ultimate 8 Birdwatching Hotspots in Tanzania for 2025 : Table of Contents
ultimate 8 Birdwatching Hotspots in Tanzania for 2025 : Why Tanzania Is a Birding Paradise in 2025
With over 1,100 recorded bird species, Tanzania remains one of Africa’s top destinations for birdwatchers in 2025. Whether you’re an amateur or an ornithologist, Tanzania’s rich ecosystems—ranging from soda lakes to highland forests—offer unforgettable birding experiences.
🦜 Expect endemics, migratory species, and vibrant habitats across national parks and reserves.
ultimate 8 Birdwatching Hotspots in Tanzania for 2025 : 1. Serengeti National Park
Serengeti is famous for big game, but birders can find over 500 bird species here.
Notable Birds:
-
Kori bustard
-
Secretary bird
-
Fischer’s lovebird
-
Rufous-tailed weaver (endemic)
🌾 Open grasslands make bird spotting easy, especially during migration months.
ultimate 8 Birdwatching Hotspots in Tanzania for 2025 : 2. Lake Manyara National Park
A compact park with dense forests, alkaline lake, and over 400 bird species.
Notable Birds:
-
Greater and lesser flamingos
-
Crowned eagle
-
Silvery-cheeked hornbill
-
African jacana
📍 Best for waterbirds and forest species in one location.
ultimate 8 Birdwatching Hotspots in Tanzania for 2025 : 3. Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro’s unique geography creates a micro-ecosystem hosting over 400 species.
Notable Birds:
-
Augur buzzard
-
Rosy-throated longclaw
-
Hildebrandt’s starling
-
Verreaux’s eagle
🌋 Birdwatch from the rim or explore the crater floor for diverse sightings.
ultimate 8 Birdwatching Hotspots in Tanzania for 2025: 4. Tarangire National Park
A dry-season magnet for birds and elephants alike, Tarangire has 500+ species.
Notable Birds:
-
Yellow-collared lovebird
-
Ashy starling
-
Bateleur eagle
-
Northern white-crowned shrike
🌳 Baobab trees and river valleys provide ideal birding terrain.
5. Usambara Mountains
Located in northeastern Tanzania, this montane forest region is a hotspot for endemic species.
Notable Birds:
-
Usambara weaver
-
Usambara eagle-owl
-
Bar-tailed trogon
-
African green broadbill
🏞️ Ideal for birders seeking rare and forest-dwelling species.
6. Rubondo Island National Park
This remote island on Lake Victoria offers rainforest birding and aquatic species.
Notable Birds:
-
African grey parrot
-
Ross’s turaco
-
Fish eagle
-
Black-and-white casqued hornbill
🚤 Accessible only by boat, it’s one of Tanzania’s best-kept birding secrets.
7. Arusha National Park
Close to the city yet packed with birdlife, this park is perfect for short birding safaris.
Notable Birds:
-
Narina trogon
-
Crowned hornbill
-
Hartlaub’s turaco
-
Red-fronted parrot
🌲 Montane forests, lakes, and open plains make for diverse habitats.
8. Nyerere National Park (Selous Game Reserve)
One of Africa’s largest protected areas, with over 440 species and varied ecosystems.
Notable Birds:
-
African skimmer
-
Spur-winged lapwing
-
Yellow-billed stork
-
Bohm’s bee-eater
🚣♀️ River-based birding on the Rufiji is a must.
Best Birdwatching Season in Tanzania
🗓️ November to April is prime time, coinciding with the arrival of Palearctic and intra-African migrants. Resident species display breeding plumage, and bird activity is high.
✅ Many parks are green and less crowded—perfect for patient birding.
Birding Tips for 2025 Safari Travelers
-
Bring binoculars (8×42 or 10×50) and a field guide
-
Choose lodges with birding guides or walking safaris
-
Wear earth-tone clothing to blend into natural surroundings
-
Keep a birding journal or app for your sightings
-
Don’t forget a telephoto lens for photographing shy species
📘 Download the eBird Tanzania checklist to track your sightings in real time.
