Tanzania offers a wide range of endemic species as well as migratory birds. Together it creates some of the best opportunities for bird watching enthusiasts. More than 1,000 species live here in Tanzania's diverse habitats, like mountain forests, savanna, woodlands, plains, coastline, etc.
Birding in Tanzania is full of gorgeous discoveries and amazing landscapes. Some of the most spectacular endemic birds in Tanzania are the Udzungwa forest-partridge, Mrs Moreau's warbler, Loveridge's sunbird, and the Usambara eagle-owl. Top birding sites include almost all national parks, Lake Victoria, Lake Natron, Lake Eyasi, Lake Manyara, and Lake Tanganyika, as well as the mountainous regions—Usambara Mountains and Mt. Kilimanjaro. All these locations have hundreds of various species to observe.
Practical info
When is the ideal time to participate in birdwatching in Tanzania?
Birdwatching is best during Tanzania's dry season, ranging from November to May. During this time, the birds are breeding and there is little rainfall, leading to vibrant forests and reserves populated by birds with colorful feathers and singing. Some migrant birds may be observed during the rainy season, which lasts from March to May, but trekking and navigation could be tricky due to impassable roads. Show more
What locations are the most prominent for birdwatching in Tanzania?
Tanzania is host to numerous popular birdwatching locations, among them are Serengeti National Park, Lake Victoria, Lake Natron, Lake Eyasi, Lake Manyara, and Lake Tanganyika. Each of these places has different environments, attracting a diverse range of bird species. Exceptional endemic bird species are reside in mountaintop habitats, such as the Usambara Mountains and Mount Kilimanjaro, in addition to various other bird species. Show more
How many bird species can be found in Tanzania?
An abundance of over 1,000 distinct bird species reside in the varying habitats of Tanzania, from mountains, forests, savannas, wetlands, and coasts. Tanzania possesses a significant number of endemic birds with migration patterns unique to the region. Show more
What are some examples of indigenous bird species unique to Tanzania?
Tanzania is the natural habitat of a number of birds which are unique to the region including the Udzungwa forest-partridge, Mrs Moreau's warbler, Loveridge's sunbird, and the Usambara eagle-owl. Additional rare species include the African pitta, the black-headed parrot, Fischer's turaco, and the Taita falcon. Observing these birds necessitates devotion regarding both time and attentiveness. Show more
Which types of habitats in Tanzania are the best for birdwatching?
Tanzania offers birdwatchers a diverse variety of terrains and habitats, each with distinct birds to observe. Habitats like the savannah, mountain forests, plains, woodlands, and coastlines each boast unique species of birds. Mountaintop habitats present unique opportunities to observe endemic birds, such as the Taita falcon. Conversely, Migratory birds may be observed in wetlands and coastlines, specifically Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika, while the savannah is home to the Black-bellied bustard, Secretary Bird, and Ostrich. Show more
