Set out on a comprehensive Tanzania bird-watching expedition to explore the vast indigenous species found there. This meticulously designed 30-Day Tanzania Endemics Birding Tour showcases Tanzania’s best features, with a focus on its amazing endemic birds.
Tanzania has one of the largest lists of species in Africa, second only to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Think about it: 1,155 distinct species of birds, including 800 resident species and 200 migratory species.
In addition, Tanzania is home to 43 endemic species that are unique to its borders, in addition to 53 near-endemic species that are found throughout Tanzania and its surrounding areas.
I doubt anything will catch your attention if these astounding figures haven’t!
30-Day Tanzania Birding Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Pick-up from Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Day 2: Arusha National Park
- Day 3: Lark Plains
- Day 4: Tarangire National Park
- Days 5 & 6: Serengeti
- Day 7: Transfer to Arusha (birding along the way)
- Days 8 & 9: South Pare Mountains
- Days 10, 11 & 12: Usambara Mountains, Western Usambara Range
- Days 13, 14 & 15: Usambara Mountains, Eastern Usambara Range
- Days 16, 17 & 18: Pemba Island
- Days 19, 20 & 21: Uluguru Mountains Forest Reserve
- Days 22 & 23: Ukaguru Mountains & Rubeho Mountains
- Day 24: Kilombero Swamp and Ramsar site
- Days 25 & 26: Udzungwa Mountains National Park
- Day 27: Iringa Highlands
- Days 28 & 29: Mikumi National Park
- Day 30: Transfer to Dar-es-salaam and Departure
Detailed 30-Day Tanzania Birding Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Pick-up from Kilimanjaro International Airport
A Sustainable Birding representative will meet you at arrivals at Kilimanjaro International Airport and conduct a brief meet and greet before driving you to your Arusha hotel, where you may unwind and rest in preparation for an exciting journey ahead.
Day 2: Arusha National Park
From Kilimanjaro International Airport, our epic journey starts with a quick drive to the Arusha National Park. This varied park showcases an astounding variety of environments, including wide savannahs, verdant rainforests, acacia forests, and ascending to alpine flora on the highest slopes of Mount Meru.
When we get there, we’ll drive through the park in our safari vehicle and go bird-watching. Walking some spots to do birding will definitely be one of the highlights.
The wide diversity of animals and birdlife found in Arusha National Park creates an exciting atmosphere for our journey.
Day 3: Lark Plains
We plan to explore Lark Plains on our third day, which is well-known for being home to the rare Tanzanian endemic Beesley’s Lark. A wide variety of specialist avifauna that is accustomed to dry settings is drawn to these arid plains, offering plenty of possibilities for on-foot birding.
Even though these plains are normally dry throughout the year, they receive significant rainfall from March to May, which causes the flora to flourish quickly and draws many passerines, raptors, and ground-dwelling animals.
We will also be on the lookout for near-endemic species such as the Athi Short-toed Lark, Red-throated Tit, and Short-tailed Lark, among other noteworthy bird species, while searching for the Tanzania endemic.
Day 4: Tarangire National Park
The breathtaking Tarangire National Park is our next stop. Rich in varied avifauna and outstanding wildlife, this leg is sure to leave you with wonderful memories.
The Tarangire River, a permanent waterway that is essential to the surrounding fauna, especially during the dry season when large herds of zebras and other animals congregate, is the source of the park’s name.
Notable for its picturesque scenery and abundant birdlife, with over 500 species identified to date, we are excited to quickly assemble a comprehensive bird checklist.
Highlights of the species include the following: Bare-faced Go-away bird, Donaldson Smith’s Nightjar, Northern Pied Babbler, Northern White-crowned Shrike, Ashy Starling, Red-and-yellow Barbet, Red-bellied Parrot, Von der Decken’s Hornbill, White-headed Buffalo-weaver, Vulturine Guineafowl, Yellow-collared Lovebird, and Yellow-collared Lovebird.
Days 5 & 6: Serengeti
The Serengeti, Africa’s most famous national park, is what we’ll introduce you to next. This vast environment is well-known for a reason—it is one of the last remaining unspoiled wilderness places in the world.
As far as the eye can see, endless grasslands are home to enormous mammal gatherings, providing an unmatched spectacle.
The iconic Wildebeest Migration, which takes place every year in which over 1.5 million wild animals cross the plains in search of the rain clouds that provide the meadows below with nourishment, is the park’s greatest attraction.
Just this amazing phenomenon will undoubtedly win your heart. With almost 500 species identified, the park’s bird variety is similarly astounding.
They include the near-endemic Abyssinian Wheatear, Red-throated Tit, Rufous-tailed Weaver, and Grey-crested Helmetshrike, as well as the endemic Grey-breasted Spurfowl.
Sought-after species on our birding checklist will also be included: Meyer’s Parrot, Yellow-throated Longclaw, White-crested Helmetshrike, Zitting, Croaking, Desert Cisticolas, White-headed and Black Sawwings, Paradise, Pin-tailed and Straw-tailed Whydahs.
We will gently explore this enormous wilderness for two immersed days, taking in all of its unmatched beauty and animals.
Day 7: Transfer to Arusha (birding along the way)
The next leg of our expedition, which takes us to the endemic-rich Northeastern Tanzania, begins on Day 7 as we travel back to Arusha.
We will take our time returning to Arusha so that we can take advantage of the many opportunities for birdwatching en route.
Days 8 & 9: South Pare Mountains
We will be taking a quick journey to the South Pare Mountains, which are home to two rare species that we are hoping to spot: the South Pare White-eye and the Usambara Double-collared Sunbird.
We will be on the lookout for other local specialties such as the Bar-throated Apalis, Hunter’s Cisticola, Purple-banded Sunbird, and East Coast Boubou while we search for these endemics.
This picturesque location offers amazing scenery in addition to thrilling birdwatching opportunities.
We will relish our stay here, taking in the breathtaking surroundings and adding to our already comprehensive list of birds seen.
Days 10, 11 & 12: Usambara Mountains, Western Usambara Range
We begin our exploration of the breathtaking Usambara Mountains on our ninth day, beginning in the West Usambara range.
These mountains are essential components of the Eastern Arc Mountains, which reach into Kenya, and were formed about 2 million years ago.
Famed for being one of Africa’s most important conservation locations for birds that are internationally threatened, this region is home to seven endemic species: the Usambara Eagle-owl, Usambara Thrush, Usambara Weaver, Usambara Akalat, Usambara Greenbul, and Usambara Tailorbird. Seven near-endemic species can also be found there, including the Usambara Double-collared Sunbird, Amani Sunbird, Long-billed Tailorbird, Sokoke Scops Owl, Taveta Golden-Weaver, Spot-throat, and Dapple-throat.
Days 13, 14 & 15: Usambara Mountains, Eastern Usambara Range
We will be investigating the East Usambara range, which includes the Amani Forest Reserve, for the next few days with a particular emphasis on local species.
The following species are on our checklist: Ayres’s Hawk-eagle, Purple-banded Sunbird, Amani Sunbird, Uluguru Violet-backed Sunbird, Half-collared Kingfisher, Gorgeous Bushshrike, and Spotted Eagle-owl, Usambara Eagle-owl.
Furthermore, we will be searching for the Usambara Hyliota and Usambara Tailorbird, two endemic species found in this area.
Days 16, 17 & 18: Pemba Island
We’ll be going to the seaside town of Tanga early the next morning in order to catch a local flight to Pemba Island, which is a tropical haven.
As we arrive around lunchtime, be ready to enjoy some of the best white sand beaches on the planet.
Pemba Island retains its natural charm since it is not as visited annually as its more popular neighbor, Zanzibar.
You will occasionally have the feeling of the entire island to yourself—a very different experience. Abundant in indigenous species, Pemba Island ensures a really remarkable visit.
We will take our time searching for three endemic species while here: the rare Pemba Scops Owl, the Pemba White-eye, and the Pemba Sunbird.
We will also get to see the endemic Pemba Vervet Monkey, which is known to be a different subspecies from its mainland counterpart.
A trip to Ngezi Forest provides a high possibility of seeing the endangered Pemba Flying Fox, an island-only fruit bat, as well as the magnificent Pemba Green Pigeon.
Days 19, 20 & 21: Uluguru Mountains Forest Reserve
Our next stop is the breathtaking Uluguru Mountains, a remarkable endemism hotspot.
These mountains, which span a staggering variety of habitats from montane and submontane to grasslands and swamplands, are home to an astounding 26 endemic plant species, four endemic bird species, eleven endemic reptile species, and two endemic animal species.
To say that this location is extraordinary would be an understatement.
We will cross the reserve over the course of three days, concentrating on the endemic bird species, including the Uluguru Bush-shrike, Mrs. Moreau’s Warbler (Winifred’s Warbler), Loveridge’s Sunbird, Uluguru Violet-backed Sunbird, and Uluguru Mountain Greenbul, among other uncommon and specialized bird species.
For birdwatchers, it is a veritable gold mine with the promise of amazing sightings.
Days 22 & 23: Ukaguru Mountains & Rubeho Mountains
Our next stop is the enormous plateau known as the Ukaguru Mountains, which covers 1258 km2 (480 m2) and is distinguished by its remarkable biodiversity and high endemism in the flora, fauna, and avifauna.
The Rubeho Warbler and Rubeho Forest Partridge are two highly sought-after endemic birds that can be found in this area, which is recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA).
Discovering this vast plateau, which has a variety of habitats including open woodland, montane forest, grasslands, and Miombo forests, should make for an intriguing and rewarding day.
We will travel to the nearby and less-traveled Rubeho Mountains the next morning. The Mkondoa River divides the Rubeho Mountains from the Ukaguru Mountains.
Listed as an IBA, this range includes several near-endemic and locally endemic species in addition to four endemic species: the Rubeho Akalat, Rubeho Double-collared Sunbird, Rubeho Warbler, and Rubeho Forest Partridge.
Our main goal will be to include these unusual species in our growing list of priorities.
Day 24: Kilombero Swamp and Ramsar site
The plan for the next day takes us to the Kilombero Flood Plain, which is home to the Kilombero Swamp.
This globally significant wetland environment is home to an astounding variety of threatened plant and animal life, including about 350 plant species and 300 different species of birds.
Our main objectives for this tour are the three endemic species, Kilombero Cisticola, White-tailed Cisticola, and Kilombero Weaver. It will also be a great bonus that 75% of the Puku population worldwide resides in the marsh.
Days 25 & 26: Udzungwa Mountains National Park
We will spend the next few days exploring the Udzungwa Mountains National Park, which is regarded as Africa’s second most diversified national park. It is an extraordinary sanctuary.
This park, an Important Bird Area (IBA) in the eastern arc, is home to an astounding 400 bird species, including several near-endemics and two endemic species, the Rufous-winged Sunbird and the Udzungwa Forest Partridge.
With 2,500 plant species—of which 25% are endemic—and a diverse range of primates—five of which are endemic—including the Sanje Mangabey and Udzungwa Red Colobus—the park also boasts remarkable biodiversity.
Tropical rainforests, montane forests, grasslands, steppe, and Miombo woodlands are among the several habitat types.
For serious birdwatchers, a trip to the Udzungwa Mountains is a must because of its exceptional birding.
We will also investigate the adjacent Magombera Forest if time allows, looking for the elusive Pel’s Fishing Owl and Lesser Seedcracker.
Day 27: Iringa Highlands
We will be going birdwatching in the gorgeous Iringa Highlands, which is tucked away in Tanzania’s Southern Highlands, an area renowned for its astounding diversity, in the coming days.
We’ll take our time approaching and meander across this breathtaking terrain. Finding the endemic species—among many other locally endemic species—like the Kilombero Weaver, Kipengere Seedeater, and Iringa Akalat will be our main priority.
Days 28 & 29: Mikumi National Park
We will go back up north to experience Tanzania’s fourth largest national park, the breathtaking Mikumi National Park, as our tour draws to a close.
This park forms a distinct and essential habitat with the Selous Game Reserve to the south.
It also borders the Uluguru and Udzungwa Mountains, which we have been to recently.
Mikumi’s expansive grasslands and savannahs are frequently compared to the famous Serengeti.
It’s a photographer’s paradise, full of majestic bird species and plenty of enormous beasts.
Our wonderful tour of Mikumi promises to be the perfect cap to our amazing Tanzanian birding trip.
Day 30: Transfer to Dar-es-salaam and Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Dar-es-salaam for drop off.
This marks the end of your 30 Day Tanzania Endemics Birding Tour.
Related Tanzania Birding Safari Tours:
- 14-Day Comprehensive Bird Watching Safari in Tanzania
- 12-Day Southern Tanzania Birding Safari – A Nature Lover’s Journey
- 10-Day Tanzania Birding Safari – A Spectacular Avian Adventure
