8-Day Birdwatching Tour in Tanzania with Peter Wairasho
Eight days cover Tanzania’s northern circuit from Arusha through Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Serengeti to Ngorongoro, with birding woven into game drives and a guided walk.
About this tour
Begin with an Arusha arrival and a day in nearby Arusha National Park, where a game drive and guided walk explore montane forest and other highland habitats. The route then moves to Tarangire National Park for river-focused birding and wildlife viewing; Tanzania National Parks currently records more than 550 bird species there.
Lake Manyara changes the setting to groundwater forest, acacia woodland and a soda-lake shore. Tanzania National Parks records more than 400 bird species in this compact park and identifies its unusual tree-climbing lions as a possible, not guaranteed, sighting. The journey continues into Serengeti National Park for an arrival drive and a full day on the plains, where the Great Migration may be encountered according to season and location.
The final safari day descends into Ngorongoro Crater before the return to Arusha and Kilimanjaro International Airport. A 4x4 safari vehicle, seven nights of route accommodation, itinerary meals and fees for the listed parks and conservation area are included. Flights, visa and insurance costs, drinks, gratuities, personal expenses, optional activities and extra Arusha accommodation are excluded. Current dates and price are confirmed after inquiry, and no bird or other wildlife sighting is guaranteed.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Tanzania.
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival and overnight in Arusha
Meet the guide at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to the Arusha hotel. The remainder of the day is reserved for rest and preparation before the safari begins, followed by the overnight stay in Arusha.
Day 2
Arusha National Park game drive and guided walk
Inside Arusha National Park, combine vehicle-based wildlife viewing with a guided walking safari. The day explores montane forest and other park habitats for varied birdlife and wildlife, then returns to Arusha or a nearby overnight property.
Day 3
Tarangire River birding and wildlife
Drive from Arusha to Tarangire National Park. Birding and wildlife viewing follow the Tarangire River corridor, where dry-season water can concentrate elephants and other animals. Dinner and the overnight stay are in or near the park.
Day 4
Lake Manyara forest and lakeshore habitats
The next game drive explores Lake Manyara National Park’s lakeshore, groundwater-forest and woodland zones. Waterbirds are a focus around the lake, while tree-climbing lions are a well-known but never guaranteed possibility. Dinner and overnight follow nearby.
Day 5
Transfer into Serengeti National Park
Leave Lake Manyara for Serengeti National Park, watching for wildlife during the journey into the park. Use the afternoon for a first game drive across the plains before dinner and an overnight stay in Serengeti.
Day 6
Full day on the Serengeti plains
Spend both morning and afternoon on game drives in Serengeti National Park. The programme looks for predators, large herbivore herds and grassland birdlife. The Great Migration may be present depending on the travel season and its current position. A picnic lunch and a second Serengeti overnight are included in the day plan.
Day 7
Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
Depart Serengeti for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. A descent to the crater floor provides the day’s main wildlife-viewing session. The crater supports dense wildlife, and black rhino is a possible but uncommon sighting rather than a promise. Dinner and the overnight stay are near the crater.
Day 8
Return to Arusha and airport departure
After breakfast, drive back to Arusha and continue to Kilimanjaro International Airport for the scheduled departure flight.
Locations & map
- Arusha - Tanzania (Conditions vary by habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- in Arusha Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport to your hotel in Arusha - Tanzania (Conditions vary by habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Arusha National Park After breakfast, drive to Arusha National Park for a guided walking… - Tanzania (Conditions vary by habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Tarangire → Lake Manyara National Park to Lake Manyara National Park for a - Tanzania (Conditions vary by habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Lake Manyara → Serengeti National Park After breakfast, drive to Serengeti - Tanzania (Conditions vary by habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Serengeti → Ngorongoro Crater Depart Serengeti drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area - Tanzania (Conditions vary by habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Ngorongoro → Arusha ( ) After breakfast, to Arusha to Kilimanjaro… - 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
- Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- Accommodation (7 nights) in Arusha and within/near Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara National Park - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- Meals as per itinerary (breakfast, lunch & dinner) - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- Park entrance and conservation fees for all listed parks - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
Not included
- International and domestic flights - Not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.
- Visa fees and travel insurance - Not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.
- Drinks, tips, and personal expenses - Not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary - Not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.
- Additional accommodation before/after the tour in Arusha - 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 1-8) Confirmed for the selected dates
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Does the Arusha National Park day include walking?
The recorded programme includes both a game drive and a guided walking safari in Arusha National Park.
Is the Great Migration guaranteed in Serengeti?
No. The migration follows a seasonal pattern and its location changes with current grazing and water conditions.
Is a black rhino sighting guaranteed in Ngorongoro Crater?
No. Ngorongoro is an important black rhino area, but an encounter depends on field conditions and cannot be promised.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.