7 Day Northern Tanzania Birds Watching

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

• Accommodation: Arumeru River Lodge

  Your Tanzanian adventure begins upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). You will be warmly greeted by our representative who will assist you and transfer you to the Arumeru River Lodge . Nestled on a coffee plantation with stunning views of Mount Meru and, on a clear day, Mount Kilimanjaro, this lodge is the perfect place to decompress. The lush gardens are a birding hotspot in themselves, offering a gentle introduction to species like the Baglafecht Weaver , Tropical Boubou , and various sunbirds. Use the afternoon to relax by the pool, acclimate to the African air, and prepare for the days ahead. Enjoy a welcome dinner at the lodge.

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

• Accommodation: Tarangire Safari Lodge

After an early breakfast, you depart for Tarangire National Park . Known as the "Baobab Capital," Tarangire's landscape is dramatic and unique. It is also a phenomenal birding destination, especially in the dry season. The Tarangire River is the lifeblood of the park, attracting massive herds of elephants and a corresponding wealth of predators and birds.

• Birding Highlights: Today is all about dry-country specialists and massive mixed flocks. Key species to look for include:

  • The endemic Yellow-collared Lovebird .

  • The massive, prehistoric-looking Kori Bustard , the world's heaviest flying bird.

  • The striking Northern White-crowned Shrike .

  • Vibrant Lilac-breasted Rollers and European Rollers .

  • Various hornbills like the Von der Decken's Hornbill and Red-billed Hornbill .

  • Raptors such as the Bateleur Eagle and Tawny Eagle .

After a full day of game driving and birding, you'll head to the Tarangire Safari Lodge , perched on the rim of the river valley. Enjoy the spectacular views as the sun sets, often with elephants drinking below, and listen to the calls of Heuglin's Robin-Chat and African Scops-Owl .

Day 3: Tarangire to Ngorongoro Highlands

• Accommodation: Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge

Enjoy a final morning game drive in Tarangire, perhaps seeking out species you may have missed. After breakfast, you begin your journey towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive is scenic, passing through Maasai land and ascending into the highlands. You will arrive at the Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge in time for lunch. This charming lodge is set on a working coffee farm, offering a tranquil and rustic atmosphere. The afternoon is at your leisure. You can take a guided walk around the farm's grounds, which are excellent for birding, spotting species like the Tacazze Sunbird and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater .

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater Tour

• Accommodation: Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge

This is a truly unforgettable day. You descend the steep crater walls into the Ngorongoro Crater , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Natural Wonders of the World. The crater is a self-contained ecosystem with one of the highest densities of wildlife on earth. The variety of habitats—from grassland and swamp to acacia woodland and Lake Magadi—supports a corresponding diversity of birds.

• Birding Highlights: The crater offers a mix of wetland, grassland, and cliff-dwelling species.

  • Thousands of Greater and Lesser Flamingos on the alkaline lake.

  • The elegant Grey Crowned Crane , often seen in pairs.

  • Raptors like the Long-crested Eagle and Augur Buzzard perched on the crater rim.

  • Secretary Birds striding through the grasslands.

  • Ostriches are common and easily seen.

  • The swamp areas are home to herons, egrets, and ducks.

  • Look for the Schalow's Turaco in the forested crater rim as you ascend.

After an extensive game drive with a picnic lunch by the hippo pool, you ascend the crater and return to the Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge for a well-deserved rest.

Day 5: Karatu to Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha

• Accommodation: Arusha Serena Hotel

After breakfast, you drive to the compact but incredibly diverse Lake Manyara National Park . Famous for its "tree-climbing" lions, the park's main feature is the shallow, soda lake which forms a spectacular backdrop for birdlife. The groundwater forest at the entrance is a birding paradise.

• Birding Highlights: Lake Manyara is a premier destination for waterbirds and forest species.

  • Huge flocks of Pelicans , Storks , and Cormorants .

  • Raptors like the African Fish Eagle , whose iconic call echoes across the water.

  • The forest is home to the Silvery-cheeked Hornbill , Hartlaub's Turaco , and large troops of baboons.

  • Look for the African Jacana or "Lily-trotter" walking on floating vegetation.

After a morning of exploration, you begin your journey back to Arusha, arriving at the luxurious Arusha Serena Hotel . This hotel is an oasis set amidst tropical gardens, perfect for relaxing and reflecting on your safari experiences.

Day 6: Arusha National Park

• Accommodation: Arusha Serena Hotel

Your final day of birding takes you to the underrated gem, Arusha National Park . Dominated by the graceful Mount Meru, the park features a variety of habitats including montane forest, crater lakes (Momella Lakes), and open grassland. It is a fantastic park for walking safaris (optional, at an extra cost) and canoeing on the lakes.

• Birding Highlights: This park offers species not easily seen elsewhere on the itinerary.

  • The Momella Lakes are teeming with flamingos , waterfowl , and waders .

  • The montane forest is the best place to look for the beautiful Narina Trogon and the Bar-tailed Trogon .

  • You have a high chance of seeing the Crowned Eagle .

  • Other specialties include the Hildebrandt's Starling and Taveta Golden Weaver .

Enjoy a full day exploring this beautiful park before returning to the Arusha Serena Hotel for your final night.

Day 7: Departure

After a leisurely breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure flight, carrying with you a lifetime of memories, incredible photographs, and the sounds and sights of Tanzania's magnificent birdlife.

• Visit a Maasai village (50 USD per person)
• Balloon Safari (USD 570 per person)
• Walking activity in Arusha National Park ( USD 360 per person), (includes Park Fees , Transportation, Game viewing & Lunch Boxes)..
• Alduvai Gorge and museum visit ( USD 50 per person)
• Local Market (USD 35 per person)

• Parking fees (for non-residents)
• All activities mentioned (unless labeled as optional)
• All accommodations mentioned (unless labeled as optional upgrades)
• A professional driver/guide
• All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
• All Taxes/VAT
• Roundtrip airport transfer.
• Meals ( as specified in the day by day section).
• Drinks ( as specified in the day by day section).

• International flights (from/to the client's home country)
• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
• Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees and other personal items)
• Government imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees
• International Flights ( from/ to home).
• Tips ( Tipping) guideline USD 20.OO pp per day