An Ornithologist’s Playground
Vast expanses of protected, unbroken wilderness and extensive biodiversity make Tanzania a truly unique ornithologist’s playground, with an amazing abundance of bird species.
While the abundance of Big Five mammal viewing tends to monopolize one’s safari experience, Tanzania is also an amazing destination for bird lovers. More than a thousand species have been counted, including numerous endemics. Tanzania is also on the migration path of many species so you’ll enjoy different birding opportunities depending on the timing of your visit. Walking treks up Mt. Meru and Kilimanjaro offer numerous birding opportunities as well.
If you are particularly interested in birding excursions, please let us know; we can recommend destinations and seasons, based on your particular birding interests. We have several safari guides on staff with vast knowledge of Tanzania’s bird species. They will help you add hundreds of new species to your life list!
The below gallery was shot by Jim Marden, Professor of Biology and Associate Director of Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences at Penn State. He and his family have traveled with us three times, with Isack Msuya guiding them on each safari. Jim’s thoughts on Isack: ‘Isack has deep knowledge, incredible eyesight, a wonderful sense of humor, and is one of the sweetest warmest people I’ve ever met.’
Tanzania hosts nearly 100 birds of prey, and if you’re keen on seeing them in action, more than 40 may be seen at Lake Manyara National Park. Mkomazi National Park is another spectacular destination; well known for its black rhino conservation efforts, this park boasts more than 400 species of birds, including various weaver birds and hornbills. Tarangire National Park, with its famed baobab trees, is another recommended birding destination; it features more than 500 species, and is a regular stop on the Northern safari circuit. The Eastern Arc Mountains host a high portion of the endemic species, which some estimate as high as 35. Lake Victoria, the largest tropical lake in the world, is famed for its biodiversity and offers plentiful birding opportunities.
Tanzania also boasts some birding distinctions. It is home to the world’s ugliest bird, the Marabou Stork; the heaviest flying bird, the Kori Bustard; and the largest bird, the Ostrich. Also, the greater and lesser flamingos are the most populous in Tanzania, with an estimated five to six million birds present. Large flocks may be seen in Manyara and Arusha National Parks, and Ngorongoro Crater. A particularly famed and elusive endemic, Beesley’s Lark may be found in one plain north of Arusha. This plain and brown bird offers such a melodic, lovely warble; making them more elusive, only 45 are left.
