7 Days Tanzania Bird Watching Safari Itinerary
This 7-day birding safari will take you through some of Tanzania’s most ecologically diverse areas including Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and the vast Serengeti Plains. Tanzania boasts over 1,100 bird species, including numerous endemics and migratory birds. The itinerary is designed to optimize bird sightings, guided by expert ornithologist guides.
• Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
• Transfer to your lodge in Arusha.
• If time allows, enjoy a birding walk around the lodge grounds.
• Target Birds: Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, African Fish Eagle, Little Grebe, Tropical Boubou
• Accommodation: African View Lodge / Similar
• Morning nature walk with a local guide at the Momella Lakes and montane forest.
• Afternoon game drive in search of forest and water birds.
• Target Birds: Hartlaub’s Turaco, Bar-tailed Trogon, Narina Trogon, Black Saw-wing, Lesser and Greater Flamingos
• Accommodation: African View Lodge / Similar
• Drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its massive baobabs and bird-rich savannas.
• Full-day birding and game drive along Tarangire River and Silale Swamp.
• Target Birds: Yellow-collared Lovebird (endemic), Ashy Starling (endemic), Red-and-Yellow Barbet, African Grey Hornbill, Kori Bustard
• Accommodation: Sangaiwe Tented Lodge / Tarangire Safari Lodge
• Early morning transfer to Lake Manyara.
• Full-day birding at groundwater forest, lake shores, and escarpment.
• Target Birds: Crested Guineafowl, Crowned Hornbill, Pink-backed Pelican, Grey-olive Greenbul, African Spoonbill
• Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge / Farm of Dreams Lodge
• Scenic drive through Ngorongoro Highlands to Central Serengeti.
• En-route birding and game viewing.
• Target Birds: Schalow’s Turaco, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Augur Buzzard, Common Ostrich
• Accommodation: Tukaone Tented Camp / Into Wild Africa Camp
• Full-day birding in woodlands, grasslands, and along the Seronera River.
• Optional visit to Retima Hippo Pool for aquatic birds.
• Target Birds: Secretary Bird, Rufous-naped Lark, Black-headed Gonolek, Tawny Eagle, Grey-breasted Spurfowl (endemic)
• Accommodation: Tukaone Tented Camp / Into Wild Africa Camp
• Early departure from Serengeti.
• Game and birding drive in Ngorongoro Crater – UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Afternoon transfer back to Arusha or to Kilimanjaro Airport for your outbound flight.
• Target Birds: Hildebrandt’s Francolin, Abdim’s Stork, Rosy-throated Longclaw, Egyptian Vulture
Who It’s For: Birding enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, photographers, couples, small groups or solo travelers.
Destinations: Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater — diverse ecosystems and prime birding habitats.
Bring: Binoculars, field guide, camera with telephoto lens, neutral clothing, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, optional notebook.
Climate: Dry (Jun–Oct) clear skies, Green (Nov–Apr) best for migrants.
Stay: Mid-range eco-lodges/camps, upgrades available.
