06 Jun Tanzania’s Top Birding Destinations: A Birding Haven
With over 1,100 bird species recorded, including many highly sought-after endemics and spectacular rarities, Tanzania is regarded as one of the premier birding destinations in Africa.
This East African country boasts an incredible diversity of habitats, from the iconic sweeping plains of the Serengeti to the ancient montane forests of the Eastern Arc Mountains.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just getting into the hobby, Tanzania offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe some of the world’s most remarkable bird species. Here are some of the top spots for birding in this incredible country and regualr destinations on our Tanzania birding tours:
1. Mererani Maasai Steppe
The Mererani Maasai Steppe, a short drive from the town of Arusha, is a dry Acacia thorn bushland, with seasonal vernal pools emerging during the wet season. Many of the bird species found here belong to the Somalia-Masai Region and boast a stunning array of colours and beauty.
Of particular note is the Golden-breasted Starling, one of Africa’s most beautiful species alongside sightings of the Hunter’s Sunbird, Black-bellied Sunbird, and Tsavo Sunbird.
This unique ecosystem also hosts an impressive array of raptors, including the Bateleur and Martial Eagle
2. Mkomazi National Park
A less-visited gem, Mkomazi National Park protects over 3,200 square kilometers of acacia savanna and dry bushland in northeastern Tanzania. Among its many highlights are several arid-zone specialties like the Rosy-patched Bush-shrike, Pringle’s Puffback, and Pink-breasted Lark among others. Mkomazi also offers excellent opportunities to spot large mixed-species flocks of seed-eaters and weavers, which can number in the thousands of individuals.
Mkomazi also has excellent wildlife sightings of migratory elephants during the wet season. Moreover, Mkomazi provides a rare opportunity to encounter sought-after African Wild Dogs.
3. South Pare Mountains
Part of the ancient Eastern Arc Mountain range, the South Pare Mountains has one of the highest concentrations of range-restricted endemics in Tanzania and is regular destination on our birding tours in Tanzania. These mountains are home to two sought-after endemics – the South Pare White-eye and Usambara Double-collared Sunbird. Other regional specialties such as the Bar-throated Apalis, Hunter’s Cisticola, Purple-banded Sunbird, and East Coast Boubou are a highlight.
4. West Usambara Mountains
The West Usambaras are another key birding destination within the Eastern Arc and a must for any serious birder visiting Tanzania on one of our birding tours.
Revered as one of Africa’s paramount conservation sanctuaries for globally threatened bird species, this region boasts an exceptional biodiversity, featuring seven endemic species—the Usambara Eagle-owl, Usambara Hyliota, Usambara Thrush, Usambara Weaver, Usambara Akalat, Usambara Greenbul, and Usambara Tailorbird.
Additionally, it hosts seven near-endemic species, including the Sokoke Scops Owl, Long-billed Tailorbird, Amani Sunbird, Usambara Double-collared Sunbird, Taveta Golden-Weaver, Spot-throat, and Dapple-throat.
5. East Usambara Mountains
Forming part of the same ancient chain as the West Usambaras and South Pares, the East Usambara Mountains has a host of endemic species with the two main targets being the Usambara Hyliota and Usambara Tailorbird.
Other highlights include the Ayres’s Hawk-eagle, Southern Banded Snake Eagle, Purple-banded Sunbird, Amani Sunbird, Uluguru Violet-backed Sunbird, Green Barbet, Spotted Eagle-owl, Usambara Eagle-owl, Half-collared Kingfisher, Gorgeous Bushshrike, and more.
Undeniably, a top birding location in Tanzania and a must for the serious birders on our tours.
6. Arusha National Park
Conveniently located near the safari hub of Arusha, this underrated national park protects the beautiful Mount Meru and surrounding areas. Though compact, Arusha boasts an incredible diversity of habitats from grasslands to rainforests, and an excellent variety of bird species to match. Specialties include the striking Hartlaub’s Turaco, Narina Trogon, and the Red-fronted Parrot. Giraffes, elephants, and other large mammals also roam the park, adding to the experience.
7. Engikaret Lark Plains
Lark Plains, an area renowned for the elusive Tanzania endemic, Beesley’s Lark. These arid plains serve as a magnet for a diverse range of specialised avifauna adapted to dry environments, promising extensive on-foot birding opportunities. Although typically dry year-round, these plains witness substantial downpours from March to May, triggering rapid vegetation growth and attracting numerous passerines, raptors, and ground-dwelling species.
You will also get the chance to see near-endemic species such as the Athi Short-toed Lark, Red-throated Tit, and Short-tailed Lark, among other notable bird species
8. Tarangire National Park
Famous for its massive elephant herds and quintessential baobab-studded landscapes, Tarangire National Park is also an excellent birding destination with a recorded count of over 500 species. It is especially excellent during the dry season when birds concentrate around the Tarangire River and other scarce water sources. Key species here include the beautiful Yellow-collared Lovebird, Ashy Starling, Red-and-yellow Barbet, Red-bellied Parrot, Von der Decken’s Hornbill, White-headed Buffalo-weaver, Vulturine Guineafowl, Yellow-collared Lovebird, Bare-faced Go-away bird, Donaldson Smith’s Nightjar, Northern Pied Babbler, Northern White-crowned Shrike, Ashy Starling, and Tanzanian Red-billed Hornbill. The forested areas of the park are also home to several fabulous turacos, kingfishers, and barbets.
9. Ngorongoro Crater
One of the undisputed wonders of the natural world, the iconic Ngorongoro Crater is a massive volcanic caldera that provides a perfectly preserved window into a bygone era.
Along with the prolific larger mammal species this “Garden of Eden” is famous for, the crater also shelters an incredible diversity of birds, from flamingo-studded saline lakes to dense acacia woodlands hosting many raptors and other specialties
Key targets include the endemic Rufous-tailed Weaver, Grey-crested Helmetshrike, Hunter’s Sunbird, Hunter’s Cisticola, Pectoral-patch Cisticola, Lyne’s Cisticola, Black-fronted Bush-Shrike, Thick-billed Seedeater, White-headed Barbet, Schalow’s Turaco, Shelley’s Francolin, Grey Crowned Crane, Fan-tailed Widowbird, Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, Kori Bustard, Secretarybird, and Rosy-breasted Longclaw to name a few. A top birding and wildlife destination for any birder visiting Tanzania on one of our tours.
10. Serengeti
The vast, rolling plains of the legendary Serengeti are a bucket-list destination for birders and safari-goers alike. While perhaps best known for the incredible annual wildebeest migration, the park’s varied habitats, from grasslands to woodlands and riverine areas, have an astounding diversity of bird species.
In addition to abundant ungulates and predators like lion, leopard, hyena and cheetah, the Serengeti offers opportunities to spot everything from the gaudy Yellow-throated Longclaw to the skilled-hunter Secretarybird and Africa’s heaviest flying bird, the Kori Bustard.
Other notable species include Grey-breasted Spurfowl and numerous near-endemics like the Abyssinian Wheatear, Red-throated Tit, Rufous-tailed Weaver, and Grey-crested Helmetshrike. Our birding checklist will also include sought-after species such as the White-crested Helmetshrike, Meyer’s Parrot, Zitting, Croaking, Desert Cisticolas, White-headed and Black Sawwings, and Paradise, Pin-tailed, and Straw-tailed Whydahs.
Birding here is spectacular year-round, but the dry months from June to October are particularly excellent.
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