Birdwatching and Bird Photography Safari in Tanzania

Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire,

A Paradise for Avian Enthusiasts

Experience Tanzania through the lens of a birdwatcher and photographer on this exclusive 5-day Birdwatching and Bird Photography Safari. From the lush forests of Tarangire to the serene shores of Lake Manyara, this safari offers a rich variety of habitats that attract hundreds of bird species, both migratory and resident. Whether you’re an experienced bird photographer or a beginner, this safari promises unparalleled opportunities to capture stunning images of some of the world’s most colorful and elusive birds in their natural habitats.

Highlights

Tarangire’s Baobab Forest: A perfect backdrop for photographing birds such as African grey hornbills, yellow-collared lovebirds, and red-and-yellow barbets.
Lake Manyara: Known for its diverse birdlife, including flamingos, pelicans, and black-crowned cranes.
Early morning and evening birdwatching opportunities, providing ideal lighting for capturing bird portraits and action shots.

Capture dramatic photos of migratory and resident birds in diverse ecosystems ranging from wetlands to savannahs and forests.
Professional guidance on the best techniques for bird photography, with a focus on patience and timing to capture perfect moments.

Itinerary

Comprehensive Travel Plan –
A detailed schedule outlining the journey.

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Transfer to Tarangire National Park

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be greeted by your knowledgeable guide who will take you on a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park. Famous for its baobab trees and large elephant herds, Tarangire is also a birdwatching haven. As you settle into your accommodations, take your first birdwatching excursion, where you’ll have the chance to photograph a variety of bird species, such as yellow-collared lovebirds, African grey hornbills, and red-and-yellow barbets. The park’s wetlands and savannahs are home to an impressive variety of birds, making it a great starting point for your bird photography adventure.

Day 2: Tarangire National Park – Full Day of Birdwatching

Spend the day exploring Tarangire, known for its diverse birdlife. Early morning offers the best light for capturing the most active birds, including tawny eagles, white-headed vultures, and the elegant African fish eagle perched along the Tarangire River. As you venture through the park’s varied ecosystems, you’ll photograph an array of species from majestic raptors to delicate songbirds. The dry savannah and riparian habitats provide an ever-changing landscape, offering the perfect backdrop for your bird photography.

Day 3: Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park

In the morning, enjoy a scenic drive to Lake Manyara National Park, which is renowned for its rich birdlife and beautiful landscapes. The park is famous for its diverse habitats, including woodlands, wetlands, and the lake itself, making it an ideal destination for birdwatchers. As you arrive, you’ll be treated to the sight of flamingos in the shallow waters of the lake, great white pelicans gliding through the sky, and a variety of eagles hunting along the shores. The park’s lush forest is also home to blue monkeys, yellow-billed storks, and purple herons, all of which provide amazing photographic opportunities.

Day 4: Lake Manyara National Park – Full Day of Birdwatching

Take a full day to explore Lake Manyara and its surroundings, where you’ll have the chance to capture an array of bird species in various habitats. In the early morning, as the mist lifts from the lake, you can capture dramatic shots of flamingos wading through the waters, surrounded by the silhouettes of marabou storks and African spoonbills. The park’s forests are also teeming with colorful paradise flycatchers, green woodhoopoes, and red-cheeked cordon-bleus. Along the lake’s shoreline, black-crowned cranes and greater flamingos often create a striking contrast against the deep blue waters.

Day 5: Lake Manyara to Arusha – Departure

On your final morning, enjoy a peaceful birdwatching excursion in Lake Manyara. Capture the last images of the park’s rich birdlife, such as the white-faced whistling ducks and violet-backed starling, before heading back to Arusha. After a relaxing lunch, your guide will transfer you to the airport for your departure, marking the end of a truly unforgettable birdwatching and bird photography safari in Tanzania.