The countries of East Africa are filled with prime spots that showcase the best of bird life. If you would like an adventurous and successful bird-watching safari in the East African region, then Tanzania is your go-to destination in which Wild Voyager offers the best Tanzania luxury safari tours. This country, located adjacent to Kenya, is a fascinating bird-watching destination. Birding safari in Tanzania is an extremely popular activity. It is not just limited to birders or ornithologists but also to people wanting to witness birds in their natural habitats.
What is Tanzania and why should you visit
Tanzania is a famous destination in Eastern Africa. It is popularly associated with pristine beaches, friendly Masai groups, colorful culture, an abundance of wildlife, and the towering Mount Kilimanjaro. This country is filled with protected areas and natural regions in the form of parks, reserves, and conservancies.
Accommodation in the country ranges from hotels to villas, lodges to camps depending on your location. It is highly suggested to enjoy Tanzanian luxury tours at least once.
Tanzania offers a raw safari experience because of its untamed wilderness. Here, safaris are quieter and much more pleasant. There are many places and sites that are full of natural splendor, not found anywhere else in the world.
One of the main reasons to visit this country is to discover its untamed wildlife. Serengeti, Tanzania’s oldest and largest national park, displays scenic and panoramic views of the abundant resident game. The park is also popular for its wildebeest migration that occurs annually, starting from Serengeti. The Great Rift Valley escarpment creates a dramatic scenery in the country’s various parks and reserves.
The coastlines of the country are also well-known and beautiful as they are surrounded by the Indian Ocean. The pristine beaches are fringed with swaying palms and beachside resorts. Tanzanian beaches are perfect for relaxation after you wrap up your bush adventures. You can even explore marine life and coral reefs through exciting water sports activities.
Safari in Tanzania – What Animals can you spot
Tanzania has a flourishing biodiversity, as its flora and fauna are the finest in this country. Moreover, the formation of various natural environments houses a wide variety of animals. During your Tanzania safari, the Big Five African animals can be witnessed. This majestic group includes lions, leopards, cape buffalo, elephants, and endangered lions. It is the best East African country to spot the Big Five during game drives.
Other massive herds of plain animals like gazelles, zebras, wildebeest, impalas, and diverse species of antelopes live in the wilderness. These animals also embark on the Great Migration together during the dry season. In the water sources like rivers, huge herds of hippos and deadly crocodiles reside. In many parts of various national parks, you can even come across rare species like black and white colobus monkeys, hyenas, African wild dogs, caracals, and the East African onyx.
Safari in Tanzania – what birds can you spot
With over 1,300 species of birds residing, this country is perfect for birding safari, Some of the bird populations are endemic in Tanzania. Alongside game drives, bird-watching safari should be considered by travelers visiting the country. Migratory birds are also seen in the country, many of them arriving from Europe and other parts of the African continent.
The endemic bird species include the Pemba green pigeon, Udzungwa forest partridge, and the Usambara weaver. Other colorful birds include the Rufous-tailed weaver, sunbird, pygmy falcon, white-faced whistling duck, mousebird, the unusual Marabou stork, and silvery-cheeked hornbill.
A wide range of strokes, herons, ibises, kingfishers, jacana sandpipers, plovers, and more can be found in the country. Birds of prey like the Marshall eagle, black kite, buzzards, vultures, Goshawk, and others are also seen. Around eight different species of owls including the scops owl, Pemba owl, and Sokoke owl reside all over Tanzania.
Waterbirds like different types of spoonbills, egrets, Ibis, skimmers, herons, and stilts reside near Tanzanian lakes. One of the most incredible sights is the flocks of pink flamingoes that gather and spread across the alkaline lakes of Tanzania.
Birding safari offers glimpses of the rarest bird species in the country, Sombre Nightjar, blue-spotted wood dove, Pacific golden plover, Pallid honeyguide, and red-winged starling, and more can be encountered only after much exploration in Tanzania, from its forests to remote mountains.
One of the main reasons why birds thrive in this country is due to the differing topographies and microclimates found in the country. Natural habitats like forests, mountain ranges, and alkaline lakes support a wide variety of birds.
The Best Birding Safari Destinations in Tanzania
Here are some of the top destinations for birdwatching. These are ideal for beginners as well as professional birdwatchers.
Arusha National Park
In northeastern Tanzania lies the Arusha National Park, located close to the city of Arusha. It is home to Meru Mountain which provides breathtaking landscapes. In the park live various animals like buffalos, giraffes, zebras, different types of primates, and a few leopards. Despite its small size, the park houses an incredible ecosystem.
The Momella lakes in the park, in particular, provide incredible bird-watching opportunities Over 400 different resident and migrant species of birds are found in Arusha National Park. Water fowls such as hamerkop, herons, and grey parrots among the others are particularly popular to spot in the park. Colorful turacos and trogons are also the favorites of birders.
Eastern Arc Mountains
The isolated Eastern Arc mountains were formed millions of years ago. They have become a haven for varied flora and fauna. If you’d like to enjoy a true birding safari, head to this unique destination, These mountains in Tanzania are becoming increasingly well-known not only among naturalists but also birders. It offers an unapparelled wilderness experience in a remote region. It is one of the few places where endemic species are witnessed along with the discovery of new birds.
Within the Eastern Arc Mountains is the Udzungwa National Park, displaying the largest biodiversity. Although it is not a conventional park to visit, it is home to 400 bird species which also includes the forest bird species and eastern arc endemic species. Here one can spot marabou storks, woodland kingfishers, silvery-checked hornbills, green-headed oriole, and more.
Lake Manyara National Park
Birding safari is excellent in Lake Manyara because it houses colorful species of birds. It is also an adventurous national park, located at the edge of the Great Rift valley. Lake Manyara is an alkaline lake that covers at least two-thirds of the park’s area. The lake attracts a large number of varied birds that feed on its algae. It is home to over 400 vibrant bird species. These include endemic, rare, and migratory arriving from various parts of Africa and Europe in Tanzania.
Lake Manyara has different areas for birdwatching such as acacia woodlands, savannahs, and the shorelines of the lake. In different habitats, you can spot a variety of birds such as baglafecht weaver, blue-napped mousebird, African spoonbill, martial eagle, and more.
One of the top highlights of bird-watching in Lake Manyara is spotting lesser and greater flamingoes. Hundreds of flamingo flocks cover the lake and create a picturesque view. These birds can be witnessed against the backdrop of the park’s other wildlife such as the endangered rhino.
Tarangire National Park
A northern circuit park of Tanzania, Tarangire is known for its birds and large elephant herds. This park also remains accessible as it is located close to Arusha city.
The park consists of different habitats like mixed woodlands, acacia shrubs, and savannah plains. Tarangire has approximately 500 bird species including the endangered rufous-tailed weavers. Other birds include starlings, barbets, flacons, kingfishers, francolins, ostriches, and many more.
Birds like red-bellied parrots, speckle-fronted weavers, northern white-crowned shrike, lilac-breasted rollers, and similar other birds can be spotted during a birding safari, The colorful avifauna of Tarangire is usually seen in the dry areas of Tanzania.
The Tanzanian birdlife is good all year round but it remains at its peak from November to April. During these months, migratory birds arrive from Europe and Africa. Many resident birds also prepare for nesting and breeding plumage.
Tourist Attractions in Tanzania and Where to Visit
Along with bird-watching, there are many other places in the country that can be explored. Some of the sites worth visiting are as follows:
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti is one of the best game reserves to enjoy game drives, bird watching, and other adventurous activities. It has a plethora of wildlife and birdlife residing inside the park. Serengeti offers excellent game viewing all year round. It is a premier park that is divided into various other regions. Each of these regions showcases the diversity of Serengeti in terms of its flora and fauna. To enjoy birding safari as well as great migration tours in Tanzania, Serengeti is your go-to place.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
This dormant volcano formed millions of years ago is called the ‘Eden of Tanzania’. Ngorongoro’s beautiful vistas are breathtaking and unique to the crater. If you would like to enjoy scenic views along with wildlife, Ngorongoro is highly recommended. The flourishing birdlife of Ngorongoro is seen in the various habitats of the crater such as montane woodlands and grasslands. For a much better experience, you can consider combining a Ngorongoro and Serengeti tour for observing birds.
Mount Kilimanjaro
The highest peak of the African continent is Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro. This peak attracts hikers and climbers from across the world to reach its highest summit. Kilimanjaro is also famous for housing unique wildlife, birdlife, and vegetation at its high elevations.
A safari at Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is like no other as it exposes a different side of Tanzania’s ecosystem. At Kilimanjaro, you can also enjoy a birding safari. Some species to spot are turacos, trogons, hornbills, cuckoos, kingfishers, and African pitta. One can visit the Kilimanjaro Cloud Forest in Tanzania to explore the beautiful birdlife of the peak.
Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam is nestled along a natural harbor and is Tanzania’s popular and largest popular port city. It offers a fusion of different cultures like Swahili, Arabic, and even European. After Zanzibar’s Stone Town, Dar es Salaam city is best explored for its cuisines, architecture, and attractions. It is the perfect city to visit after completing your adventures.
Pemba and Mafia islands
Pemba Island forms a part of the Zanzibar archipelago, off the African East Coast. This island is known for its green lush hills along with its pristine beaches. You can observe this island’s coral reef by indulging in water sports activities like diving and snorkeling.
Mafia Island, which is part of the country’s Mafia archipelago, is a prime tropical destination. It has magnificent marine life including its resident sea turtles and whale sharks. This island offers the best snorkeling and diving spots.
The Best Beach Resorts in Tanzania – Where to Stay
If you are planning to enjoy a few days near the beaches after birding safari, here are some beach resorts and lodges found in Tanzania:
The Aiyana Resort and Spa – Aiyana resort is a luxury accommodation on the Makangale beach of Pemba. It has 30 private villas, which include spacious and cozy suites. This resort is famous for its spa, and tours to nearby sites.
Fundu Lagoon – This resort is set in a private setting, only accessible by boat. Fundu Lagoon resort extends along a natural beach and is surrounded by a lush forest. It has only 12 private beachfront and hillside suites, offering complete luxury and solitude.
Big Blu Mafia Island Diving Resort – This resort located on Mafia Island, has a beautiful beachfront location. This accommodation has simple yet spacious rooms along with a diving center. The resort also offers various tours to the island, and snorkeling trips.
Meremeta Lodge – Meremeta Lodge is located close to the marine park entrance on Mafia Island. It sits nearby various stunning beaches on the island. The lodge features western style en suites offering a tropical ambiance. The lodge is built on a gorgeous land surrounded by coconut palms and plantations.
Birding safari in Tanzania is among the unique activities you must try in the country. To enjoy the best of Tanzanian safaris, contact a reputed travel company that offers the best vacation itineraries according to your preferences and budget.
