What is included in the Bird Photography Safari package?

The package includes park fees, all activities, accommodation, meals, transportation, taxes, and a professional guide.

Do I need professional photography gear?

Not necessarily. While professional gear is ideal, a good DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens will be sufficient for excellent results.

When is the best time for bird photography in Tanzania?

The best months are from November to April when migratory birds are present and many species are in breeding plumage.

Can this safari be customized?

Yes! Kiliclimb Africa Safaris offers tailor-made itineraries to match your specific interests, preferences, and photography goals.

15 Days Tanzania Birding Safari Sothern Curcuit

14 Days Tanzania Birding Safari Sothern Curcuit

safari Duration

Tour Type

Trip Overview

Tanzania Birding Safari – Highlights of Southern Tanzania

Duration: 15 Days | Departure: Flexible, any time | Pace: Any group size, your preferred pace
Start/End: Dar es Salaam (Julius Nyerere International Airport)
Focus: Birding, Big Game, Scenic Landscapes, Endemic Species

Southern Tanzania is a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering an extraordinary diversity of habitats: lush montane forests, expansive floodplains, miombo woodlands, and vast savannahs. This region is home to many endemic and range-restricted species, making it a premier destination for birders and wildlife enthusiasts. In addition to birds, this tour provides excellent opportunities to see big game, including elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, and antelopes, all set against the backdrop of dramatic landscapes.

The itinerary spans the Eastern Arc Mountains, Kilombero Flood Plains, Mikumi and Ruaha National Parks, the Iringa Highlands, and unique farm habitats, offering a combination of remote wilderness, cultural encounters, and exceptional biodiversity.

Tour Highlights

Forest Endemics & Rare Birds: Udzungwa Mountains host forest specialists such as the Forest Double-collared Sunbird, Iringa Akalat, and Livingstone Turaco.
Miombo Woodland Specialists: Miombo Warbler, Western Miombo Double-collared Sunbird, and the Pale-billed Hornbill inhabit the woodlands around Mikumi and Ruaha.
Floodplain & Wetland Species: Kilombero Valley provides a rich mix of waterbirds, cisticolas, and the unique Kilombero Weaver.
Highland Birds: Mufindi and Iringa Highlands showcase species like the Njombe Cisticola, Yellow-browed Seedeater, and the Fawn-breasted Waxbill.
Big Game Encounters: Mikumi and Ruaha National Parks offer classic East African wildlife viewing, including large elephant herds, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

Best Time to Visit: December to June, when birds are most active and the scenery is lush.
Accommodation: Options range from standard tourist lodges to luxury tented camps, including the most comfortable choices in remote locations such as the Udzungwas. All accommodations have private facilities.
Guides: Professional bird guides are available and included subject to availability.
Optional Extensions: Pemba Island or East and West Usambara Mountains can be arranged as pre- or post-tour extensions.

Trip Attractions

Full Itinerary

Day 1 – Dar es Salaam to Udzungwa Mountains

Pick up from your accommodation in Dar es Salaam and drive through scenic Morogoro and Mikumi landscapes to the Udzungwa Mountains. Along the way, you may spot raptors, hornbills, and early woodland species. Arrive at your lodge near the Udzungwas for overnight.

Day 2 – Udzungwa Mountains & Kilombero Flood Plains

Morning birding in lowland forest areas of the Udzungwa Mountains, targeting rare endemics and forest species. In the afternoon, drive to the Kilombero Flood Plains, known for its waterbirds and marsh species. Spend the evening scanning floodplain edges for species like the White-tailed Cisticola and Kilombero Weaver.

Day 3 – Udzungwa Slopes & Mikumi Miombo Woodland

Early morning bird walk on the lower slopes of the Udzungwa Mountains for forest specialists. Later, drive toward Mikumi, stopping in miombo woodland areas for species such as Miombo Warbler and Ashy Starling. Overnight at a tented camp or lodge in Mikumi.

Day 4 – Miombo Woodland Birding & Optional Mikumi National Park Visit

Full morning birding in Miombo woodlands, focusing on endemic and localized species. Optional afternoon visit to Mikumi National Park for wildlife viewing, including elephants, giraffes, and antelopes. Overnight in Mikumi.

Day 5 – Full Day Mikumi National Park

Early morning game drive combined with birding along park tracks. Expect Miombo specialists, raptors, and waterbirds. Afternoon game drive offers sightings of lions, leopards, and other savannah wildlife. Overnight in Mikumi.

Day 6 – Drive to Mufindi Highlands

Drive to the highlands via scenic routes, stopping to bird transitional habitats. This area is known for highland endemics such as the Fawn-breasted Waxbill and Iringa Akalat. Overnight in Mufindi Lodge.

Days 7–8 – Mufindi Highlands Birding

Two full days at a slow pace, exploring forests, plantations, and open highland terrain. Expect to see Yellow-browed Seedeater, Western Miombo Double-collared Sunbird, and other rare highland species. Excellent photography opportunities.

Day 9 – Drive to Iringa & Kisolanza Old Farm

Transit day to Iringa, with stops to bird in mosaic habitats along the way. Arrive at Kisolanza Old Farm, an excellent site for forest-edge and open-country species.

Day 10 – Birding Around Kisolanza

Full day exploring the farm and surrounding woodland for species such as the Pale-billed Hornbill, Tanzania Red-billed Hornbill, and Livingstone Flycatcher. Overnight at Kisolanza.

Day 11 – Iringa Local Birding

Morning birding around Iringa, focusing on local habitats and endemic species. Afternoon at leisure or optional additional bird walks. Overnight in Iringa.

Day 12 – Iringa to Ruaha National Park

Drive to Ruaha, entering Tanzania’s largest wilderness area. Afternoon birding and game viewing along the park’s rivers and miombo woodlands. Overnight at Ruaha River Lodge.

Days 13–14 – Ruaha National Park Birding & Game Drives

Two full days in Ruaha combining slow birding with game drives. Key species include Woodland Double-collared Sunbirds, Livingstone Turaco, and numerous waterbirds. Expect sightings of elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Ideal for photography and immersive wilderness experiences.

Day 15 – Departure

Fly or drive back to Dar es Salaam and transfer to the airport for your international flight home. End of tour.

Bird & Wildlife Highlights

Forest Birds: Forest Double-collared Sunbird, Iringa Akalat, Livingstone Turaco, Whyte’s Barbet, Lesser Jacana.
Miombo Woodlands: Miombo Warbler, Ashy Starling, Pale-billed Hornbill, Western Miombo Double-collared Sunbird.
Floodplains & Wetlands: Kilombero Cisticola, White-tailed Cisticola, Kilombero Weaver, Yellow-collared Lovebirds.
Highland Species: Fawn-breasted Waxbill, Njombe Cisticola, Yellow-browed Seedeater, Uhehe Fiscal.
Big Game: Elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, antelopes.

Travel Tips

Bring binoculars, camera, field guide, and appropriate clothing for forest, woodland, and savannah habitats.
Early mornings and late afternoons are prime times for both birding and wildlife viewing.
Lodges in remote areas may have limited WiFi, so prepare for off-the-grid experiences.
Flexible pacing ensures you can tailor the safari to your interests, whether focused on photography, rare species, or classic wildlife encounters.

Summary

This 15-day Southern Tanzania Birding and Big Game Safari is perfect for anyone seeking a complete wildlife and birding experience. From rare forest endemics in the Udzungwa Mountains to the miombo woodland specialists of Mikumi and Ruaha, the itinerary combines spectacular landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and immersive encounters with both birds and mammals. Whether you are a dedicated birder or a safari enthusiast, this journey offers unforgettable experiences in one of Africa’s least-traveled wildlife regions.

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