12-Day Northern Tanzania Birding Safari
A 12-day private birding safari from Arusha through Western Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Ndutu and Eastern Serengeti.
About this tour
Follow the changing habitats of northern Tanzania on a dedicated 12-day birding circuit. The journey begins in Arusha and links the riverine and savanna landscapes of Western Serengeti with the dry woodland of Tarangire, the lake, forest and open habitats of Lake Manyara, the highlands and crater floor at Ngorongoro, and the seasonal plains of Ndutu and Eastern Serengeti.
Each change of landscape brings a different mix of birds. The route allows time for waterbirds, raptors and open-country species, as well as forest-edge and woodland birding. Wildlife observation is part of the experience, but the daily program remains structured around birdwatching and patient field time with the safari team.
Eagle Eyed Expeditions Limited operates the itinerary with Tanzania-based guides. Co-founder and guide Francis Thomas Kijazi, known as Chaba, has a background teaching wildlife subjects and 17 years of guiding experience. The operator reports a personal life list of more than 530 bird species. Dates, accommodation standard, group size, complete inclusions and the current price are confirmed in the tailored proposal after a BirdWatch inquiry. All birds are wild, so sightings depend on season, weather, access and natural activity.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Tanzania.
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Arusha
Meet the safari team in Arusha and settle into the confirmed accommodation before the birding circuit begins.
Day 2
Arusha to Western Serengeti
Fly from Arusha toward Western Serengeti and begin birding after arrival, using the remaining field time to explore riverine, woodland and open savanna habitats.
Day 3
Western Serengeti to Tarangire
Leave Western Serengeti after an early breakfast and travel through increasingly dry country toward Tarangire, watching for birds of open and semi-arid habitats along the way.
Day 4
Full-day Tarangire birding
Spend a full day in Tarangire, with observation time around dry woodland, river habitat and open savanna. The guide adjusts stops to current conditions and bird activity.
Day 5
Lake Manyara and Karatu
Bird through the lake, forest, woodland and open habitats of Lake Manyara National Park, then continue to Karatu for the night.
Day 6
Ngorongoro Crater
Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a full day of birding and wildlife observation, then return to the crater rim for the night.
Day 7
Ngorongoro to Ndutu
Travel from the Ngorongoro area toward Ndutu, continuing to watch for birds across the conservation area and surrounding plains.
Day 8
Full-day Ndutu birding
Use a full day to explore the seasonal plains, woodland edges and other productive habitats around Ndutu.
Day 9
Ndutu to Eastern Serengeti
Transfer from Ndutu to Eastern Serengeti, with birding stops according to road conditions, weather and current wildlife activity.
Day 10
Eastern Serengeti birding
Explore the open country of Eastern Serengeti at a patient pace, using the day to search several areas and build the regional bird list.
Day 11
Second full day in Eastern Serengeti
Continue birding across Eastern Serengeti, revisiting productive habitat or covering new areas for species that may have been missed earlier.
Day 12
Departure from Central Serengeti
Complete the final birding drive toward Central Serengeti Airport and connect with the confirmed onward flight.
Locations & map
- Arusha - Arusha Region Tanzania (Arrival point and safari gateway.)
- Western Serengeti - Serengeti National Park Tanzania (Riverine, woodland and open savanna birding.)
- Tarangire National Park - Manyara Region Tanzania (Dry woodland, river and open-country habitats.)
- Lake Manyara National Park - Manyara Region Tanzania (Lake, forest, woodland and open habitats.)
- Ngorongoro Crater - Ngorongoro Conservation Area Tanzania (Highland rim and crater-floor habitats.)
- Ndutu - Ngorongoro Conservation Area Tanzania (Seasonal plains and surrounding woodland.)
- Eastern Serengeti - Serengeti National Park Tanzania (Open plains and savanna birding.)
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Available year-round. The operator highlights December to May for greener landscapes and migratory birds.
Price: Price on request
Included
- Birding and safari guidance - The Tanzania-based safari team leads the route and adjusts field stops to conditions and bird activity.
Not included
- International travel and insurance - Guests arrange international travel and suitable travel and medical insurance.
Transport & stays
- Private safari vehicle and domestic flights The published route includes a flight from Arusha to Western Serengeti and an onward flight from Central Serengeti Airport, with road travel between the birding areas. | Meet: Arusha airport or hotel, as confirmed before arrival. | Pickup: Exact arrival pickup and onward-flight arrangements are confirmed in the proposal.
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
When is the best time for this safari?
The route is offered throughout the year. The operator highlights December to May for greener landscapes and migratory birds, while exact conditions vary by season.
Are domestic flights included?
The itinerary uses flights between Arusha and Western Serengeti and from Central Serengeti Airport onward. The final proposal confirms flight sectors, baggage limits and whether each fare is included.
Are particular birds guaranteed?
No. The route covers varied and productive habitats, but sightings depend on season, weather, access and natural bird activity.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.