Arusha to Tarangire National Park: The Land of Giant Trees and Feathered Wonders

Head to Tarangire National Park, renowned not only for its elephants but also for its vibrant avian diversity.
Explore baobab-studded savannahs where larks, hornbills, and raptors abound.
Your guide will focus on key birding sites while spotting other wildlife along the way.
Highlights:

• Morning and afternoon game drives with birding focus
• Spotting raptors, weavers, colorful bee-eaters, and over 100 species of birds on a rewarding bird-watching excursion.
• Sunset observation by the Tarangire River

• * Midrange: Stay at a safari lodge with en-suite rooms amidst bird-rich bush
• * Luxury: Stay at a hilltop lodge with panoramic views and refined bush ambiance

Tarangire to Lake Manyara: Forests, Lakes, and Birds in Harmony

Travel to Lake Manyara National Park, a birding gem with over 400 species recorded.
From tree-climbing lions to flamingos, cormorants, and storks, this park is a microcosm of Tanzania’s ecological variety.

• Birding along lake shores and forested trails
• Spotting Malachite Kingfishers, African Fish Eagles, and Pelicans
• Cultural visit to nearby Mto wa Mbu village

• * Midrange: Stay at a lodge in woodland with a terrace overlooking bird-rich habitats
• * Luxury: Stay at a cliff-top eco-retreat with panoramic lake views and private plunge pools

Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro Highlands: Crater Rim and Forest Birds

Ascend to the Ngorongoro Highlands, stopping en route at birding hotspots within the montane forests and grasslands.
From crater rim vantage points, spot endemic species such as the Grey-breasted Spurfowl or Hartlaub’s Turaco.

• Crater rim birding and forest walks
• Optional cultural experience with Maasai communities
• Evening sunset with crater panorama
• Spot pelicans, ground hornbills

• * Midrange: Stay at a highland lodge with crater views and cozy interiors
• * Luxury: Stay at an elegant crater-view suite with private balcony, fine dining, and exclusive service.

Ngorongoro Crater: Birds of the Crater Floor

DDescend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural amphitheater teeming with wildlife. While mammals roam, avid birders can observe ground-dwelling species, raptors circling above, and waterfowl near crater lakes.

• Guided crater floor birding with focus on endemic species
• Spot flamingos, crown cranes, Pelicans and African Jacanas
• Picnic lunch beside hippo pools

Ngorongoro to Lake Eyasi – Village Birding & Traditional Life

Journey to Lake Eyasi, home to the Hadza and Datoga communities, while exploring savannah and wetland habitats for endemic and migratory birds. Lake Eyasi offers unique dryland bird species and excellent photography opportunities.

• Village visit and cultural exchange
• Birding along wetlands and open savannah
• Observing Flamingos, Hornbills

• * Midrange: Eco-lodge with comfortable rooms and bird-friendly gardens
• * Luxury: Private lodge with elegant suites, outdoor decks, and personalized service

Lake Eyasi to Arusha via Engaruka or Shallow Wetlands

Travel back toward Arusha with birding stops at Engaruka ruins and shallow wetland areas.
Spot species such as Long-tailed Cisticolas, Red-faced Crombecs, and African Swallows. End the day at your lodge relaxing and reviewing the week’s rare bird sightings.

• * Midrange: Garden lodge with easy access to local habitats
• * Luxury: Boutique lodge with terrace views and spa services

Departure – Birds, Memories, and Farewell

After a final early-morning birdwatching walk, enjoy breakfast and transfer to Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport. Depart with memories of Tanzania’s unparalleled birdlife, landscapes, and vibrant culture.

• Early-morning birding walk for final sightings
• Leisurely breakfast at the lodge
• Transfer to the airport for onward journey