Tanzania is the dream destination of bird lovers that is full of amazing diversity in landscapes that include wetlands and forests, mountains and lakes. It has more than 1,100 species of birds and this qualifies it as one of the richest birding areas in Africa. Whether you are a hardcore bird watcher or a newbie in nature, Tanzania offers you a fulfilling experience of bird watching throughout the year.
When you are to plan your next trip, this is the most suitable moment to that would allow you to know how gorgeous its feathered inhabitants are. There are just too many hotspots to visit, and each of them is unique and has its own charm and avian specialties, so Tanzania is a perfect destination to reconnect with nature and do it in the most peaceful and inspiring manner.
Here are the 10 Top Spots for Birdwatching in Tanzania
1. Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara is a bird watchers paradise with over 400 species being recorded. Its shallow water is a feast to the flamingos and the pelicans, hornbill, and the spoonbills can be spotted in the shores. The park is a combination of thick forests, open grasslands and wetlands, which makes it a perfect bird spotting site where many different birds can be observed in one small place.
2. Serengeti National Park
Serengeti is famous because of its big-game wildlife, but there are more than 500 species of birds in Serengeti. The park has a wide-open savannah and riverine woodlands that provide great birding all year round, with large ostriches and secretary birds, dazzling bee-eaters and lovebirds among others. The magnitude of Serengeti is so big that avid birders do not have enough time to cover all the areas.
3. Ngorongoro Crater
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site not only rich in wildlife but also a haven of birdwatchers. More than 500 species are visible in the crater unique ecosystem. Ngorongoro has a variety of habitats that house birds in a small place, with the pink colors of flamingo along the soda lakes to forest species such as turacos and sunbirds.
4. Tarangire National Park
Tarangire is well known because of its baobab trees and elephant herds, but bird enthusiasts will not be disappointed with more than 550 species of birds. A highlight is the yellow-collared lovebird which is endemic to the area. The rivers and swamps in the park attract uncountable waterbirds and dry savannahs offer good visibility to the raptors and ground birds.
5. Rubondo Island National Park
Rubondo Island is an isolated birdwatchers paradise lying in Lake Victoria. This park is recorded to have more than 400 species of fish eagles, herons, cormorants and the rare African grey parrot. It has a peaceful birding environment with its quiet location, forest paths, and lakesides, which are not part of the tourist circuit.
6. Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)
This huge reserve harbours more than 440 species particularly in the Rufiji River. Kingfishers, bee-eaters, and the rare Pel fishing owl will also be seen by the birdwatcher. The boat safaris coupled with walking safaris enable the visitor to come closer to birds in their natural wetland and riverine environment.
7. Kilimanjaro National Park
Birding in Kilimanjaro is a high altitude experience. The different zones of the mountain such as rainforest, alpine meadows harbor species such as malachite sunbird, alpine chat and the white-necked raven. The montane forests are particularly bustling, and it makes a thrilling contrast to the lowland parks of Tanzania.
8. Mikumi National Park
Mikumi is an underrated and fruitful birding site, and it contains more than 400 species of birds in its woodlands and plains. The visitors will be able to view bateleur eagles, hornbills, and colorful rollers. It has open landscapes and therefore, one can easily see birds in transit or on tree tops, which is a good source of photography.
9. Arusha National Park
Just beside the city but with high biodiversity, Arusha National Park has more than 400 species of birds. It is a montane forest with alkaline lakes and grassland, a combination of which offers birders an opportunity to view flamingos, turacos and Narina trogons within a single visit. The park is small and therefore an easy and worthwhile day tour.
10. Usambara Mountains
These green Eastern Arc Mountains are forest birding heaven. The moist, cool climate is home to numerous endemic and rare species such as the Usambara weaver, bar-tailed trogon and African green broadbill. The Usambara range is an attractive site with a lot of biodiversity that birders should consider when they are in search of species that occur nowhere else in Tanzania.
Conclusion
The birdwatching locations in Tanzania are just as varied as the country itself with each having a different mix of habitat, species and natural beauty. It can be birdwatching flamingos turning the lakes pink or hunting through the forest to find mountain-living rarities, every moment here is a magic moment. It is a process of peace, patience and discovery.
Experience the birdwatching dreams by visiting and covering all the birding destinations in a perfectly planned Tanzania Tour Package. Whether in the Serengeti plains or the Usambara forests, all corners of Tanzania give you an opportunity to relax, listen and marvel at the feathered beauty of nature.
