Tanzania is a great bird watching destination with over 1,100 different bird species registered in the country. About 900 bird species are said to be permanent and over 200 recorded migrant species can be found in Tanzania. Bird watching safaris in Tanzania are truly amazing as you will grab opportunities to spot some of the world’s rare, endemic, and endangered bird species. For any bird lover, there is definitely something to delight you on your Tanzania Bird watching safaris - from the enormous Marshall eagle to the dainty sunbird, the secretive Shoebill to the ubiquitous Marabou!
Tanzania bird watching Safaris will take you to some of the best safari locations, including Serengeti National Park. For birding lovers, Tanzania's untamed landscapes are a veritable paradise with a wide range of species to see. Tanzania has many options for Bird Watching Tours, but you will have a good time if you are accompanied by experts birding safari guides with wide knowledge of different bird species.
Bird watching safaris in Tanzania are the most popular activity among bird enthusiasts due to the vast number of bird species that can be seen here. Any bird lover should not hesitate to go on a safari to Tanzania since it will be well rewarded with amazing sightseeing opportunities.
Top bird watching sites in Tanzania –Where to go for Bird watching safaris in Tanzania
The Eastern Arc Mountains
The Eastern Arc Mountains, also known as the Tanzania-Malawi Endemic Bird Area, are the oldest mountain ranges in East Africa and are home to some of the greatest endemic biodiversity in the world. They cut through Tanzania from its north-eastern to south-western edges. They include the mountain ranges of Pare and Usumbara in the north and Udzungwa and Mahenge in the south. For an exceptional Bird watching experience in Tanzania, this bird watching sport is a must-visit for bird lovers.
There are guaranteed opportunities to spot some of the most endemic species in Tanzania and the region as a whole. Although there are few birding excursions in the East Arc Mountains the bird watching experience here is always exciting and a shouldn’t miss for bird lovers.
Since the region was uninhabited for almost 10 million years, a great diversity of birds was able to survive there, giving birders here the most authentic feel of an African birding trip. As a result, the Eastern Arc Mountains have become a haven for all kinds of flora and animals. Today, this region is one of the last on earth where it is still possible to see truly endemic species and, for the very adventurous birder, even some completely new species.
Lake Natron
Lake Natron, one of the well-known Rift Valley Lakes, is located to the north of the Ngorongoro Crater and shares a border with Kenya. It is fed by underground springs and the Ewaso Ngiro River. The roughly 2.5 million lesser flamingos that assemble here in the summer months of August and September breed mostly in this hostile area of acidic waters and arid land. It is worth witnessing just for the spectacle alone.
The Momella Lakes
The Momella Lakes, which are fed by underground streams and are situated to the north of Arusha National Park, are a haven for aquatic birds in particular. Flamingos, pelicans, small grebes, as well as a variety of herons, ducks, and waders, are among the species that are frequently spotted here.
Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is home to over 400 species of birds, one of the rich birding sites in Tanzania. The lake is home to species like; White and Pink-backed Pelican, Cormorant and Long-tailed Cormorant, Little Bittern, Goliath, Purple and Squacco Heron, Little, Yellow-billed and Great-white Egrets, Hammerkop, Yellow-billed Stork, Sacred Ibis, African Spoonbill, Fish Eagle, Black Crake, Allen’s and Purple Gallinules, Jacana, and Pied and Malachite Kingfishers are all residents. With a surface area of just under 70 000 km², Lake Victoria is the second-largest freshwater lake in the world. But despite its size, it is fairly shallow, only reaching 75m at its deepest.
Others frequently asked questions about birding safaris in Tanzania
What time of year is best for birding?
Whereas birding can be done all year round, the perfect month is May. It's a month-long birding celebration, filled with several of returning species, budding trees, and warmer temperatures.
