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.

18 Days Birding, Wildlife and Photography

safari Duration

Tour Type

Trip Overview

Grand Tanzania Birding: East and Southern Tanzania Safari

Birding, Wildlife, and Photography | 18 Days Set Departure

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Tanzania’s most biodiverse regions on this 18-day birding and wildlife safari. Covering East to Southern Tanzania, this private tour is designed for dedicated birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, and nature enthusiasts seeking both rare endemic species and classic African megafauna. From the Maasai Steppes to the lush forests of the Eastern Arc Mountains, the Miombo woodlands, and the remote floodplains of Kilombero, every day brings unique birding and photographic opportunities.

Scheduled Departures: March 14, July 14, December 2
Tour Duration: 18 Days, Ground Only
Arrival/Departure: Kilimanjaro International Airport (Arusha) & Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam)
Accommodation Style: Standard Tourist Class to Mid-Range lodges and tented camps
Guiding: Experienced local bird guide included

Tour Highlights

Arusha Lark Plains & Maasai Steppes: Observe endemic larks and dry-country Acacia birds in the unique savannah habitats north of Arusha.
Eastern Arc Mountains Endemics: West and East Usambaras, Amani Nature Reserve, and South Pare Mountains offer rare forest bird species including Usambara Weaver, Usambara Akalat, and South Pare White-eye.
Miombo Woodlands: Hunt for Miombo-specialist birds amidst vibrant woodland ecosystems, interspersed with big-game sightings.
Southern Tanzania Endemics: Explore Udzungwa Mountains, Kilombero Flood Plains, Mikumi and Ruaha National Parks, home to both rare forest birds and Africa’s classic megafauna.
Big Game & Cats: Enjoy sightings of lions, elephants, giraffes, and other large mammals in Mikumi and Ruaha National Parks.
Photography Opportunities: From dramatic savannahs to forested highlands and serene floodplains, every landscape is a photo-worthy moment.

Trip Attractions

Full Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your birding crew will meet and transfer you to Korona Villa. Settle into your accommodation and prepare for an early start to your birding adventure.

Overnight: Ngaresero Lodge

Day 2 – Lark Plains & Maasai Steppes

Begin the safari with morning bird walks across the Arusha Lark Plains and Maasai Steppes, searching for endemic larks, Acacia specialists, and dry-country birds. The open landscape offers stunning photography and sightings of grazing wildlife.

Overnight: Ngaresero Lodge

Day 3 – Arusha National Park & Mount Meru

Spend the day exploring Arusha National Park, a little-known gem of bird diversity. Focus on forest species rarely seen elsewhere, including Mount Meru specials. In the afternoon, scout the Ngaresero Lodge grounds for bird activity, perfect for photography and close encounters with regional endemics. Overnight at Ngaresero Mountain Lodge.

Day 4 – Dry Maasai Steppes & Eastern Drive

Pre-breakfast bird walks on lodge grounds to catch any lingering Mount Meru specialties. Begin the eastward journey into the dry Maasai Steppes, stopping frequently for birding and photography. Evening check-in at Elephant Motel near Same Village.

Day 5 – South Pare Mountains & Mkomazi National Park

Explore the South Pare Mountains in search of the rare South Pare White-eye and other dry-country endemics. Afternoon transfer to Mkomazi National Park, spotting mammals and savannah birds along the way. Overnight at Elephant Motel.

Day 6 – South Pare to West Usambara Mountains

Morning birding in the high-elevation South Pare Mountains, targeting forest-edge species. Mid-afternoon drive to the West Usambara Mountains, a biodiversity hotspot known for endemic forest birds. Overnight at Mullers Mountain Lodge.

Day 7 – West Usambara Mountains

Full day dedicated to birding West Usambara forest endemics, such as Usambara Weaver, Usambara Akalat, and forest warblers. Photography opportunities abound in the misty, ancient forests. Overnight at Mullers Mountain Lodge.

Day 8 – East Usambara & Amani Nature Reserve

Drive eastward to the East Usambara Mountains, stopping at forest patches and lower-elevation birding sites. Arrive at Amani Nature Reserve, known for its coastal and montane endemics. Overnight at Amani Rest House.

Day 9 – Amani Nature Reserve Birding

Spend the day exploring Amani’s dense forest trails and canopy observation points. Expect to encounter species like the Amani Sunbird, African Emerald Cuckoo, and other coastal forest endemics. Overnight at Amani Rest House.

Day 10 – Long Transfer to Mikumi

A long drive south, connecting the northeastern highlands to central Tanzania. Limited birding stops en route, arriving at Tan Swiss Cottages for evening rest.

Day 11 – Miombo Woodlands & Mikumi NP

Early morning bird walks in Miombo woodlands, focusing on woodland specialists like starlings, warblers, and parrots. Afternoon transfer into Mikumi National Park for initial game-viewing and photography. Overnight at Vuma Hill Tented Camp.

Day 12 – Mikumi National Park

Full day of birding and big-game viewing in Mikumi, capturing lions, giraffes, elephants, and woodland-specialist birds. Overnight at Vuma Hill Tented Camp.

Day 13 – Udzungwa Mountains & Kilombero Flood Plains

Drive south to Udzungwa Mountains and the Kilombero Flood Plains, home to wetland specialists and endemic birds. Afternoon birding for marsh and floodplain species. Overnight at Twiga Hotel near Udzungwa NP.

Day 14 – East Udzungwa Forest

Birding on foot or hiking forest trails in East Udzungwa, targeting rare forest birds and endemic primates. Photographers will find unique lighting and composition opportunities among lush greenery. Overnight at Twiga Hotel.

Day 15 – Transfer to Ruaha National Park

Drive through Mikumi and Iringa to Ruaha National Park, a remote park with a mix of woodland, riverine, and open savannah habitats. Possible bird stops along the route, plus sightings of wildlife crossing the roads. Overnight at Ruaha Cottages.

Days 16 & 17 – Ruaha National Park Birding & Game Viewing

Two full days of combined birding, wildlife photography, and big-game viewing. Focus on both savannah birds and woodland specialists. Expect encounters with lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, and a variety of endemic and regional bird species. Overnight at Ruaha Cottages.

Day 18 – Departure

Transfer to a local flight to Dar es Salaam. Evening international departure. Post-tour extensions to Pemba Island for coastal endemics and beach birding are available on request.

Why This Tour is Special

Diverse Habitats: From highland forests to floodplains, miombo woodlands, and coastal forests, this route covers nearly every ecological zone in East and Southern Tanzania.
Endemic and Rare Birds: Multiple endemic hotspots, including the Eastern Arc Mountains, South Pare, and Amani Reserve, ensure sightings of rare and range-restricted species.
Big-Game Viewing: Mikumi and Ruaha National Parks provide classic African wildlife encounters, making it ideal for photographers.
Immersive Experience: Scheduled departures allow you to focus fully on wildlife and birding, with expert guides enhancing each experience.
Photography-Focused: Every day is designed with optimal times for capturing wildlife, landscapes, and rare bird species.

This 18-day East and Southern Tanzania Birding Safari is a comprehensive, expertly guided journey through the country’s most biologically rich regions. It is perfect for serious birders, wildlife photographers, and travelers seeking a deep, immersive Tanzanian safari experience.

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