A Rewarding Birding Safari in Tanzania : The experience and the adventure from a trip to Tanzania is usually incomparable with other African safaris adventures. A number of visitors who have been in this gracious country have been thinking of revisiting it. Tanzania is endowed with over 1000 bird species distributed in various destinations including 200 migratory species and over 74 species of birds. It is a perfect spot for birders and ornithologists who to a discovering safari to unveil the Tanzanian richness in avian species.
Tanzania boasts a largest number of endemic bird species. These birds can’t be viewed elsewhere in the world except in various Tanzanian spots. Birding in Tanzania can be done on a combo safari that involves more than one park. you can also book a birding safari to a specific location where you can have most rewarding birdwatching trip in this fabulous country. Other thrilling birding destinations in Tanzania include;
Best time for birding safaris
If your primary aim of booking a trip to Tanzania is birdwatching, you can plan your safari between June and October. Over 900 species of resident birds awaits you in different locations. However, for an aesthetic experience with the migratory species, it is better to plan a safari between November and April. At this time, you will encounter these travelling birds in their nests since it is their breeding period. Some of migratory species that breed in Tanzania include Abbott’s starling, banded sunbird, blue swallow, grey-crested helmet shrike, long-billed tailorbird, Papyrus yellow warbler, spotted ground-thrush, rufous-winged sunbird, East Coast akalat, lesser kestrel, wattled crane and corn crake.
All these and many others are encountered in the wet season. So you will have to come during wet season if you want a first-hand interaction with them.
Some birdwatching destinations in Tanzania
Tarangire National Park; This is an off-the-beaten path site for enjoying the beautiful views and songs of stunning colorful birds. It hosts over 550 bird species and it is the park with a highest concentration of birds. Various endangered species of birds are frequently encountered in Tarangire some of which include yellow-collared lovebird and rufous tailed weavers. Tarangire is also home to Tanzanian endemic species such as ashy starling, Tanzanian red-billed hornbill and the endangered rufous-tailed weaver.
Lake Manyara National Park; Lake Manyara that takes about two thirds of the whole park, boasts a thousands of pink flamingos on its shallow shores which bring a pink appearance at a far look. This splendid park is home to over 440 bird species. Some birds that are frequently encountered in Lake Manyara include Abdim’s stork, Crowned eagle, African spoonbill, Great white pelicans, Yellow-billed stork, Saddle-billed stork, Sacred ibis and Silvery-cheeked hornbill to name a few. Sacred ibis? Yes! This bird has a significant history in the Egyptian culture. In ancient times, Egyptians worshipped it as their god “Thoth” and was responsible for protecting the country from plagues and serpents. So it was considered as one of sacred things and was mummified and buried with the Pharaohs.
Serengeti National Park; Serengeti is home to over 500 species of birds which are diversely distributed in its “endless plains”, acacia woodlands, riverine forests and tall and short grasslands. Some common birds in Serengeti include Fisher’s lovebird, Bright-hued small parrot, Lilac-breasted roller, Kori bustard, Marabou stork, Grey crowned crane and many others. In Serengeti you will also encounter special birds including Schalow’s turaco, African fish eagle, Red-throated tit, secretary bird, Fisher’s lovebird, Grey-crested helmet shrike and Rufous-tailed weaver.
Ngorongoro Crater; Over 500 bird species reside the world’s largest intact caldera. Some include Common ostrich which is usually spotted in grasslands, Sacred ibis that is found in many areas inside the crater rim, flamingos that are usually seen on the shores of Lake Magadi, Hartlaub’s turaco, Cape teal, Egyptian goose, Guinea fowl, Yellow-necked spur fowl, Tawny eagle, White-backed vulture, Augur buzzard and White-faced whistling duck among others.
Other birdwatching spots in Tanzania include Selous Game Reserve which hosts over 440 bird species, Arusha National Park which hosts over 400 species of birds, Ruaha National Park with more than 570 bird species, Saadani National Park (over 400 bird species) and Zanzibar (268 bird species).
Speaking of unforgettable birding safaris, Tanzania is your best choice that you won’t stop planning to be back. Its richness in avian species makes it a well-known destination for interacting with the colorful stunning species of birds. If you want to have an aesthetic experience in Tanzanian wilderness a safari trip is a must for you.
