Bird Watching in Tanzania
Tanzania is a top destination for bird watching, with over 1,100 bird species recorded, making it number one in Africa. The country hosts 65 species found only within its borders.
These unique species include the Tanzania Seedeater, Loveridge’s Sunbird, Mrs. Moreau’s Warbler, Iringa Akalat, Ashy Starling, Usambara Akalat, Tanzanian Red-Billed Hornbill, Pemba White Eye, Rufous Tailed Weaver, Pemba Green Pigeon, Branded Green Sunbird, Udzungwa Forest Partridge, Fischer’s Lovebird, and Usambara Eagle Owl.
Prime birding locations in Tanzania include the coast and national parks like Lake Manyara and Arusha National Park. These spots feature in most itineraries, tailored to your preferences.
Places to See Birds in Tanzania
Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara National Park boasts 400 bird species, offering a great introduction to Tanzania’s avian diversity. In a single day, you can spot over 100 species, ranging from forest to water birds.
Notable species include Pink Hued Flamingoes, African Grey Hornbill, Baglafecht Weaver, Great White Pelican, Comb Duck, African Spoonbill, Grey Crowned Crane, Lesser Flamingo, Pied Avocet, Sacred Ibis, Pied Kingfisher, Yellow-billed Stork, and Hottentot Teal.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a prime bird-watching site with 500 recorded species. Lake Makatare hosts thousands of migratory flamingoes, while the swamps provide habitats for hippos.
Notable species include the Tawny Eagle, Red & Yellow Barbet, Red Bellied Parrot, Ashy Starling, African Grey Flycatcher, Ostrich, Pink Breasted Lark, Northern White Crowned Shrike, Great White Pelican, and Donaldson Smith’s Nightjar.
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park is home to 500 bird species, making it a haven for bird lovers.
Notable species include Ostriches, Flamingoes, Silverbird, Yellow Throated Sandgrouse, Grey Breasted Spurfowl, Ruppell’s Vulture, Schalow’s Turaco, Usambiro Barbet, Hildebrandt’s Starling, Verreaux’s Eagle, and Southern Ground Hornbill.
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park, another excellent bird-watching site, also hosts 500 species. The park is notable for its dry-country birds like the Vulturine Guinea Fowl and Northern Pied Babbler. Unique birds in this area include the Yellow Collared Lovebird and Rufous Tailed Weaver.
Notable species include the Tawny Eagle, Red & Yellow Barbet, Red Bellied Parrot, Ashy Starling, African Grey Flycatcher, Ostrich, Pink Breasted Lark, Northern White Crowned Shrike, Great White Pelican, and Donaldson Smith’s Nightjar.
