Day 1: Welcome to Arusha

Your birding adventure begins in Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. After settling into your accommodation, enjoy a relaxed afternoon spotting colorful birds around the city. Look out for the striking silvery-cheeked hornbill, the majestic African fish eagle, and the vibrant variable sunbird flitting through the gardens. The melodious calls of the white-browed coucal will be your introduction to Tanzania’s incredible birdlife. Overnight at camp / lodge in Arusha.

Day 2: Arusha National Park – Forest Birding Paradise

This morning, we venture into Arusha National Park, a hidden gem for forest birding. The park’s diverse habitats—from Mount Meru’s misty forests to open glades and sparkling lakes—create the perfect environment for rare and beautiful species. Watch for the stunning Hartlaub’s turaco with its brilliant green plumage, the elusive bar-tailed trogon, and the colorful Narina trogon. You might also spot red-fronted parrots chattering in the canopy, the powerful crowned eagle soaring overhead, and if you’re lucky, the rare Abyssinian crimsonwing hiding in the undergrowth. Overnight at camp / lodge in Arusha.

Day 3: Journey to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, we drive to Tarangire National Park, one of East Africa’s finest birding destinations. The Tarangire River and surrounding wetlands attract an incredible variety of birds throughout the year. As we explore the park, keep your binoculars ready for Tanzania’s endemic species, including the charming yellow-collared lovebird and the elegant ashy starling. You’ll also encounter the northern white-crowned shrike, African grey flycatcher, and the amusing white-bellied go-away bird with its distinctive call. Overnight at camp / lodge in Tarangire.

Day 4: Full Day Exploring Tarangire

Today is dedicated to exploring Tarangire’s diverse habitats, from riverine forests to acacia woodlands and seasonal wetlands. Each ecosystem hosts its own special birds. Marvel at Africa’s heaviest flying bird, the majestic Kori bustard, and watch the busy white-browed sparrow-weavers building their nests. The day might bring sightings of the red-necked falcon hunting on the wing, the endemic rufous-tailed weaver, the colorful African hoopoe, and perhaps the iconic secretary bird striding through the grasslands. If your lodge permits, an evening birding walk offers a chance to hear nocturnal species calling as the sun sets. Overnight at camp / lodge in Tarangire.

Day 5: Lake Manyara National Park

We continue to Lake Manyara National Park, where the landscape transforms into lush groundwater forests, a shimmering soda lake, dramatic cliffs, and scattered acacia woodlands. The lake’s shallow waters attract thousands of pink flamingos, creating a breathtaking pink carpet across the water, along with pelicans and various storks. In the forests, listen for the calls of the crested guineafowl and silvery-cheeked hornbill, while African jacanas dance across the lily pads and crowned hornbills fly between the trees. This park offers the perfect blend of waterbirds and forest species. Overnight at camp / lodge in Karatu or Manyara area.

Day 6: Ngorongoro Highlands

Today’s journey takes us to the cooler Ngorongoro Highlands, where the forested crater rim provides habitat for stunning Afro-montane bird species. The change in altitude brings new birding opportunities as we search for the spectacular Schalow’s turaco, the iridescent Tacazze sunbird, and the golden-winged sunbird feeding on highland flowers. Keep an eye out for the bar-tailed apalis in the undergrowth and white-naped ravens soaring on the thermal currents. If you’re feeling adventurous, an optional guided walk along the crater rim offers breathtaking views and excellent birding. Overnight at camp / lodge on the crater rim.

Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater – A Natural Wonder

We descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s not only famous for the Big Five but also exceptional for waterbirds and grassland species. The crater floor’s varied habitats support an impressive variety of birdlife. Watch for the elegant grey-crowned crane performing its beautiful dances, the chestnut-banded plover along the water’s edge, and lesser flamingos feeding in the alkaline lake. You’ll also spot the handsome Hildebrandt’s starling and the powerful augur buzzard hunting from above. The crater’s enclosed ecosystem creates a unique birding experience you won’t find anywhere else. Overnight at camp / lodge in Ngorongoro.

Day 8: Journey to the Serengeti

Our drive to the legendary Serengeti takes us through excellent raptor territory, with stops at key birding spots along the way depending on the season. This is prime habitat for powerful birds of prey, including the mighty martial eagle, the impressive lappet-faced vulture, and the tiny pygmy falcon—Africa’s smallest raptor. The journey also offers chances to see Fischer’s lovebird in their natural habitat and the delightful red-throated tit. As we enter the Serengeti, the landscape opens up into endless golden plains stretching to the horizon. Overnight at camp / lodge in Serengeti.

Day 9: Full Day Serengeti Birding Adventure

Today is devoted entirely to exploring the Serengeti’s incredible birdlife. The vast grasslands and scattered acacia trees create ideal conditions for savannah species. Start your day searching for the iconic secretary bird stalking through the grass, the massive Kori bustard displaying in the distance, and the endemic grey-breasted spurfowl. Throughout the day, you’ll encounter yellow-throated sandgrouse, the stunning lilac-breasted roller perched on branches, and majestic ostriches striding across the plains. As evening approaches, an optional night drive offers the rare opportunity to spot African nightjars and hear the haunting calls of Verreaux’s eagle-owl under the stars. Overnight at camp / lodge in Serengeti.

Day 10: Farewell to the Serengeti

Your final morning in the Serengeti offers one last birding opportunity near Seronera or along the airstrip. Look for the beautiful silverbird, the aptly named beautiful sunbird with its metallic colors, and the sociable white-headed buffalo weaver. After breakfast, you’ll fly back to Arusha, carrying memories of an extraordinary birding adventure and a checklist filled with 350 to 450 incredible species. and fly out from Central Serengeti to your destination.