21 Days Lake Victoria to the East Coast Tanzania Birding
Lake Victoria to the East Coast Tanzania Birding Safari is an exceptional 21-day expedition designed for dedicated birders seeking Tanzania’s richest and most diverse birding regions in one seamless journey. This carefully curated route moves from the vast wetlands of Lake Victoria, across the iconic plains of the Serengeti, through the Ngorongoro Highlands and Tarangire ecosystems, and onward to the Eastern Arc Mountains and the Indian Ocean islands.
The safari combines classic savannah birding with forest, highland, dry-country, and coastal habitats, offering outstanding opportunities to record Tanzania’s endemic, near-endemic, and specialty species. Highlights include birding in the Serengeti and Ndutu, exploration of the Ngorongoro Crater, lark specials in the Maasai steppes, and intensive endemic searches in the West and East Usambara Mountains and Amani Nature Reserve.
The journey concludes with island birding on Pemba, home to unique endemics such as the Pemba Green Pigeon and Pemba Scops Owl. Throughout the safari, birding is conducted at a relaxed pace with experienced guides, while comfortable lodges and well-selected camps ensure a rewarding balance between exploration and comfort.
21 Days Lake Victoria to the East Coast Tanzania Birding
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Time to relax after your journey.
Overnight: Korona Villa
Meet your field crew at 8:00 AM and depart for Arusha National Park. Enjoy a full day of birding, photography, and big game viewing. Late afternoon return to Arusha.
Activities: Birding, photography & big game viewing
Overnight: Korona Villa
Depart at 7:00 AM and drive west toward the Serengeti. Picnic lunch en route. Limited birding stops due to distance. Upon arrival, begin birding and game viewing en route to camp.
Activities: Birding & big game viewing
Overnight: Serengeti Tented Camp
Full day in the Serengeti focusing on big cats, endemic birds, and slow-paced birding across the plains.
Activities: Birding, photography & big game viewing
Overnight: Serengeti Tented Camp
Drive west through the Serengeti’s Western Corridor to Lake Victoria. Enjoy birding and wildlife viewing along the way.
Activities: Birding, photography & big game viewing
Overnight: Speke Bay Lodge
Scheduled bird walks around the lodge grounds with an optional boat ride on Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest inland lake.
Activities: Guided bird walks & optional boat excursion
Overnight: Speke Bay Lodge
Travel back through the Western Serengeti to the Ndutu region. Full day of birding and wildlife viewing.
Activities: Birding & big game viewing
Overnight: Ndutu Lodge
Full day exploring Ndutu, well known for its birdlife and resident wildlife.
Activities: Birding & big game viewing
Overnight: Ndutu Lodge
Early breakfast, then descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for birding and big game viewing, with a chance to spot the endangered Black Rhino. Later drive to Karatu.
Activities: Birding, photography & big game viewing
Overnight: Tloma Lodge
Optional morning bird walk or visit to Gibbs Farm. After lunch, drive to Tarangire National Park.
Activities: Optional bird walks & nature hikes
Overnight: Tarangire Safari Lodge
Explore Tarangire, famous for baobab trees, elephants, and rich birdlife.
Activities: Birding, photography & big game viewing
Overnight: Tarangire Safari Lodge
Depart for the Lark Plains north of Arusha, focusing on endemic larks and dry-country species.
Activities: Birding for endemics
Overnight: Ngaresero Mountain Lodge
Early bird walk around Mt. Meru foothills, then drive east through Maasai steppes to Same Village with multiple birding stops.
Activities: Birding & bird photography
Overnight: Elephant Motel
Morning birding around South Pare Mountains followed by exploration of Mkomazi National Park.
Activities: Birding & bird photography (few mammals)
Overnight: Elephant Motel
Morning drive to higher elevations for the South Pare White-eye, then continue to the West Usambara Mountains.
Activities: Endemic birding & photography
Overnight: Mullers Mountain Lodge
Full day birding for Usambara endemics and special species.
Activities: Endemic birding & photography
Overnight: Mullers Mountain Lodge
Transfer to the East Usambara Mountains with birding stops en route. Afternoon birding in the lower forests and Amani area.
Activities: Endemic birding & photography
Overnight: Amani Rest House
Full day searching for East Usambara forest specials and coastal endemics.
Activities: Endemic birding & photography
Overnight: Amani Rest House
Morning birding, then fly to Pemba Island. Meet and transfer to your beach resort.
Activities: Birding & transfers
Overnight: Pemba Paradise
Morning birding for Pemba endemics and evening search for the Pemba Scops Owl.
Activities: Endemic birding & photography
Overnight: Pemba Paradise
Fly from Pemba via Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam for onward international departure from Julius Nyerere International Airport.
End of Safari
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- All accommodations as listed
- All meals as per the meal plan (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- All park entry and conservation fees
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and birding windows
- Professional English-speaking birding guide
- Drinking water during game drives and transfers
- Domestic support team (driver, airport reps, etc.)
- Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
- Local taxes and government levies
- Bird checklist & field reference materials
Cost Excludes
- International flights to/from Tanzania
- Tanzanian tourist visa
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Soft and alcoholic beverages at lodges
- Laundry services unless stated
- Tips for guide, driver, and lodge staff
- Personal souvenirs
- Optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary
- Medical expenses or emergency evacuation fees (if any)
