosystems: forests, wetlands, highlands, and open savannah
- Over 400 bird species possible across the trip
- Expert birding guides who know calls, nests, and behavior
- Special birds like Lilac-breasted Roller, Secretary Bird, Kori Bustard, and many endemics
- Comfortable lodges with gardens and viewpoints perfect for early morning birding
- Scenic drives with en-route birding stops
- Optional hot air balloon safari for aerial views of birds in flight
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer to Mount Meru Game Lodge at the foothills of Mount Meru.
Start your birding right away in the lush gardens with species like Hartlaub’s Turaco, African Paradise Flycatcher, and Little Bee-eater.
Enjoy a relaxing sundowner.
Overnight: Mount Meru Game Lodge | Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Arusha National Park – Forest Canopy to Crater Lakes
Spend a full day in Arusha National Park. Look for Bar-tailed Trogon, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, and Montane White-eye in the forests.
Visit Momella Lakes for flamingos, waterfowl, Malachite Kingfishers, and Hamerkops. Picnic lunch in a scenic spot.
Overnight: Mount Meru Game Lodge | Meals: Full Board
Days 3–4: Tarangire National Park – Raptors & Rollers
Drive to Tarangire National Park, home to over 500 bird species. Search for Yellow-collared Lovebird, Northern Red-billed Hornbill, Ashy Starling, Bateleur Eagle, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, and many wetland birds like African Jacana and Open-billed Stork.
Overnight: Tarangire Sopa Lodge | Meals: Full Board
Day 5: Ngorongoro Highlands – Misty Mornings & Highland Specials
Travel to the Ngorongoro Highlands with birding stops along the way. Look for Abyssinian Crimsonwing, Golden-winged Sunbird, and Brown-headed Apalis.
Optional visit to a Maasai boma. Enjoy views from the crater rim with Augur Buzzards and Olive Pigeons.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge | Meals: Full Board
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater – The Eden of East Africa
Descend early into the crater for a full day of birding. Spot Kori Bustard, Grey Crowned Crane, Rufous-naped Lark, Greater Flamingos, Lappet-faced Vultures, and many others. Picnic lunch near the hippo pools.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge | Meals: Full Board
Days 7–8: Serengeti National Park – Songbirds & Savannah Flyers
Drive to the Serengeti with birding en route. Explore the plains and Seronera Valley for Fischer’s Lovebird, Rufous-tailed Weaver, Secretary Bird, Martial Eagle, and many grassland species.
Overnight: Serengeti Serena Lodge | Meals: Full Board
Day 9: Farewell Flight & Final Spotting
Morning birding drive for last species like Lilac-breasted Roller or Temminck’s Courser.
Fly back to Arusha and transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Includes
- Private 4×4 Safari Vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide (French or German on request)
- All park entry fees
- Accommodations
- Meals
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- Hotel pick-up & drop-off from Arusha or Moshi
- Government taxes and levies
Excludes
- International flights to/from Tanzania
- Domestic flights (e.g., Dar es Salaam ↔ Arusha) unless added to your package
- Travel insurance & medical coverage
- Visa fees and personal travel documents
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Tips & gratuities for driver/guide (customary but discretionary)
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, souvenirs)
FAQ
When is the best time for this birding safari?
This safari is carefully scheduled during Tanzania’s most productive birding seasons — June to November and December to March.
During these periods, conditions are ideal: access roads are reliable, vegetation is manageable for visibility, and bird activity is high. Resident species are present throughout the year, while Palearctic and intra-African migratory birds arrive between November and April, adding significant diversity.
Our guides plan each trip based on seasonal bird movement, breeding cycles, and habitat conditions, helping you maximize sightings — especially if you are targeting specific species.
Do I need to be an expert birder to join?
Not at all. This safari is designed for all levels — from complete beginners to advanced birders.
Our guides are trained to adapt their approach depending on your experience. If you are new, they will help you build confidence in identification and understanding bird behavior. If you are experienced, they can focus on target species, calls, habitats, and more technical details.
How many bird species can I expect to see?
On a well-paced itinerary, you can expect to record approximately 300 to 450 species.
Tanzania is one of Africa’s richest birding destinations, with over 1,100 recorded species across different ecosystems. The exact number depends on the season, duration of your safari, and how focused the birding is.
Our guides keep detailed sighting records and will actively work to help you build a strong and rewarding species list.
Will I also see wildlife besides birds?
Yes — and often in abundance.
While the safari focuses on birdlife, you will also encounter a wide range of mammals, especially in parks like Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park.
It’s common to see elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and predators such as lions during your drives — adding another dimension to your experience.
What should I pack?
We recommend bringing:
- Binoculars (8×42 or 10×42) for clear field viewing
- A camera with a zoom lens (300mm or more recommended)
- A field guide or birding app (e.g., Merlin or eBird)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hat, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket
After booking, we provide a detailed packing guide based on your travel dates and itinerary.
