Birdwatching Experience in Tanzania

While Tanzania is world-renowned for its incredible safaris and dramatic wildlife, it is also a top destination for birdwatching. Home to over 1,100 bird species, including seasonal migrants, Tanzania offers one of Africa’s richest and most exciting birding experiences. Whether you are an avid birdwatcher or a casual nature enthusiast, the country’s diverse ecosystems provide endless opportunities to spot colorful and unique species.

Top Birding Destinations in Tanzania

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, elephants, and of course, flamingos—but it is also a prime birdwatching destination. The park attracts more than 400 bird species, thanks to its combination of woodlands, forests, and the soda lake.

Here, thousands of lesser flamingos paint the lake pink, while great white pelicans, yellow-billed storks, and African spoonbills wade in the shallows. You can also spot Tanzania’s national bird and seasonal migrants like European bee-eaters and Palaearctic waders, who typically arrive between November and April.

Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is famous for the Great Migration, but it also draws birdwatchers from around the world. Between November and April, seasonal birds arrive in this vast landscape of lush grasslands, acacia woodlands, and seasonal wetlands.

Over 500 bird species inhabit the Serengeti, including Africa’s heaviest flying bird, the Kori Bustard, as well as secretary birds and towering ostriches. The Western Corridor’s wetlands attract saddle-billed storks and African skimmers, while the Seronera Valley’s riverine forests host swallow turacos and white-headed barbets.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Ngorongoro is not only one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations but also a haven for birdwatchers. With four peaks rising above 3,000 meters and a variety of wetlands, the area hosts more than 500 bird species.

Lake Magadi, in particular, attracts flamingos, while the grasslands provide sightings of the Kori Bustard strutting proudly, secretary birds hunting snakes, and augur buzzards perched on trees or rocks. Wetlands bring you closer to grey crowned cranes, ostriches, yellow-billed storks, African spoonbills, black-winged lapwings, and Egyptian geese. Acacia woodlands showcase colorful species such as the swallow turaco, superb starling, eyed slaty flycatcher, and Speke’s weaver.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire is famous for its massive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees, but it is also home to over 550 bird species, making it one of Tanzania’s best birding destinations. Its mix of grasslands, swamps, and riverine forests attracts a stunning variety of birds, from colorful bee-eaters to rare endemic species.

During a game drive, you might spot yellow-collared lovebirds flocking near baobabs, ostriches roaming open areas, Kori bustards, secretary birds, and water birds like the African fish eagle calling from treetops near water. Marshes are home to the world’s largest heron, the Goliath heron, and the Hamerkop, known for building massive nests. Other highlights include saddle-billed storks, sacred ibises, superb starlings, red-and-yellow barbets, white-bellied go-away birds, and birds of prey like the bateleur eagle, tawny eagle, and pygmy falcon.

Usambara Mountains

The Usambara Mountains, part of the ancient Eastern Arc range, are a birdwatcher’s dream. The forests of East and West Usambara host over 500 bird species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

Notable birds include the Usambara eagle owl, Usambara weaver, Usambara akalat, Amani sunbird, Fischer’s turaco, Shelley’s greenbul, and African broadbill. You may also see the bar-tailed trogon, green-headed oriole, chestnut-fronted helmetshrike, eastern bronze-naped pigeon, collared sunbird, variable sunbird, African paradise flycatcher, tambourine dove, crowned eagle, African goshawk, silvery-cheeked hornbill, and Hartlaub’s turaco.

Ruaha National Park

Ruaha is home to over 450 bird species, including some endemics such as the ashy starling and yellow-collared lovebird. Other species commonly seen include the red-billed hornbill, Tanzanian masked weaver, Abdim stork, white stork, white-crowned lapwing, Abyssinian scimitarbill, purple grenadier, European roller, and little bee-eater. Ruaha’s diverse habitats provide a rich birdwatching experience throughout the year.

Best Time for Birdwatching in Tanzania

The ideal time for birdwatching in Tanzania is during the rainy or green season, from November to April, when migratory birds arrive from Europe and Asia and resident birds are breeding. However, birdwatching is possible year-round, with each season offering its own unique species and experiences.

Essential Gear for a Birding Safari

To make the most of your birding adventure, bring:

• A good pair of binoculars

• A hat and sunglasses for sun protection

• A field guide to help with identification

• Sunscreen and insect repellent

• A light rain jacket or poncho

• A small backpack for essentials

Tanzania’s diverse landscapes—from wetlands and grasslands to forests and mountains—offer some of the richest birdwatching experiences in Africa. Every park and mountain range brings the chance to spot something unique, making Tanzania a must-visit destination for any bird enthusiast.