20 Day Tanzania Professional Birding Safari Itinerary
This 20 day Tanzania Professional Birding Safari is a comprehensive and expertly crafted journey designed for serious birders and nature enthusiasts seeking an in-depth exploration of East Africa’s richest birding destinations. Covering a remarkable range of ecosystems from coastal forests and wetlands to vast savannahs, montane forests, and the Rift Valley this safari offers an exceptional opportunity to observe Tanzania’s extraordinary avian diversity.
Led by highly experienced professional bird guides, the itinerary focuses on both endemic and near-endemic species, rare migrants, and iconic African birds, while also providing excellent wildlife viewing along the way. Guests will explore renowned birding hotspots such as national parks, forest reserves, lakes, and remote conservation areas that are often overlooked by standard safaris.
20-Day Tanzania Professional Birding Safari Itinerary
Morning departure from Dar to Mikumi via Kilosa, with birding stops en route (Miombo specialties)
Overnight at Camp Bastian, Mikumi
Explore Mkata floodplains, miombo woodland, and Acacia savanna habitatsKey species: Shelley’s Sunbird, Southern Ground Hornbill, Bohm’s Bee-eater, Pale-billed Hornbill
Overnight at Camp Bastian, Mikumi
Hike and bird Udzungwa forest trailstargets: Udzungwa Partridge, Iringa Akalat, White-chested Alethe, Rufous-winged Sunbire
Overnight at Udzungwa Twiga Hotel
Early birding in Kilombero (Kilombero Weaver, White-tailed Cisticola) Drive to Morogoro
Overnight at Cherry Hotel, Morogoro
Forest birding at Bunduki for Uluguru Bushshrike, Loveridge’s Sunbird, and endemic montane species
Overnight at Cherry Hotel, Morogoro
Early drive and birding Ukaguru ranges for scarce forest endemics
Overnight at Inoga Hotel, Gairo
Scenic drive with birding stops
Overnight at Saadani Bandas
Explore riverine forest, coastal scrub, and salt flats for species like Mangrove Kingfisher, Palm-nut Vulture
Overnight at Saadani Bandas
Arrival at Amani Forest Reserve, short bird walk in evening
Overnight at Amani Rest House
Key birds: Usambara Eagle Owl, Long-billed Forest Warbler, Amani Sunbird, Green-headed Oriole
- Overnight at Amani Rest House
Afternoon birding in Lushoto highlands
Overnight at Mullers Lodge
Explore Magamba, Mkuzi forests and farmlands Targets: Usambara Akalat, Usambara Thrush, Usambara Weaver
Overnight at Mullers Lodge
Birding to discover restricted-range species
Overnight at Johnson Villa
Miombo, thornbush, and dry plains species like Three-streaked Tchagra, Rosy-patched Bushshrike, Somali Courser
Overnight at Johnson Villa
Focus on Acacia scrub and waterbirds at Nyumba ya Mungu
Overnight at Mrimba Palm Hotel, Arusha
Best place to see Yellow-collared Lovebird, Ashy Starling, and Red-and-yellow Barbet
Overnight at Winter’s Tented Lodge, Karatu
Crater birding and game viewing, transfer to Serengeti
Overnight at House of Nature Lodge, Serengeti
Westward birding through savanna and riverine forests
Overnight at Speke Bay Lodge
Early birding at lakeshore for Papyrus Gonolek, White winged Warbler Transfer to Karatu
Overnight at Winter’s Tented Lodge
Morning walk at Endoro Trail (if time allows)
Drop in Arusha or continue to Dar by bus or private arrangement
Includes/ Excludes
Cost Includes
- Professional birding guide throughout
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with birding books, fridge, and power sockets
- All park and reserve entry fees
- Accommodation (19 nights) on full board basis
- Drinking water in vehicle
- Local taxes and guide fees
- Boat (if required for Kilombero or Lake Victoria shore access)
Cost Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
