Tanzania Birding Tours
From the iconic Serengeti plains to the endemic-rich Usambara Mountains, our Tanzania birding tours offer a wealth of habitats to explore in one of the best birding locations in Africa
With an astounding tally of 1,155 documented bird species, Tanzania proudly ranks as Africa’s second-most biodiverse nation, following the DRC. Among these avian inhabitants, 800 are resident species, nearly 200 are migratory, with 33 exclusive endemics found solely within Tanzania, and an additional 43 near-endemics shared with neighbouring regions.
The geographical diversity of Tanzania results in a mosaic of climates, from the cool heights of its mountains to the equatorial warmth of its lowlands. Despite its tropical latitude, the country experiences just two distinct seasons: wet and dry. This climatic diversity contributes to Tanzania’s staggering avian wealth, with over 1,000 bird species thriving across its varied landscapes. From the dense forests of the mountains to the sun-drenched shores of its coastline, our Tanzania birding tours are a haven for bird enthusiasts, offering habitats ranging from montane forests to coastal wetlands, each supporting unique birdlife.
While the renowned northern safari circuits draw crowds of visitors, our bespoke tours venture beyond the beaten path, exploring the hidden gems of southern Tanzania. Our flagship 29-Day Tanzania Endemics Birding Tour is a testament to our commitment to showcasing the country’s rich avian diversity. Venturing into the captivating Eastern Arc Mountains, our tours unveil the wonders of Tanzania’s endemic species thriving in pristine montane forests. Unlike the easily spotted species of the north, these forest-dwelling birds require patience, expertise, and a keen eye to discover. Yet, it’s this challenge that adds an exhilarating dimension to our expeditions, offering unparalleled encounters with Tanzania’s elusive and enchanting avifauna amidst breathtaking natural landscapes.
Our Tanzania Birding Tours
Tailor-made Tanzania Birding Tours
At Wild Birding, we make custom tailor-made Tanzania birding tours just for you. We don’t do predetermined trips. Instead, we plan every part of your tour based on what you want to see and do.
Tanzania has incredible birding spots, from the Serengeti plains to the endemic-rich Eastern Arc Mountains and tropical Pemba Island. Our team are experts and we use our knowledge to create a birding safari that’s perfect for you. On top of that, our local tour guides are the best! They’re Tanzanian, super passionate, and know a ton about their indigenous avifauna.
So please call us or send us an email. Let’s chat about an epic Tanzanian birdwatching holiday designed just the way you want it!
Reasons to go on a Tailor-made Birdwatching Tour in Tanzania
•Select the exact dates that suit your schedule.
•Determine the ideal time of year for your birding adventure.
•Decide on your travel companions – be it family, friends, or fellow birders.
•Establish your preferred pace – whether fast or brisk.
•Customise within your personal budget, from luxurious to budget accommodations or a mix.
• Craft a tour that matches your specific interests – whether intense birding, leisurely exploration, photography, culture, music, wine, botany, butterflies, herpetology, geology, diving, hiking, and beyond.
• Our team is here to cater to your interests and ensure a fulfilling birding holiday.
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Scheduled Group Tanzania Birding Tours
If you want to go on one our our Tanzania birding tours but prefer a pre-planned itinerary, our Scheduled Group Birding Tours might be just what you’re looking for. We’ve carefully crafted these group tours to cater to various birding interests and time constraints.
One of the advantages of our group tours is that they’re generally more budget-friendly as you cut the costs with others. They also provide a great opportunity to connect with like-minded birders and create unforgettable shared experiences.
Rest assured, we keep our groups small and intimate, with a maximum of 6 participants per tour. This ensures that you’ll enjoy a personalised experience and receive plenty of individual attention from your highly skilled and knowledgeable Tour Leader.
If you’re ready to join a Tanzanian birding tour with a group of fellow enthusiasts, we encourage you to explore our selection of Scheduled Group Birding Tours. We’re confident you’ll find an option that suits your preferences perfectly.
*Please refer to our ‘Set Departure Birding Calendar’ below for tour schedules, dates, and fixed prices.
What Our Previous Clients Thought Of Our Tanzania Birding Tours
Good To Know
Country
Tanzania
Visa Requirements
Visa required - 50USD on entry
Languages spoken
Kiswahili but English is widely spoken
Currency
TZS - Tanzanian Shilling (USD, GBP & EUR widely accepted)
Area (km2)
947,303 km2
Endemic & Speciality Birds of Tanzania
Highland endemics, range-restricted dry-country species, and Eastern Arc forest treasures.
Tanzania Endemics
– Udzungwa Forest Partridge (Xenoperdix udzungwensis)
– Rufous-winged Sunbird (Cinnyris rufipennis)
– Kilombero Weaver (Ploceus burnieri)
– Kilombero Cisticola (Cisticola bakerorum)
– Ashy Starling (Lamprotornis unicolor)
– Pemba Green Pigeon (Treron pembaensis)
– Pemba Scops Owl (Otus pembaensis)
– Pemba White-eye (Zosterops vaughani)
– Pemba Sunbird (Cinnyris pembae)
– Loveridge’s Sunbird (Cinnyris loveridgei)
– Moreau’s Sunbird (Cinnyris moreaui)
– Banded Green Sunbird (Anthreptes rubritorques)
– Usambara Eagle-Owl (Bubo vosseleri)
– Usambara Weaver (Ploceus nicolli)
– Uluguru Bushshrike (Malaconotus alius)
Near-Endemics & Regional Specialities
– Fischer’s Lovebird (Agapornis fischeri)
– Yellow-collared Lovebird (Agapornis personatus)
– Grey-breasted Spurfowl (Pternistis rufopictus)
– Beesley’s Lark (Chersomanes beesleyi)
– Mrs Moreau’s Warbler (Scepomycter winifredae)
– Usambara Akalat (Sheppardia montana)
– Montane Tiny Greenbul (Phyllastrephus albigula)
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When to visit
Tanzania offers a breathtaking birding experience every single day of the year, making it a true paradise for birders. While November to April is the peak season, there’s never a bad time to go birding here!
The peak season is when you’ll see the vibrant breeding plumages, and display behaviours of whydahs, widowbirds and bishops. Additionally, it’s also when many migrants are around and allows for a huge count.
But don’t be fooled into thinking the off-peak months are any less extraordinary. Tanzania’s varied landscapes – from lush forests to expansive savannas – allow for a huge count species year-round, each season offering its own set of thrilling sightings.
For those wanting an up-to-the-minute information, eBird (a tool we regularly employ on our tours) provides current sightings and checklists. However, rest assured that whenever you choose to come on one our Tanzania birding tours, you’ll be be in for an immensely enjoyable birding experience.
What to bring with you?
In East Africa’s generally warm climate, packing appropriate clothing is essential. Opt for light-coloured shorts, trousers, and shirts for comfort. Additionally, prepare for colder temperatures, especially in parts of the Rift Valley where nights can drop to as low as 5 degrees Celsius – bringing a jacket is advisable. Mosquito repellent is crucial to ward off insect bites, and taking anti-malarial tablets is highly recommended. Equipment such as high-quality binoculars tailored for birdwatching is essential and if you have a good working camera and lens, then please bring it with you!
A comprehensive field guide specific to the country’s birds, such as Field Guide to the Birds of East Africa by John Fanshawe & Terry Stevenson would be recommended.
*Remember that when you book a Tanzania birding tour with us over 14 days, we will send you a new complementary field guide!
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Sustainability & Citizen Science in Tanzania
At Wild Birding, we are committed to ensuring that every birding holiday we create in Tanzania has a positive impact on both bird conservation efforts and the local communities in the areas we visit. Our approach to sustainability is primarily centred around citizen science, where we encourage our clients to actively contribute to bird conservation through data collection and sharing their bird sightings.
We proudly support eBird, a global platform that helps gather essential birding data for conservation purposes. We encourage all our clients to submit their bird sightings to eBird, which assists in monitoring bird populations, tracking migratory patterns, and supporting research for the preservation of Tanzania’s incredible birdlife. Your contributions to this citizen science initiative help protect vulnerable species and habitats, ensuring that Tanzania’s diverse bird populations are monitored and safeguarded for future generations.
While our focus remains on citizen science, we also understand the importance of reducing our environmental impact. As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we offer carbon offsetting as an option for our clients, allowing them to understand and mitigate the environmental footprint of their travels. This small but meaningful step helps ensure that your birding journey is as sustainable as it is rewarding.
We are proud to support Nature Tanzania, a local conservation initiative dedicated to the preservation of Tanzania’s wildlife and ecosystems. Through our collaboration, we are helping to protect the country’s natural heritage and support the well-being of local communities. Our dedication to ecotourism has been recognised through several prestigious awards, validating our commitment to making a positive impact on both the environment and local communities.
When you choose Wild Birding for your birding holiday in Tanzania, you can be confident that your journey will not only offer unforgettable birding experiences but will also contribute to the protection of Tanzania’s unique birdlife, support local conservation efforts through Nature Tanzania, and promote responsible travel practices.
Weather & Climate
Weather & Climate
Tanzania’s climate varies from equatorial along the coast to tropical inland, with distinct wet and dry seasons. Coastal areas like Dar es Salaam have hot, humid weather year-round, while inland regions experience heavy rainfall from November to May and drier conditions from June to October. Altitude influences temperatures, with higher elevations cooler than lowlands. Seasons in Tanzania are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere, with summer from December to February and winter from June to August. The Zanzibar Archipelago benefits from ocean breezes, offering milder conditions. Overall, Tanzania’s diverse climates create varied landscapes and wildlife habitats, attracting visitors to its stunning natural beauty.
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Our Tanzania Birding Tours
