10-Day Birdwatching Tour in Tanzania with Peter Wairasho
Ten days focus on four northern Tanzania birding areas: Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro, with two field days allocated to each landscape.
About this tour
After an Arusha arrival day, spend two days in Arusha National Park across montane forest, grassland, wetland and the Momella Lakes area. Tanzania National Parks records more than 450 bird species in the park, together with wildlife that can include giraffe, buffalo and primates.
The route then allocates two days each to Tarangire and Lake Manyara. Tarangire combines river, acacia and savanna birding with possible elephant and predator sightings; its named priorities include Yellow-collared Lovebird, Ashy Starling and Rufous-tailed Weaver. Lake Manyara adds groundwater forest, woodland and lakeshore habitats for waterbirds and forest species, with tree-climbing lions as a possible rather than guaranteed wildlife encounter.
Two final field days explore the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and crater landscapes before the included departure transfer. Airport transfers, route accommodation, specified meals, a private safari vehicle with driver-guide, park and conservation fees, game drives, birding activities and drinking water are listed as included. Flights, visas, insurance, personal expenses, gratuities, unspecified optional activities and drinks are excluded. Dates, exact departure logistics and price are confirmed after inquiry; no sighting is guaranteed.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Tanzania.
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Arusha arrival and acclimatisation
Meet the guide on arrival and use the included airport transfer to reach the Arusha hotel. The remainder of the day is reserved for rest and acclimatisation.
Day 2
Arusha National Park: montane forest and Momella Lakes
Begin two full days in Arusha National Park, using its montane forest, grassland, wetland and lake habitats for birding and wildlife viewing. Tanzania National Parks records more than 450 bird species here. Forest and lakeside routes may also produce giraffe, buffalo and primates.
Day 3
Arusha National Park: second full birding day
Continue exploring Arusha National Park with the guide, adjusting the day’s route to recent bird activity. Named possibilities in the recorded programme include Schalow’s Turaco, African Crowned Eagle and Martial Eagle, while the park’s forest and Momella Lakes support a much broader list.
Day 4
Transfer to Tarangire and river-corridor birding
Drive to Tarangire National Park and begin birding among acacia, savanna and river-associated habitats. Yellow-collared Lovebird, Ashy Starling, Rufous-tailed Weaver, Greater Kestrel, Secretarybird and Lilac-breasted Roller are among the named possibilities. Elephants and other wildlife may also be encountered.
Day 5
Full day in Tarangire National Park
Use a second full day for Tarangire’s varied habitats and current bird concentrations. Continue looking for the programme’s dry-country priorities while allowing time for possible lion, leopard, zebra and elephant sightings.
Day 6
Lake Manyara forest and lakeshore introduction
Transfer to Lake Manyara National Park and explore groundwater forest, woodland and lakeshore habitats. Named possibilities include Lesser Flamingo, Pink-backed Pelican, African Spoonbill, Narina Trogon, Crowned Hornbill and Red-capped Robin-Chat. Tree-climbing lions are possible but not guaranteed.
Day 7
Second full day in Lake Manyara
Continue birding Lake Manyara’s forest and wetland edges on a second full day. The guide can vary the route according to water levels, access and recent bird activity; elephants, buffalo and baboons are additional wildlife possibilities.
Day 8
Transfer to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for the first of two birding and wildlife days. The recorded list includes Verreaux’s Eagle, Eastern Double-collared Sunbird, Black-headed Gonolek, Maasai Ostrich, Grey-crowned Crane and Red-billed Oxpecker, together with possible lion, elephant and hyena sightings.
Day 9
Second Ngorongoro birding and wildlife day
Continue exploring the Ngorongoro area and crater habitats, revisiting the most productive zones according to access and current conditions. All named birds and mammals remain possibilities rather than guaranteed sightings.
Day 10
Included departure transfer
Use the included departure transfer for the onward journey. The pickup time, airport and any final route details are confirmed with the selected flight schedule.
Locations & map
- Arusha - Tanzania (Conditions vary by habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Arusha National Park - Tanzania (Conditions vary by habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Tarangire National Park - Tanzania (Conditions vary by habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Lake Manyara National Park - Tanzania (Conditions vary by habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Ngorongoro Crater - Tanzania (Conditions vary by habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Year-round, with the most suitable dates for the route and target birds confirmed after inquiry
Price: Price on request
Included
- Airport transfers (arrival & departure) - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- Accommodation throughout the safari - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- All meals as specified (typically full board during safari) - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- Private safari vehicle with a professional driver/guide - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- Park entrance fees and conservation fees - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- Game drives and birdwatching activities as per itinerary - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- Bottled drinking water during game drives - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- Government taxes and levies - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
Not included
- International flights - Not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.
- Visa fees - Not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.
- Travel insurance (highly recommended) - Not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.
- Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, souvenirs, etc.) - Not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.
- Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff - Not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary - Not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.
- Alcoholic and soft drinks (unless specified) - Not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Transport & stays
- Private safari vehicle and route-specific walking, Transport and field activities follow the confirmed itinerary. Vehicle type and any boat transfers are reconfirmed for the selected dates. | Meet: Airport or an agreed accommodation in Arusha | Pickup: Airport or accommodation pickup is arranged where included in the final proposal.
Accommodations
- Route accommodation (days 1-10) Confirmed for the selected dates
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Why are two days allocated to each main birding area?
Two days allow the guide to cover contrasting habitats and adapt the second session to weather, access and recent bird activity.
Are tree-climbing lions guaranteed at Lake Manyara?
No. They are a well-known Lake Manyara possibility, but every wildlife encounter depends on current conditions.
What is confirmed for the departure day?
The package lists an airport departure transfer. Exact pickup time, airport and any final-day stops are confirmed with the flight schedule.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.