Seasonal Birding: When & Where to See Migratory Birds in Tanzania
Tanzania is a premier birdwatching destination, home to over 1,100 bird species, including a spectacular array of migratory birds that visit seasonally. Whether you’re a casual bird lover or an avid ornithologist, timing your visit right can help you witness some of the most extraordinary avian migrations on the planet.
Best Seasons for Birdwatching in Tanzania
Green Season (November – April)
Why Visit?
- Best time to see migratory birds from Europe, Asia, and North Africa
- Birds in full breeding plumage, displaying vibrant colors
- Ideal season for bird photography due to lush landscapes
Top Species to Spot:
- European Bee-eaters
- White Storks
- Barn Swallows
- Steppe Eagles
- Yellow Wagtails
Dry Season (May – October)
Why Visit?
- Best for resident species and waterbirds
- Easier bird spotting due to reduced foliage
- Fewer mosquitoes and comfortable weather
Top Species to Spot:
- African Fish Eagle
- Crowned Cranes
- Pel’s Fishing Owl
- Pink-backed Pelicans
Top Locations for Migratory Birdwatching in Tanzania
1. Lake Manyara National Park
Best Time: November – April
Why? One of the top locations to see flamingos and migratory waterbirds
Highlights: Greater & Lesser Flamingos
Eurasian Spoonbills
Glossy Ibis
2. Serengeti National Park
Best Time: November – March
Why? Grasslands attract raptors and migratory songbirds
Highlights: Steppe Eagles
European Rollers
Black Storks
3. Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)
Best Time: December – May
Why? A paradise for wetland birds and storks
Highlights: African Skimmers
White-faced Whistling Ducks
Shoebill Storks
4. Usambara & Udzungwa Mountains
Best Time: November – March
Why? High-altitude forests shelter rare endemics & migrants
Highlights: African Paradise Flycatcher
Mountain Greenbul
Narina Trogon
5. Lake Natron
Best Time: November – January
Why? Tanzania’s top flamingo breeding site
Highlights: Lesser Flamingos (millions during peak season!)
White-winged Terns
Avocets
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Our Best Selling Tanzania Tours & Safaris
2 Days Tanzania Budget Safari
- Price: $500 per person
- Tour Type: Budget Safari, Joining Groups
- Place Visited: Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater
3 Days Safari Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
- Price: $750 per person
- Tour Type: Budget Safari, Joining Groups
- Place Visited: Arusha, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater
3 Days Tanzania Big 5 Budget Safari
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- Tour Type: Budget Safari, Joining Groups
- Place Visited: Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater
3 Days Tanzania Safaris, Waterfalls And Coffee Tour
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- Tour Type: Budget Safari, Joining Groups
- Place Visited: Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Materuni Waterfalls & coffee tour
3-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Camping Fly-in Safari
- Price: $1500 per person
- Tour Type: Budget Safari, Private Safaris, Camping Safaris, Fly In Safaris
- Place Visited: Arusha, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Zanzibar
3-Day Tarangire NP, Ngorongoro and Materuni Waterfalls
- Price: $605 per person
- Tour Type: Budget Safari, Joining Groups, Lodge Safaris
- Place Visited: Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Materuni Waterfalls & coffee tour
3-Day Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Kilimanjaro Hike
- Price: $715 per person
- Tour Type: Budget Safari, Joining Groups, Lodge Safaris
- Place Visited: Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Kilimanjaro Mountain
4 Day Taste of Tanzania Budget safari
- Price: $900 per person
- Tour Type: Budget Safari, Joining Groups
- Place Visited: Arusha, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater