6-Day Lake Manyara, Tarangire & Ngorongoro Birding Safari
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5.0/5 (20 + Reviews)
Overview
This 6-day birding safari combines Tanzania’s most bird-rich ecosystems with classic game drives. Explore Tarangire’s baobab-dotted plains (home to over 550 bird species), Lake Manyara’s soda lakes with thousands of flamingos, and the Ngorongoro Crater, where birding is as spectacular as the wildlife. Along the way, you’ll enjoy expert guiding, comfortable lodges, and close encounters with both iconic African mammals and dazzling birdlife.
Day 1: Arrival Day
Accommodation: Lodge in Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be met by your professional birding guide and transferred to your lodge in Arusha. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short bird walk in the lodge gardens where species such as speckled mousebirds, bronze sunbirds, and tropical boubous are often seen. Later, your guide will brief you on the safari ahead. Overnight stay in Arusha.
Day 2: Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a paradise for birders. The alkaline lake attracts huge flocks of flamingos and pelicans, while the forested areas shelter hornbills, kingfishers, and the elusive crested guineafowl. With over 400 species recorded, highlights may include pink-backed pelicans, palm-nut vultures, and silvery-cheeked hornbills. Enjoy a full afternoon birding game drive before heading to your lodge in Karatu.
Day 3: Lake Manyara – Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, known for its towering baobabs and large elephant herds. The park is also a top birding hotspot with more than 550 bird species. Search for yellow-collared lovebirds, ashy starlings, ostriches, kori bustards (the heaviest flying bird), and various hornbills. You’ll also have opportunities to see raptors such as bateleurs and martial eagles. Evening at leisure at your lodge near Tarangire.
Day 4: Full Day Birding in Tarangire
Enjoy a full day birding safari with picnic lunch inside the park. Tarangire’s swamps attract waterbirds including African jacanas, spur-winged geese, and herons, while dry woodlands shelter species such as red-and-yellow barbets, white-bellied go-away birds, and superb starlings. Migratory species may also be spotted depending on the season. The day concludes with sunset birding and game viewing before returning to your lodge.
Day 5: Tarangire – Ngorongoro Highlands
After breakfast, drive toward the Ngorongoro Highlands, stopping en route for birding in forested areas. Look out for highland endemics such as Tacazze sunbird, bar-tailed trogon, golden-winged sunbird, and colorful turacos. The cooler climate and lush montane vegetation provide a stark contrast to the savannah. In the evening, relax at your lodge perched on the crater rim, offering panoramic views and the haunting calls of nightjars and owls.
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha – Departure
After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s natural wonders. While most famous for its dense wildlife populations—including lions, elephants, and black rhinos—the crater floor is also home to remarkable birdlife such as crowned cranes, augur buzzards, and ostriches. After a morning tour, ascend from the crater and return to Arusha for your onward flight or overnight extension.
- Inclusions
Private professional birding guide
All national park entry fees
Full-board accommodation during safari
Safari vehicle equipped with binoculars & bird field guides
Airport transfers
- Exclusions
International flights & visa fees
Travel insurance
Optional activities (cultural tours, hot air balloon, etc.)