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.

14 Days Best of Northern Tanzania Birding

14 days Best of Northern Tanzania Birding

safari Duration

Tour Type

Trip Overview

14-Day Private Tour – Depart Any Time | Tailored for Birders, Photographers & Wildlife Enthusiasts

Experience the ultimate Northern Tanzania adventure on a private, customizable 14-day safari designed for bird lovers, wildlife photographers, and nature enthusiasts. From lush highlands to vast savannahs, from iconic Ngorongoro Crater vistas to the remote shores of Lake Victoria, this safari combines world-class birding with thrilling big game encounters. Join our expert local guides for an unforgettable journey through the heart of East Africa’s most spectacular ecosystems.

Tour Highlights

Private 14-day safari with flexible departure dates
Expert local birding and wildlife guides
Photograph rare and endemic bird species including yellow-collared lovebirds, Eastern Grey Plantain-eaters, and African fish eagles
Witness the Big Five – lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos – in their natural habitats
Explore diverse ecosystems: forests, wetlands, savannahs, lakes, and volcanic highlands
Luxury and comfortable accommodation options throughout the journey

Trip Attractions

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Gateway to Northern Tanzania

Land at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where our team will warmly welcome you. Transfer to your Arusha lodge, unwind, and enjoy a briefing on your safari. Depending on your arrival time, optional short walks or birding around the lodge can introduce you to Tanzania’s tropical avian diversity.

Overnight: Ngaresero Lodge

Day 2: Arusha National Park – Birding & Big Game Photography

Spend your first full safari day exploring Arusha National Park, a compact gem featuring craters, lush forests, and the stunning Mount Meru backdrop. Ideal for photography, the park hosts a remarkable mix of wildlife including giraffes, buffalo, and colobus monkeys. Birders can spot species such as Parrots, Turacos, and the rare Grey-breasted Spurfowl. Capture your first safari images with the park’s diverse landscapes and wildlife encounters.

Overnight: Ngaresero Lodge

Day 3: Ngorongoro Highlands – Lark Plains and Scenic Landscapes

Drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands, crossing the spectacular Lark Plains. Photograph open grasslands dotted with wildflowers and watch for herds of antelope, zebras, and grazing elephants. Birding highlights include Malachite Sunbirds, Rufous-tailed Weavers, and highland species unique to the Crater rim ecosystem. Overnight in a lodge with panoramic views of the highlands.

Day 4: Journey to Lake Victoria – Africa’s Great Lake

Embark on a scenic drive to Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater lake. The journey passes through traditional Tanzanian villages and fertile agricultural lands, offering opportunities for cultural and landscape photography. Arrive at the lakeside lodge and enjoy an evening birdwatch along the shores.

Day 5: Birding & Wildlife Photography at Lake Victoria

Spend the day exploring the wetlands and shorelines of Lake Victoria, home to prolific waterfowl and rare bird species. Capture photographs of African Fish Eagles, Malachite Kingfishers, and African Jacanas. Optional boat excursions allow for dynamic wildlife and birding photography while soaking in the lake’s breathtaking scenery.

Day 6: Drive to Central Serengeti – Iconic Savannah Landscapes

Travel to the Central Serengeti, the epicenter of Tanzania’s famed savannah wildlife. Along the way, spot wildlife en route and photograph vast landscapes. The Central Serengeti is renowned for its seasonal migrations, prides of lions, cheetahs, and abundant herbivore herds, making it ideal for both birding and big game photography.

Day 7: Central Serengeti – Big Game & Birds in Action

Spend a full day exploring the Central Serengeti, combining game drives with targeted birdwatching. Capture spectacular images of Secretary Birds, Kori Bustards, and Martial Eagles. Experience thrilling encounters with lions, leopards, and elephants, all set against the golden savannah backdrop perfect for photography.

Day 8: Ndutu Short Grass Plains – East Serengeti Expedition

Drive southeast to the Ndutu region, known for its short grass plains and excellent wildlife visibility. These plains are a photographer’s paradise, offering unobstructed views of predators, herbivores, and migratory wildlife. Keep an eye out for ground hornbills and long-legged bustards, as well as cheetahs hunting across the plains.

Day 9–10: Ndutu Region – Intensive Birding & Wildlife Photography

Spend two immersive days in Ndutu, combining morning and late afternoon birding sessions with game drives during peak animal activity. Photograph rare species like the Red-necked Spurfowl and Lesser Kestrel, while capturing intimate predator-prey dynamics among lions, hyenas, and gazelles. Sunset photography sessions across the plains offer iconic African safari imagery.

Day 11: Ngorongoro Crater Floor & Karatu Village

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a full day of unparalleled wildlife photography. Witness dense populations of elephants, rhinos, lions, and flamingos in the crater’s wetlands. After a morning of exploration, drive to Karatu village for a cultural immersion and rest at a comfortable lodge.

Day 12: Tarangire National Park – Morning Birding & Big Game

Travel to Tarangire National Park, famed for its ancient baobabs and large elephant herds. Start the morning with birding walks, spotting species such as Northern Pied Babblers, Lilac-breasted Rollers, and Bateleur Eagles. The combination of iconic African landscapes and wildlife photography opportunities makes this park a highlight of your safari.

Day 13: Full Day in Tarangire – Birding & Big Game Photography

Spend a full day photographing Tarangire’s extraordinary wildlife. Capture elephants against the backdrop of giant baobabs, photograph flocks of colorful birds in acacia trees, and enjoy scenic sundown photography sessions as the savannah glows golden.

Day 14: Return to Arusha – Farewell & Departures

Drive back to Arusha for your onward flights, connections, or optional extensions. Reflect on two weeks of immersive wildlife encounters, rare bird sightings, and unmatched photographic opportunities. Depart with memories of Northern Tanzania’s unparalleled biodiversity and stunning landscapes.

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