Private Birding Safaris

Enjoy unique Birding Safaris in Kenya & Tanzania...

With over 1000 bird species, Kenya & Tanzania have amongst the largest number of species of birds of any African country.  Over 800 species are resident and about 200 are migratory species, with a large number of endemics and over 56 species under threat.  Tanzania has over 80 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) covering over 167,000km², and identified under criteria set by Birdlife International.

What birds will I see
on my Private Birding Safari?

Northern Tanzania Safari
Southern Tanzania Safari
Coast & Zanzibar Safaris

Over 1000 bird species

Over 80 Important Bird Areas

East Africa is a land of vast, dramatic landscapes and spectacular wildlife.  The landscapes range topographically from the low-lying coastal regions up to 5825m at the peak of the highest mountain in Africa, Mt Kilimanjaro.  Habitats within these landscapes range from lush forests, woodlands, bush & grasses, to semi-arid country & deserts to freshwater lakes & rivers, soda lakes, coastal beaches & reefs.

East Africa is thus home not only to such icons as Mt Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti with its Great Wildebeest Migration, the Great Rift Valley and Ngorongoro Crater, but also to a host of stunning avifauna that takes advantage of the diverse landscapes.  Tanzania's 80 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) include regions in which there is a high level of endemism, or that contain globally threatened species.

Several IBAs are included on each of our Tanzania Safaris.  Further information about these IBAs and just a few of the species you are likely to encounter on our Tanzania Safaris are listed below.

Mt Kilimanjaro
Ngorongoro
Serengeti

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Mount Kilimanjaro & Arusha

The slopes of Kilimanjaro are covered in forest between 1500m and 3000m, with both forest and alpine bird species occurring here.  Enjoy the first day of your Tanzania Safari exploring the forests of Arusha National Park & wetlands of Ngurdoto Crater, in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro.  Some of the birds you can expect to see are listed on the right.

Stunning wetlands & waterbirds

Ngurdoto Crater

 

 

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is World Heritage listed and a Biosphere Reserve.  The area is comprised of the famous Ngorongoro crater – the world’s largest unbroken caldera –the Crater highlands; a chain of extinct and collapsed volcanoes and the eastern part of the Serengeti Plains. 

Enjoy exploring the diverse range of habitats that occur here, from wetlands and alkaline lakes to forests and open plains.  The area is home to over 550 species of birds, many of them endemic.  Some of the birds that you can expect to see are listed on the right.

Jackson's Widowbird
"From January to April, this sociable bird transforms from being a small drab job into a dark, long-tailed bird that dances about frantically to attract a mate.  

Jackson described the antics... as 'a truly ridiculous sight': males set up a small area in long grass in which they repeatedly jump up and down, with jumps getting well over 50cm in height. They dance like this all day, most enthusiastically in the early morning and late afternoon."
David Andrew/ Susan Rhind
Watching Wildlife East Africa

 

Serengeti Plains

This most famous and celebrated National Park in Africa is Tanzania’s largest at almost 15,000km².  The Serengeti consists of vast, seemingly endless grass plains in the south-east of the park, punctuated by twisted, solitary acacia trees and large kopjes.  In the western corridor where the Grumeti River runs, there are riverine forests, hills, valleys and plains. 

Whilst it is most famous for its million strong Great Wildebeest Migration, the Serengeti is also home to over 500 bird species.  The highest bird numbers and diversity occurs from October to April. Some of the birds that you can expect to see here are listed on the right.

Vast Grass Plains

Riverine Forests, Hills & Valleys

Over 500 bird species

Secretary Bird
"Standing 1.2m high & striding up to 20km a day, this high stepping bird is unique to Africa.  It kills its prey with a rain of swift kicks from thick, powerful feet and snakes are stamped to death in a lethal flamenco.

Its body & head resemble those of a large eagle, but other traits suggest a common ancestry with storks. 

Courtship flights are very raptor-like and include graceful swoops from great height in a "pendulum display" as well as tumbling in mid-air with feet outstretched towards each other."
David Andrew/ Susan Rhind
Watching Wildlife East Africa

 

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Ruaha National Park

Despite being Tanzania’s second largest National Park, Ruaha is rarely visited and remains a relatively untouched wilderness.  It is located on a dry central plateau, and is bounded by the Mzombe River to the north and the Ruaha River to the south. 

The wildlife and vegetation found in this transition zone is a unique combination of Eastern (Acacia-Combretum) and Southern (Crachystegia) African species.  The park includes riverine vegetation and baobabs that provide hollows for many bird species.  There are over 400 species of birds, and during your time in the park you can expect to see some of the birds listed on the right.

Untouched wilderness

Vegetational transition zone

Stately Baobabs

Selous Game Reserve

Although Selous Game Reserve is little known, it has been World heritage listed and is one of the largest protected areas in Africa at over 50,000km². The park consists of plains punctuated by hills and occasional rocky outcrops cut by the mighty Rufiji River; the banks of the river gradually give way to the rocky cliffs of the spectacular Stieglers’ Gorge.  The myriad of tributaries form a network of lakes and lagoons, connected by channels of water.

The highlights of this park include the boat and walking safaris, both of which allow for bird-observation from a different perspective.  With over 440 bird species recorded in Selous, some of the species you can expect to see are listed on the right.

Largest African Game Reserve

Mighty Rufiji River

Network of Lakes & Lagoons

Unusual Boat Safari

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Coastal Forests

The coastal region of Tanzania & Kenya is ecologically rich, highly diverse and home to over 450 species of birds.  The coast includes thick forests, thickets, mangroves, river inlets, saltpans, tidal mudflats and offshore islands. The region is thus of major importance for many water birds, including migratory waders.  During your time on the mainland coast, some of the birds you can expect to see are listed on the right.

Over 450 species of birds

Ecologically Rich & Highly Diverse

Forests & Mangroves

River Inlets, Saltpans, Tidal Mudflats

Offshore Islands

Zanzibar

Zanzibar Island is famous throughout the world for its spices and for its outstanding coral reefs.  With over 200 bird species on the island, there is a diverse range of avifauna here, including both endemic species and subspecies.  There are two IBAs here and both are important for water birds such as terns and waders. 

The indigenous Jozani Forest Reserve is the last remaining forest and is home to more than 40 bird species including several endemic species.  During your time in Zanzibar, you can expect to see some of the species of birds listed on the right.

Spice & Coral Island

Indigenous Forests

Endemic Species & Subspecies

Waterbird haven

Pemba

Pemba lies to the north of Zanzibar Island and about 50km off the mainland.  Despite its proximity to Zanzibar, it is rarely visited by tourists and remains relatively remote.  The largest remaining patch of forest, Ngezi forest, has a lush jungle-like canopy with thick cover on the forest floor and is home to four endemic species. 

The nearby Misali island is covered in forest and our secluded beach retreat is surrounded by mangrove forests.  During your time on Pemba island, you can explore these habitats and expect to see some of the bird species listed on the right.

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