Northern Tanzania Birding

The northern circuit's endemics and the birding side of the Serengeti.

Countries
Tanzania
Duration
8 days · 7 nights
Best season
December through March (Palaearctic migrants and endemics active)
Group size
2–6 guests
All birding tours
Overview

What this journey is about.

Northern Tanzania's parks hold over 500 bird species and several endemics or near-endemics found in very few other places. Rufous-tailed Weaver, Ashy Starling, Grey-breasted Spurfowl, Fischer's Lovebird, and Yellow-collared Lovebird are all achievable across the circuit.

Our itinerary works the same parks as the classic mammal safari but with birding as the anchor, dawn drives to the Serengeti's kopjes for weaverbirds and sunbirds, waterbird time on the Manyara shoreline, extended stops in Tarangire's baobab woodland, and a full day in Arusha's compact but diverse habitats.

Suitable for

Listers targeting Tanzania endemics, guests wanting to combine mammals and birds in Tanzania's north

Highlights

What you can expect to see.

Tanzania endemics on their key sites

Serengeti and Ngorongoro from a birding perspective

Mammal viewing as inevitable bonus

Manyara's alkaline lake shorebirds and flamingos

Target species

Rufous-tailed Weaver, Ashy Starling, Grey-breasted Spurfowl, Fischer's Lovebird, Yellow-collared Lovebird, Beesley's Lark (near Arusha), Purple Grenadier, Kori Bustard.

Destinations

Where this itinerary goes.

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park

Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park

Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park

Day by day

The itinerary, one day at a time.

Tap any day to open it. Every day stays flexible in the field, this is the plan, not a constraint.

  1. Airport transfer and an afternoon in the Arusha gardens and forest edge for Hartlaub's Turaco and Taveta Golden Weaver. Route briefing in the evening.

What's included

Everything covered in the field.

Accommodation options and a full quotation follow your enquiry, they depend on your dates, party size, and preferred standard.

Professional Guide

A trained naturalist guide with you throughout, including species identification in the field.

Park & Reserve Fees

All national park, reserve, and conservancy entry fees for the parks on your itinerary.

4x4 Safari Transport

Private safari vehicle with pop-up roof, window seat guaranteed for every guest.

Meals in the Field

Full board while on safari, including picnic breakfasts and lunches on long game-drive days.

Airport Transfers

Arrival pick-up and departure drop-off at your agreed airport or railway station.

Photography Support

Vehicle positioning for light and angle, bean-bag support, and unhurried time at sightings.

Drinking Water

Bottled or filtered drinking water in the vehicle for the duration of the safari.

Flying-Doctor Cover

Emergency evacuation cover for the duration of your time in the field.

Not included
  • International flights and visa fees
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Personal items, laundry, and drinks
  • Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
  • Tips and gratuities for guides and camp staff
  • Accommodation upgrades quoted separately

Accommodation options and a full quotation follow your enquiry, both depend on your dates and preferences.

Licensed East African operator. Emergency evacuation cover throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before you enquire.

The questions guests most often ask about this kind of itinerary.

  • Yes. Every itinerary here is a starting point. Days can be added or removed, parks swapped, and the pace slowed down or tightened around what you most want to see.

Related journeys

Other birding expeditions.

Start Planning

Let's plan your East African safari.

Whether you're planning your first safari or returning in search of rare wildlife, we'll design an experience tailored entirely around your interests, travel style, and schedule.