Visit Tanzania for a Birdwatching Safari!

Tanzania is known for its amazing safaris. The country has an incredible diversity of wildlife, with 23 national parks and several game reserves for visitors to explore. While the hunt for Africa’s Big 5 is one of the top wildlife adventures in Tanzania, the country is also a travel destination for birdwatchers. The tropical birds of Tanzania are a big draw with tourists, attracting tens of thousands of budding ornithologists each year!

There are more than 1,100 Tanzania bird species in the country, including more than 800 resident birds and nearly 200 migratory species. This makes Tanzania one of the top African birding destinations for tourists. The country is home to 22 endemic species and an additional 43 near-endemic birds. Whether you are a casual observer or an avid birder, birdwatching in Tanzania is an activity you won’t want to miss.

When is The Best Time for Birdwatching in Tanzania?

Migratory birds arrive from Europe and Northern Africa between November and April, making this an ideal time for visitors to see the tropical birds of Tanzania. However, you can see most Tanzania bird species year-round, depending on which area of the country you visit. From June to October, the country’s dry season is considered the best time to plan a wildlife safari that includes birdwatching in Tanzania. During these months, temperatures are cooler, and you don’t have the threat of daily storms derailing your birdwatching adventures.

Five Fun Facts about Tanzania Bird Species

Tanzania has so many bird species that it’s almost impossible to become an expert in them all! But if you want to learn a few fun facts about the tropical birds of Tanzania, keep reading! We have the scoop on some of the most interesting birds in this tropical paradise.

• The most popular bird in Tanzania is the African Fish Eagle. Also known as the Screaming Eagle, this native species symbolizes hope and freedom. In addition to fish, African Fish Eagles eat large birds, frogs, baby crocodiles, and carrion. They’re even known to eat monkeys! African Fish Eagles can be found in most climates, although they generally are found near a large body of water, like a lake or ocean.
• The smallest bird in Tanzania is the Fisher’s lovebird. Measuring only five inches in length, the Fisher’s lovebird is still easy to spot because of its bright green and orange feathers. The birds are monogamous, spending their lives with one partner. And, unlike many other species, both the male and female Fisher’s lovebirds sport colorful plumage.
• The largest bird in Tanzania is the ostrich. Even as hatchlings, ostriches are huge – they are incubated in a football-sized egg! Male ostriches are black and white, while the female birds are a dull grey-brown. Ostriches live on the open savannah and can be found in the Serengeti.
• Tanzania’s largest predatory bird is the Secretary bird. The Secretary bird feeds mainly on snakes, hunting them down and then stamping them to death in a comical-looking dance. One of the most curious characteristics of this tropical bird of Tanzania is that it requires a long run to gain flight. It is widespread in Tanzania, but most easily found in the southern Serengeti.
• The most endangered bird in Tanzania is the Grey Crowned Crane. Many of the African birding destinations where the Grey Crowned Crane can be found are threatened, leading to its endangered status. In addition, pollution and illegal hunting have decimated this bird’s numbers. This crane has a unique look, with a gray body, white wing patch, red cheek patches, and a crest of thin, golden feathers on its head. Today, efforts are being made to conserve this bird and its various habitats throughout Tanzania.

What are the Top Birdwatching Destinations in Tanzania?

If you want to see the tropical birds of Tanzania, your best bet is to book a birdwatching safari with a reputable tour company like Gondwana Ecotours. Their professional guides can help you determine the best African birding destinations to visit on your wildlife adventure in Tanzania. Here’s a quick rundown of a few of the most popular parks for birdwatching in Tanzania:

What To Pack for Birdwatching in Tanzania

Now that you’ve explored the top African birding destinations in Tanzania, it’s time to start packing! But what do you take on a safari to see the tropical birds of Tanzania? A birdwatching safari is similar to any other African safari you may have experienced, so you’ll want to pack similar items. These include:

• Binoculars! These are essential for any wildlife adventures in Tanzania, but especially for birdwatching.
• Camera or smartphone with plenty of storage.
• Chargers for your electronic devices and batteries. (And a travel adapter to make sure you can charge your electronics!)
• Sunscreen with high SPF.
• Insect repellent to protect you from mosquito bites.
• A water bottle to stay hydrated on game drives.
• A daypack to carry your essentials during game drives.
• A hat with a wide brim to protect you from the sun.

Of course, if you are birdwatching in Tanzania with a tour operator, your guide will provide an additional list of items for you to bring along on your adventures!

Tips for Unforgettable Wildlife Adventures in Tanzania

If seeing the tropical birds of Tanzania is your goal, hiring an experienced guide is your best bet! Professional tour companies like Gondwana Ecotours will handle all the logistics of your trip, leaving you free to enjoy the Tanzania bird species that you encounter. So leave the planning to the professionals and get ready to experience birdwatching in Tanzania on a stress-free, worry-free vacation of a lifetime.