Tanzania is one of Africa’s premier birdwatching destinations, offering an incredible diversity of habitats that support more than 1,100 bird species. From the lush forests of the Eastern Arc Mountains to the expansive wetlands of the Kilombero Valley and the rugged landscapes of Ruaha National Park, this 18-day East to Southern Tanzania Birding Safari is designed for bird enthusiasts seeking a rewarding and immersive experience.
This carefully planned itinerary combines Tanzania’s most productive birding hotspots with spectacular wildlife viewing and breathtaking scenery. Throughout the journey, you’ll explore mountain forests, coastal ecosystems, grasslands, floodplains, national parks, and miombo woodlands, each home to its own unique collection of endemic and migratory bird species.
Beyond birdwatching, the safari offers opportunities to encounter elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, antelopes, lions, leopards, and many other iconic African wildlife species. Guided by experienced local birding experts, every day presents exciting opportunities to observe both rare and common birds while learning about Tanzania’s remarkable ecosystems.
Whether you are an experienced birder searching for endemic species or a nature lover looking to experience East Africa’s extraordinary biodiversity, this safari promises unforgettable moments in some of Tanzania’s most beautiful landscapes.
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by a representative from Adventure Makers Tanzania and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. After check-in, your guide will provide a safari briefing, giving you an overview of the exciting birding adventure ahead.
If time allows, enjoy a relaxed birding walk around the lodge or nearby gardens where you may spot African Paradise Flycatcher, Variable Sunbird, Speckled Mousebird, Tropical Boubou, and Silvery-cheeked Hornbill. Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the journey.
Accommodation: Arusha
Meals: Dinner
After an early breakfast, drive to the open grasslands west of Arusha, one of the best places to search for the endemic Arusha Lark. The vast plains are also home to several grassland bird species, making it an excellent introduction to Tanzania’s incredible birdlife.
Throughout the day, your guide will help identify various larks, pipits, weavers, and raptors while explaining the unique ecology of this important birding habitat. Return to Arusha in the late afternoon for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Arusha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today you will explore the beautiful Arusha National Park, a diverse ecosystem featuring montane forests, lakes, open grasslands, and the scenic Momella Lakes. The park offers excellent opportunities for both birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
Look out for Hartlaub’s Turaco, Narina Trogon, Crowned Eagle, African Fish Eagle, Flamingos, and numerous waterbirds around the lakes. Along the way, you may also encounter giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, and black-and-white colobus monkeys.
Accommodation: Arusha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Following breakfast, begin your journey east towards Same and Mkomazi National Park. The changing landscapes from fertile highlands to dry Acacia woodland provide excellent opportunities to observe a variety of bird species throughout the drive.
Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon birding excursion in the park, where species such as Von der Decken’s Hornbill, Golden-breasted Starling, White-headed Buffalo Weaver, and Somali Bee-eater are commonly found. Mkomazi is also home to elephants, giraffes, zebras, and the endangered African Wild Dog.
Accommodation: Near Mkomazi National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Spend the entire day exploring Mkomazi National Park, one of Tanzania’s hidden birding treasures. The park’s Acacia woodland, open plains, and rocky hills support more than 450 recorded bird species, making it an ideal destination for passionate birdwatchers.
Your experienced guide will help you search for Secretarybird, Kori Bustard, Martial Eagle, Eastern Violet-backed Sunbird, and many colorful woodland species. Between birding stops, enjoy sightings of giraffes, elephants, antelopes, and other wildlife that thrive in this unique ecosystem.
Accommodation: Near Mkomazi National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, continue your safari to the scenic South Pare Mountains, part of the Eastern Arc Mountain range. These ancient forests are internationally recognized for their exceptional biodiversity and are home to several rare and endemic bird species.
Spend the afternoon exploring forest trails with your guide, searching for colorful forest birds while enjoying spectacular mountain scenery, cool temperatures, and peaceful surroundings. The rich vegetation also supports butterflies, small mammals, and unique plant life.
Accommodation: South Pare Mountains
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Following an early breakfast, travel to the magnificent West Usambara Mountains, one of East Africa’s most rewarding birdwatching destinations. The montane forests, rolling hills, and picturesque viewpoints provide ideal habitats for many endemic species.
Enjoy guided birding walks through the forest while searching for Usambara Akalat, Usambara Weaver, Green Barbet, Narina Trogon, Evergreen Forest Warbler, and various sunbirds. The stunning mountain landscapes make today’s journey one of the highlights of the safari.
Accommodation: West Usambara Mountains
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today is dedicated to exploring the rich forests of the West Usambara Mountains. Early morning birding offers the best opportunity to observe rare forest species as they become active in the cool mountain air.
Throughout the day, you’ll visit different forest habitats and scenic viewpoints while learning about the area’s unique ecology from your expert birding guide. Besides exceptional birdlife, the mountains offer breathtaking views, lush forests, and an unforgettable nature experience.
Accommodation: West Usambara Mountains
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
18 Days East to Southern Tanzania Birding Safari
After breakfast, depart for the lush East Usambara Mountains, another jewel of Tanzania’s Eastern Arc range. These ancient rainforests are internationally recognized for their remarkable biodiversity and are home to numerous endemic birds, reptiles, butterflies, and plant species found nowhere else in the world.
Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon birding walk through the forest trails. Keep an eye out for colorful forest birds, hornbills, greenbuls, robin-chats, and sunbirds while soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of this pristine rainforest.
Accommodation: East Usambara Mountains
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today is dedicated to exploring the famous Amani Nature Reserve, one of Tanzania’s finest birding destinations. The reserve protects a large area of tropical rainforest and offers excellent opportunities to observe many endemic and near-endemic bird species.
Spend the day walking along forest trails, listening to the calls of hidden birds and searching the forest canopy for species such as the Usambara Eagle-Owl, Amani Sunbird, Green-headed Oriole, African Broadbill, and other forest specialists. The reserve is also rich in butterflies, chameleons, and unique plant life.
Accommodation: Amani Nature Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After an early breakfast, leave the rainforest behind and travel towards Mikumi National Park. The journey passes through beautiful landscapes, rural villages, and rolling hills before reaching one of southern Tanzania’s most accessible wildlife parks.
Enjoy an afternoon game drive where birdwatching is combined with outstanding wildlife viewing. Expect to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeest, and numerous antelope species while searching for hornbills, rollers, bee-eaters, storks, and birds of prey.
Accommodation: Mikumi National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Spend the entire day exploring Mikumi National Park’s open plains, wetlands, and Acacia woodlands. The diverse habitats support hundreds of bird species, making the park a rewarding destination for both experienced birders and wildlife enthusiasts.
Throughout the day, your guide will help you locate waterbirds, kingfishers, eagles, bustards, lapwings, and colorful bee-eaters. Between birding stops, enjoy excellent chances of spotting lions, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and other iconic African wildlife.
Accommodation: Mikumi National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Following breakfast, continue your safari to the fertile Kilombero Valley, one of East Africa’s most important wetland ecosystems. The floodplains, rivers, and grasslands attract an incredible variety of resident and migratory bird species throughout the year.
Enjoy afternoon birdwatching around the wetlands, where you may encounter herons, storks, jacanas, kingfishers, weavers, and various waterfowl. The peaceful scenery and rich biodiversity make Kilombero an unforgettable birding destination.
Accommodation: Kilombero Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today is devoted to exploring the wetlands, marshes, and riverbanks of the Kilombero Floodplain. Early morning offers excellent bird activity as many species forage in the shallow waters and surrounding grasslands.
Your experienced guide will lead you through different habitats while sharing insights into the ecology of this internationally important wetland. Besides birdlife, you may also observe hippos, crocodiles, monkeys, and other wildlife that depend on the river system.
Accommodation: Kilombero Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, drive to the spectacular Udzungwa Mountains National Park, renowned for its ancient forests, endemic wildlife, and scenic hiking trails. The park is part of the Eastern Arc Mountains and is considered one of Africa’s biodiversity hotspots.
Enjoy a guided forest walk in search of forest birds while appreciating the park’s waterfalls, towering trees, and lush vegetation. Udzungwa is also famous for its endemic primates, butterflies, and unique plant species, making it one of Tanzania’s most fascinating natural areas.
Accommodation: Near Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Spend the day exploring different sections of Udzungwa’s tropical forest, where every trail offers exciting birdwatching opportunities. The dense forest provides habitat for numerous endemic and forest-dependent species, making it a rewarding destination for nature lovers.
As you hike through the park, enjoy panoramic mountain views, crystal-clear streams, and the sounds of the rainforest while searching for turacos, greenbuls, flycatchers, hornbills, and colorful forest sunbirds.
Accommodation: Near Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, continue to the magnificent Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest national park and one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. The park’s diverse habitats include baobab woodlands, river systems, rocky hills, and open savannahs that support exceptional birdlife and large mammal populations.
An afternoon game drive offers opportunities to observe elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, and a remarkable variety of bird species. Ruaha’s peaceful wilderness provides a memorable conclusion to your birding adventure.
Accommodation: Ruaha National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy one final early morning birdwatching excursion in Ruaha National Park before breakfast. This is an excellent opportunity to photograph birds in the soft morning light and appreciate the park’s incredible natural beauty one last time.
After breakfast, transfer to the nearby airstrip for your scheduled flight to Dar es Salaam, marking the end of your unforgettable 18-day East to Southern Tanzania Birding Safari with Adventure Makers Tanzania. Depart with wonderful memories of Tanzania’s extraordinary birdlife, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes.
Meals: Breakfast
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