Bird Watching Safaris in Tanzania

Besides being known for its incredible wildlife, Tanzania is also a breathtaking birding destination. Tanzania boasts a diversity of bird species including; rare, endemic, endangered, and migratory species that inhabit various regions of the country. Bird Watching Safaris in Tanzania/ Bird watching tours in Tanzania are well customized tours that offer bird enthusiasts a chance to explore the country’s rich avian biodiversity across various destinations. Tanzania is home to over 1,100 recorded bird species, that inhabit the lush highlands, arid savannas, and coastal wetlands among others. Bird Watching Safaris in Tanzania take you to some of Tanzania’s iconic safari destinations like; Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park among others.

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, and Greenbul (Andropadus nigriceps) among others. 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), White Stork (Ciconia ciconia), and the Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) among others.

For those interested in Unique raptors and waterfowl species, you’ll encounter species like the Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax), Bateleur Eagle (Terathopius ecaudatus), Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis), African Harrier-Hawk (Polyboroides typus), Marabou Stork (Leptoptilos crumenifer), and the African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus) among others. A Bird Watching Safari in Tanzania is rewarding with incredible sightings. Book our well-customized Birding packages for 2025 – 2026 and explore Tanzania’s diverse avian species.

Where to go Bird Watching in Tanzania (Best birding locations in Tanzania)

Serengeti National Park

A Tanzania safari without a visit to the iconic Serengeti National Park is an incomplete adventure. Besides being known for its unbeatable wildlife viewing tours, where you get to see the African Big Five Animals (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant), the spectacular wildebeest migration, and spectacular wilderness, Serengeti National Park is also a top Birdwatching destination in Tanzania. 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 Safaris in Tanzania.

The park inhabits a diverse array of birdlife including the five endemics (the Grey-breasted spurfowl, Rufous tailed Weaver, Usambiro Barbet, grey crested helmet shrike) which can only be seen in the Serengeti – Mara ecosystem.  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, Lilac-breasted Roller, Crested Francolin, African Pygmy Goose, Eurasian Bee-eater, Great Egret, and Orange-breasted Bush-shrike among others.

The Usambara Mountains, Tanzania – Bird Watching Safaris in Tanzania

One of the hidden birding heavens, the Usambara Mountains is located in the northeastern part of Tanzania – a real paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers visiting Tanzania. The area covered by the Usambara relicts a patch of the great tropical forests that once spanned Africa from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean. This forested region of Tanzania is much more like West Africa. The Usambara is a top destination for the endemic species in Tanzania, hosting species like the Usambara Thrush, Amani Sunbird, Usambara Weaver, and the Long-billed Cuckoo, among others. A Bird Watching Safari to the Usambara Mountains is rewarding with bird-sighting opportunities.

 

Bird Watching in Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is a popular safari destination in Tanzania, known for its tree-climbing lions, stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and excellent bird watching opportunities. About 400 bird species have been recorded in Lake Manyara National Park, different species live in the diverse habitats of this park. You’ll witness both migratory and resident bird species while exploring this scenic safari park.

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

Birding in the Rufiji Delta: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

The Rufiji Delta is a remarkable ecological region in southern Tanzania where the Rufiji River meets the Indian Ocean. The area is popular for its diverse landscapes, mangroves, wetlands, and estuaries all offering an ideal habitat for different bird species. This area is home to about 300 recorded bird species making it a great destination for birding opportunities in Tanzania. Despite being isolated from the popular northern safari circuit, the Rufiji Delta is a rewarding birding destination worth exploring while in Tanzania.

Among the species you’ll encounter at the Rufiji Delta include 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 – Bird Watching Safaris in Tanzania

The Ngorongoro is a UESCO World Heritage Site nested in the heart of Tanzania – a popular destination for Wildlife Safaris tour in Tanzania. This area is popular for its large number of big cats and the popular African Big Five that roam its diverse habitats. Besides boasting large populations of wildlife species, the Ngorongoro Crater is also a superb destination for birding safaris in Tanzania. The Ngorongoro Crater floor boasts an impressive array of birdlife that you will witness during your Birding Safari in Tanzania/ Bird Watching in Tanzania.

Some of the notable species here include, the Kori Bustard, African Grey Hornbill, Greater Flamingo, Secretary Bird, and the Lesser Striped Swallow among others.

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

Bird watching in Tanzania can be done al year-round however, some months of the year are considered better than the others. Tanzania has two seasons, the wet season and the dry season.  Unlike wildlife watching which is best during the dry season, bird watching in Tanzania is best done during the wet season between November to April. This period of the year sees large numbers of migratory bird species arriving in Tanzania adding to the array of Tanzania’s birdlife.

During the wet season, 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, allowing you to witness 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.