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BIRDING, WILDLIFE, AND BEYOND
Northern Tanzania: Birding & Wildlife in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Beyond
An unforgettable journey through East Africa’s most iconic landscapes—Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire—where vast herds, great predators, and dazzling birds converge. Witness the spectacle of a million Wildebeest calving on the plains, observe Lions, Leopards, and Cheetahs in action, and delight in colorful species like Lilac-breasted Roller, Fischer’s Lovebird, and Secretarybird. Superb birding meets extraordinary wildlife viewing in one of the planet’s greatest natural theaters.
Tour Overview
Few places on Earth offer the sheer scope of life found in northern Tanzania. Here, legendary parks and timeless landscapes host the most abundant wildlife concentrations in the world. This is Africa at its most vivid—a living tableau of vast grasslands, volcanic peaks, and acacia-dotted plains filled with movement, color, and sound.
Our journey begins amid the forested slopes of Arusha National Park, a sanctuary for Guereza Colobus and Silvery-cheeked Hornbill. From there, we fly directly to the Serengeti, where more than a million Wildebeest gather to calve, trailed by predators and raptors in one of nature’s greatest dramas. For days we explore the Serengeti’s kopjes, woodlands, and open plains, encountering everything from Cheetah and Elephant to Crowned Crane and Secretarybird.
In the Ndutu region, we experience the heart of the migration, surrounded by Wildebeest, Gazelle, and Zebra—and the lions, hyenas, and vultures that follow them. At Ngorongoro Crater, a lush, sunken world teeming with life, we search for Black Rhino and Golden-winged Sunbird while soaking in views across the “eighth wonder of the world.”
The journey continues through the Rift Valley to the flamingo-filled shores of Lake Manyara and the elephant-rich savannas of Tarangire National Park, famed for its massive baobabs and dazzling birdlife. Throughout, we enjoy outstanding accommodations, easy wildlife viewing from custom safari vehicles, and some of the most spectacular natural spectacles on Earth.
Ecosystems Experienced
A stunning range of habitats from montane forests and volcanic craters to vast savannas, alkaline lakes, and acacia woodlands, supporting Africa’s greatest diversity of birds and mammals.
Expected Climate
Temperature
Warm days (75–88 °F / 24–31 °C) with cooler mornings and evenings in highlands (50–60 °F / 10–16 °C). Generally dry and pleasant, with possible light rain in elevated regions.
Rainfall
February–March is part of the short dry season, offering clear skies, fresh green landscapes, and superb wildlife activity.
Seasons
This tour coincides with calving season in the Serengeti—prime time for observing both newborn herds and heightened predator activity.
Key Species
Hartlaub's Turaco
Secretarybird
Lilac-breasted Roller
Silvery-cheeked Hornbill
Fischer's Lovebird
Baglafecht Weaver
Leader
+ Local Leader
Geoff Lockwood
Primary Leader
Bird artist, educator, and conservationist with 40 years of experience advancing birding, environmental education, and guide training throughout Southern and Central Africa.
Read MoreItinerary
Day 1
Travel to no Northern Tanzania.
Day 2
Travel and arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge in Usa River, nestled amid tranquil gardens and forested foothills.
Enjoy leisurely birding on the grounds for Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Taveta Golden-Weaver, and Giant Kingfisher, with Colobus and Blue Monkeys in the trees.
Day 3
Explore Arusha National Park, a lush mosaic of forests, crater lakes, and open glades beneath Mount Meru.
Search for Crowned Eagle, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Bar-tailed Trogon, and Pangani Longclaw.
Watch for forest mammals including Guereza Colobus, Suni, and Bushbuck.
Day 4
Take a morning charter flight to Seronera airstrip in the central Serengeti, followed by a wildlife drive to Kubu Kubu Tented Camp.
Encounter your first herds of Wildebeest, Elephant, and Zebra along the way.
Take an afternoon game drive among open plains and rocky kopjes, watching for Leopard, Secretarybird, and Southern Ground-Hornbill.
Spend the night relaxing at the Kubu Kubu Tented Camp, Central Serengeti.
Day 5
Immerse yourself in the Serengeti’s rolling savannas and acacia woodlands.
Scan kopjes for Lions, Hyraxes, and colorful Agamid Lizards, and riverine groves for Lilac-breasted Roller and Rüppell’s Starling.
Observe raptors overhead—Bateleur, Snake-Eagle, Montagu’s Harrier, and Pygmy Falcon—and vast herds of game sweeping across the plains.
Day 6
Immerse yourself in the Serengeti’s rolling savannas and acacia woodlands.
Scan kopjes for Lions, Hyraxes, and colorful Agamid Lizards, and riverine groves for Lilac-breasted Roller and Rüppell’s Starling.
Observe raptors overhead—Bateleur, Snake-Eagle, Montagu’s Harrier, and Pygmy Falcon—and vast herds of game sweeping across the plains.
Day 7
Journey eastward toward the Ndutu region, traversing the Serengeti’s short-grass plains alive with migrating Wildebeest.
Pause for panoramic views from Naabi Hill Gate, with time for birding and photography.
Retreat for the night at the Ndutu Safari Lodge, Southeastern Serengeti.
Day 8
Experience the breathtaking calving season on the Ndutu plains, surrounded by Wildebeest, Gazelle, and Zebra—and their ever-present predators.
Witness prides of Lion, Cheetah on the hunt, and flocks of vultures soaring above the scene.
Birding highlights include Gray-breasted Spurfowl, Fischer’s Lovebird, Secretarybird, and Rufous-tailed Weaver.
Day 9
Experience the breathtaking calving season on the Ndutu plains, surrounded by Wildebeest, Gazelle, and Zebra—and their ever-present predators.
Witness prides of Lion, Cheetah on the hunt, and flocks of vultures soaring above the scene.
Birding highlights include Gray-breasted Spurfowl, Fischer’s Lovebird, Secretarybird, and Rufous-tailed Weaver.
Day 10
Cross the open plains toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, stopping at Oldupai Gorge, where the Leakeys unearthed early hominid fossils.
Ascend to the rim of Ngorongoro Crater, gazing down into its vast, wildlife-rich basin.
Tuck-in for the night at the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater Rim.
Day 11
Descend into the crater at dawn for a full day among its lakes, grasslands, and acacia groves.
Search for Black Rhino, Lion, Cheetah, and grazing herds of Zebra and Buffalo.
Birding includes Gray Crowned-Crane, Kori Bustard, Lesser Flamingo, and Rosy-throated Longclaw.
Day 12
Spend the morning birding along the crater rim for Schalow’s Turaco, Eastern Double-collared Sunbird, and Hunter’s Cisticola.
Visit Gibb’s Farm, a working coffee estate and renowned birding stop with lush gardens filled with White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, Tambourine Dove, and Variable Sunbird.
Retire for the night at the Tloma Lodge, Karatu.
Day 13
Descend the Rift Valley escarpment to Lake Manyara National Park, where acacia forests and wetlands teem with life.
Look for Flamingos, Pelicans, Marabou Stork, and Elephants beneath towering cliffs.
In drier woodland, seek Red-and-yellow Barbet, Pearl-spotted Owlet, and Purple-crested Turaco.
Relax the night away at the Manyara Serena Lodge, Lake Manyara.
Day 14
Expolore the Tarangire National Park, famed for its ancient baobab trees and large elephant herds.
Watch for Yellow-collared Lovebird, Ashy Starling, and African Scops-Owl along with Leopard, Impala, and Giraffe on open plains
Enjoy the sunset over the Tarangire River, where herds gather at dusk before you tuck-in at the Tarangire Sopa Lodge, Tarangire National Park.
Day 15
Expolore the Tarangire National Park, famed for its ancient baobab trees and large elephant herds.
Watch for Yellow-collared Lovebird, Ashy Starling, and African Scops-Owl along with Leopard, Impala, and Giraffe on open plains
Enjoy the sunset over the Tarangire River, where herds gather at dusk before you tuck-in at the Tarangire Sopa Lodge, Tarangire National Park.
Day 16
Take a morning game drive on the journey back to Arusha, with final sightings of Hornbills, Weavers, or even a lingering Leopard.
Spend the afternoon at Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge with day rooms provided before evening transfers to Kilimanjaro International Airport for departures home.
What’s Included
Accomodations & Dining
Settle into comfortable accommodations with modern amenities. Enjoy freshly prepared meals that highlight local flavors and international favorites, with consideration for any dietary needs.
Guided Services & Gratuities
Experience each destination with the help of Leaders who share history, culture, and wildlife insights. Gratuities for crew and local guides are included, ensuring seamless service without extra concerns; tipping for your Leaders is discretionary and not included.
Active Essentials
Every tour includes the core elements that make our field experiences possible so you can stay engaged with a range of activities. All outings include the necessary equipment and full safety support, making it easy to join at your own pace.
Transportation & Logistics
We coordinate every transfer, from airport pickup to port boarding. Whether traveling by bus, boat, or charter, our team ensures smooth connections and stress-free travel.
FAQs
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