Tanzania has recorded approximately 1,130 bird species, the third-longest national bird list covered by the African Bird Club region, reflecting habitats ranging from the Eastern Arc Mountains’ ancient cloud forest to the open plains of the Serengeti, Rift Valley lakes and the Indian Ocean coast and islands.
Key facts
- Approximately 1,130 recorded species; the third-longest list in the African Bird Club region
- The Eastern Arc Mountains (Udzungwa, Usambara, Uluguru, Pare, Rubeho) hold numerous endemic and near-endemic species found nowhere else
- Endemics include the Udzungwa Forest Partridge, Grey-breasted Spurfowl and Pemba Green Pigeon (found only on Pemba Island, Zanzibar)
- Lake Manyara National Park is renowned for waterbirds and flamingos
Top birding sites
Eastern Arc Mountains: Tanzania’s premier endemic birding region, led by Udzungwa National Park, home to the Udzungwa Forest Partridge and a long list of forest specialists found in no other country. Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area: classic savanna birding alongside the wildlife, including the range-restricted Fischer’s Lovebird. Lake Manyara National Park: a renowned waterbird site, with flamingos, the endemic Ashy Starling and Usambiro Barbet. Pemba Island: the only place in the world to see the Pemba Green Pigeon and several other island endemics.
Star species
The Udzungwa Forest Partridge and Grey-breasted Spurfowl are among Africa’s most sought-after endemics, alongside Fischer’s Lovebird on the northern plains, the Ashy Starling and Usambiro Barbet at Lake Manyara, and the Pemba Green Pigeon on the Zanzibar archipelago.
When to go
Birding is rewarding year-round; November to April brings Palearctic migrants to the northern parks and coincides with the Serengeti’s green season, while the Eastern Arc endemics are resident and can be sought at any time of year.
Why go birding in Tanzania?
Tanzania has more than a thousand bird species across the Serengeti plains, the Northern Circuit lakes, the Rift Valley, coastal forests and the Eastern Arc Mountains. It is a good choice for travellers who want to combine birding with the Great Migration, Ngorongoro Crater and Kilimanjaro.
Northern Circuit birding
Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti are the heart of Tanzania's birding. Lake Manyara has flamingos and pelicans in season, Tarangire is excellent for dry-country birds and raptors and the Serengeti plains offer ostriches, secretary birds and kori bustards. Ngorongoro's crater floor and crater rim add highland and grassland species.
Lake Natron and the Rift Valley
Lake Natron, in the north, is an important breeding site for lesser flamingos, and the surrounding landscape of soda flats and volcanic peaks is dramatic. Lake Eyasi and the Rift Valley escarpment add semi-arid species, and the combination of birding and Maasai culture makes for a rich experience.
Eastern Arc Mountains and endemics
The Usambara, Uluguru and Udzungwa mountains hold forest birds found nowhere else, along with endemic mammals and plants. These sites need extra time but reward serious birders. We can add them as extensions to a classic northern safari.
Planning a Tanzania birding safari
Birding is possible all year, with the green season from November to April bringing migrants and breeding plumage. A balanced route mixes bird-rich lakes and forests with game viewing in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. See our birding safaris, key birds and Tanzania safaris pages.
Birding by season in Tanzania
The green season from November to April brings migrants and breeding plumage, and the dry season from June to October gives easy game viewing and good birding at waterholes. The Northern Circuit works for birding all year, and forest areas in the south and east need dry weather for easier walking.
Combining birding with the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro
A Tanzania birding safari can include the Serengeti and Ngorongoro for big game, Lake Manyara and Tarangire for birds and elephants and an optional Kilimanjaro or Meru trek for high-altitude species. We design the route so that long drives are balanced with rest, and so that serious birders get the best light and the quietest hours.
Tanzania birding checklist: the species to look for
Key targets include flamingos at Lake Natron and Lake Manyara, ostriches, secretary birds and kori bustards on the plains, raptors at Tarangire and endemics in the Eastern Arc Mountains. Many Tanzanian guides specialise in birds and can find difficult species, and some camps offer dedicated bird walks.
Sample 8 day Tanzania birding route
Start at Arusha, then travel to Tarangire for dry-country birds and elephants, Lake Manyara for waterbirds and tree-climbing lions and the Ngorongoro Crater for highland species. Continue to the Serengeti for plains birds and big cats, and finish with an optional Lake Natron extension for flamingos. The route combines birding with the Northern Circuit's best wildlife.
Where to stay for birding in Tanzania
Lodges near Lake Manyara and Tarangire are ideal for early walks, and Serengeti camps in the central and northern areas give access to quiet corners. We choose lodges with good guiding and flexible schedules, so birders can enjoy early starts and quiet hides.
Planning a birding safari in Tanzania
Tanzania offers northern savanna species, Rift Valley endemics and the Eastern Arc mountains. Seven to ten days works well with a specialist guide. Combine with Serengeti and the Great Migration for a mixed itinerary, using our Tanzania safaris page.
Plan your Tanzania birding safari
Birding can be combined with a northern circuit wildlife safari or a dedicated Eastern Arc Mountains and Zanzibar itinerary. Visit Plan My African Safari, message us on WhatsApp at +256 701 243 304, or email [email protected], or see our wider Birding Safaris page for bookable itineraries.
