Tanzania
Discover Tanzania
Tanzania is a country in East Africa within the African Great Lakes region. It is bordered by Uganda to the northwest; Kenya to the northeast; the Indian Ocean to the east; Mozambique and Malawi to the south; Zambia to the southwest; and Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and the highest single free-standing mountain above sea level in the world, is located in northeastern Tanzania. According to the 2022 national census, Tanzania has a population of around 62 million, making it the most populous country located entirely south of the equator.
Tanzania is mountainous and densely forested in the north-east.Three of the African Great Lakes are partly within Tanzania. To the north and west lie Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake, and Lake Tanganyika, the continent’s deepest lake, known for its unique species of fish. To the south lies Lake Malawi.
Tanzania is one of the oldest continuously inhabited areas on Earth. Traces of fossil remains of humans and hominids date back to the Quaternary era. The Olduvai Gorge, in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features a collection with remnants of tools that document the development and use of transitional technology.
Tanzania national parks
Serengeti national park, tanzania
The Serengeti National Park is a large national park in northern Tanzania that stretches over 14,763 km2 (5,700 sq mi). It is located in eastern Mara Region and northeastern Simiyu Region and contains over 1,500,000 ha (3,700,000 acres) of virgin savanna. The park was established in 1940
Maasai people called this park ‘Siringet‘, meaning endless plains.
Serengeti National Park, a world-renown, World Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site that has many attractions than any other national park in Africa. The Great Migration, The Big Five, Unique Bird Collections, Endangered Species, Highest concentration of Carnivores and Herbivores, Scenic and Spectacular Landscapes are some of the attractions one will encounter. The Serengeti speaks for itself and with good reason not only the migration of over 1 million wildebeest through its plains and woodlands but also unique landscapes and other spectacular wildlife.
The Serengeti is home to the world’s largest populations of Wildebeest, Zebra, Cape Eland, and Gazelles, and has the highest concentration of carnivores especially all the big African cats such as Lions, Leopards, Cheetah and Spotted Hyena!
Serengeti is one of the last remaining sanctuary for critically endangered Black rhino (Diceros bicornis michaeli) as well as endangered African hunting dog
With over 530 bird species recorded in the park, the park also offers some endemics and restricted range species difficult to see in any other parts of the world. Highlights here include among others; Common Ostrich, Shelley’s Francolin, Grey-breasted Spurfowl, Red-throated Tit, White-bellied Bustard, Tanzania Red-billed Hornbill, Von Der Decken’s Hornbill, Usambiro Barbet, Fischer’s Lovebird, Foxy Lark , Dessert Cisticola, Hildebrandt’s Starling, rufous-tailed Rock Thrush, Gorgeous Sunbird, Rufous-tailed weaver, Kenya Rufous Sparrow, Swahili Sparrow, Reichnow’s Seed-eater and white-bellied canary
Tarangire national park, Tanzania
The name of the park originates from the Tarangire River that crosses the park and covers an area of 2850 km 2 (1,100 square miles.. The park is 121km through a tarmac road from Arusha city
The landscape is composed of granitic ridges, river valley, and swamps. Vegetation is a mix of Acacia woodland, Combretum woodland, seasonally flooded grassland, and baobab trees.. The oldest known elephant to give birth to twins is found in Tarangire. Another recent birth of elephant twins (recorded by the team of Fundi Birders of East African in April 2022) in the Tarangire National Park of Tanzania is a great example of how the birth of these two healthy and thriving twins can beat the odds.
Over 550 different bird species have been recorded in the park, of which several are threatened or endemic. Yellow-throated sandgrouse, double-banded courser, ASHY starling, rufous-tailed weaver, yellow-collared Lovebird, Swahili sparrow ,lesser spotted eagle, southern ground hornbill, red and yellow barbet, Knob-billed Duck, red-knobbed Coot, Magpie shrike etc are some of the birds here.
arusha national park, tanzania
Covering a total land area of 137 km2 (53 sq mi), this beautiful Park is only ½ an hour by tarmac road from Arusha city centre,. is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, each offering unique landscapes and a remarkable array of wildlife. The Arusha National Park ecosystem includes montane forests, highland moorlands, savannah grasslands, and lakes, each contributing to a rich environment that supports a wide variety of species. It is dominated by Mount Meru, which at 4,566 m (14,980 ft). Mount Meru is the second highest peak in Tanzania after Mount Kilimanjaro, which is just 60 km away and forms a backdrop to views from the park to the east.
The famous Momela lakes provide home and important feeding ground for both Lesser and greater flamingos. It one of the important site to visit for bird watchers. The Momella Lakes with different mineral contents supports a different type of algae growth and this gives each lake a different color
The montane forest, nestled along the slopes of Mount Meru, forms a lush, green habitat rich in biodiversity. This ecosystem is characterized by dense trees, cool temperatures, and moist conditions, creating an ideal home for a variety of wildlife species.
The forest is alive with animal species such as black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and sykes monkeys, alongside the occasional leopard. Birdwatchers can marvel at nearly 400 bird species within this forest, including the Narina trogon, bar-tailed trogon, and the colorful
The highland moorland ecosystem, found at higher elevations within Arusha National Park, offers a unique, open landscape that contrasts starkly with the dense montane forests. This moorland is characterized by its grassy plains and shrubs, offering scenic views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro in the distance.
The moorland’s vegetation includes hardy grasses, shrubs, and small flowering plants adapted to cooler and windier conditions. While it may appear sparse, it’s home to grazers like buffaloes and zebras.
The savannah grasslands of Arusha National Park provide a quintessential African landscape of sweeping plains with tall grasses. This ecosystem is especially vibrant during the wet season when grasses are lush, attracting large herbivores. The savannah supports giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and antelopes, making it a popular area for game drives. Predators such as leopards and hyenas may also be spotted here as they hunt for prey.
During the dry season, the grasslands become more sparse, and animals gather near water sources, such as lakes and streams. This seasonal migration influences predator-prey dynamics, attracting carnivores to these areas as prey becomes concentrated.
The Ngurdoto Crater is an extinct volcanic crater located within Arusha National Park, sometimes referred to as “Little Ngorongoro” due to its similar landscape. The swampy floor of this large crater is teeming with life.
Inside the crater, visitors can find buffaloes, elephants, baboons, warthogs, and antelopes. The swampy areas provide water and grazing for herbivores, making it a popular area for game drives.
The crater’s rim is lush with dense forest, while the floor is more open and swampy. This variation in habitats allows it to support different types of animals and offers scenic views of the park.
Lake Longil is a freshwater lake that attracts a variety of animals due to its vital role as a watering source within Arusha National Park.
This lake provides drinking water for animals such as buffaloes, waterbucks, and other herbivores. Predators may also be spotted here, waiting for an opportunity to approach. As a freshwater lake, it contrasts with the alkaline Momella Lakes and supports different flora and fauna, offering a unique habitat for various species in need of freshwater.
Over all the species we are likely to encounter here include Abbot’s Starling, Kenrick’s Starling, Retz’s Helmet Shrike, Cape teal, Red-billed Duck, Hartlaub’s Turaco, the three-banded Plover, greater and lesser flamingos, black-backed Puffback, red-throated Crag-Martin, Ruppell’s Robin-chat, Cape Robin-chat, Amethyst Sunbird, Taveta Golden weaver, Long-billed Pipit etc
nyerere national park, Tanzania
Nyerere National Park (formerly the northern part of Selous Game Reserve, is the largest national park in East Africa and also one of the world’s largest wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. The total area of the park is 30,893 km2 (11,928 sq mi). The park is about the size of Belgium (Europe). Much of the area is in a wild state without being altered by human activities. The park has a great river known as Rufiji River. Rufiji is Tanzania’s largest river and is home to many crocodiles and hippopotamuses. It is also one of largest mangrove forests in the world located at its delta.
Nyerere National Park has a high level of biodiversity, with the most iconic African species all inhabiting the region in some capacity, including lions, leopards, Masai giraffe, herds of wildebeest and plains zebra, black rhinoceros, impala, Thomson’s gazelle, spotted hyenas, countless bird species, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fishes and invertebrates. Most notably, the park is known for its prolific population of endangered African wild dogs. The park also hosts some of the rarest of the antelopes: the greater kudu, the roan antelope, the Lichtensteins hartebeest, sable antelope and brindled gnu, Nyasaland gnu
The park has a record of over 440 bird species listed the riverbanks are mostly rich inhabiting the rarest of the owls, the Pel’s Fishing Owl
Tanzania Birding Trips
Most popular birding sites of Tanzania
nou forest reserve, Manyara Region - Tanzania
The Nou Forest situated in northern Manyara region of Tanzania, at an elevation of 2,226 metres (7,303ft), covers 320 square kilometres and is one of the Montane evergreen forests located on the plateau in Mbulu Mountains. It is a source of 28 permanent rivers and directly affects the livelihoods of more than 200,000 people, making its conservation vital.
Birding here is very delightful with species restricted to this location. The area has a record of more than 110 species and this is one of the few locations in Africa to see the Olive-flanked Robin (Mbulu Robin), Schalow’s Turaco, Bar-throated Apalis (yellow-bellied race), brown-headed Apalis, Mountain Yellow warbler, ever green forest warbler, cinnamon bracken warbler, black-headed mountain greenbul, brown woodland warbler, Mbulu white-eye, orange ground thrush, Tacazze Sunbird
magombera nature forest reserve, morogoro - tanzania
Magombera Nature Forest Reserve, a 26 km2 globally unique forest ecosystem in Kilombero District, on the edge of the Selous Game Reserve was established in 2019 after 40 years of campaigning by scientists and conservationists for its globally unique flora and fauna. Magombera forest lies around 270 m above sea level, near to the villages of Katurukila, Magombera, Kanyenja and Msolwa Stesheni in Kilombero district. This special forest is sandwiched between two of Tanzania’s most impressive protected areas; the Udzungwa Mountains National Park to the west is one of the world’s most important areas for the conservation of biodiversity and the Selous Game Reserve to the east is Africa’s largest protected area. Lowland tropical forest such as that found in Magombera, is among the world’s most threatened habitats. The habitat of Magombera has affinities to the lowland and montane forests of the nearby Udzungwa Mountains and the coastal forests of Tanzania and Kenya.
The conservation value of Magombera Forest first became known in the 1970s, and received international news attention through the scientific discovery of a new chameleon species in 2009, the Magombera chameleon, Kinyongia magomberae. Unusually, the first individual of this chameleon to be discovered, was extracted from the jaws of a snake. The Magombera Nature Forest Reserve is also home to populations of the Endangered Udzungwa red colobus monkey, Verdcourt’s Polyalthia tree and the large-leaved Memecylon tree. In addition, the Endangered Luke’s Cynometra tree occurs mainly in riparian gallery forests now protected in the new nature reserve. Numerous other internationally threatened species of plants and animals are present in the new reserve, including the Udzungwa dwarf galago, African elephants, and hippopotamus.
Birding highlights here include among others: the Blue-mantled Crested flycatcher, yellow-bellied greenbul, red-throated twinspot, giant kingfisher, black-collared barbet, golden-tailed woodpecker, southern cordon-blue, Amethyst Sunbird, Kretschmer’s Longbill(red-eyed race), Pel’s Fishing Owl, Livingstone Turaco, Bathawk, and Arrow-marked Babbler
ukaguru mountains forest reserve, tanzania
The Ukaguru Mountains, covering an area of 1258.8 km2. , are a raised plateau that lie in the rain-shadow of the taller Uluguru mountains, 40 km to the south-east. The climax vegetation is moist forest, but generally with a lower canopy and less diversity than forest closer to the coast.
The montane rainforest, dry montane forest extend from 1500 to 2250 meters elevation.
The mountains are named after the Kaguru people. The Ukaguru Mountains are part of the Eastern Arc Mountains and are home to a biodiverse community of flora and fauna with large numbers of endemic species, thus classified as an Important Bird Area. Moreau’s Sunbird Cinnyris moreaui, Winifred’s Warbler Scepomycter winifredae, Mrs. Moreau’s Warbler (Rubeho), Chapin’s Apalis Apalis chapini
Iringa Akalat Sheppardia lowei , Livingstone Turaco, Dark batis, yellow-throated mountain greenbul, oriole finch, are some of the highlights here
The Ikwamba (889 ha), Mamboto (149 ha), Mamiwa-Kisara North (7,897 ha), Mamiwa-Kisara South (6,266 ha) and Uponera (293 ha) are the forest reserves that preserve areas of montane forest.
Eastern Arc Mountains, Tanzania
The Eastern Arc is a chain of ancient forested mountains stretching across Tanzania and into Kenya. Many unique species thrive in these isolated massifs, including over 500 plant species and numerous animals that are found nowhere else on earth.
Acre for acre there are more unique plant and animal species in the Arc than anywhere else in Africa, and the area is considered one of the planet’s most important biodiversity hotspots. Between the 13 Eastern Arc mountain blocks, the West Usambara Mountains are the third in importance with respect to endemic plant diversity
Magamba Nature Forest Reserve
Gazetted in 2008, The reserve is located in North Eastern part of Tanzania within Lushoto and Korogwe Districts in Tanga Region. The reserve covers an area of 9283.9 ha and is part of West Usambara Mountain Ranges. Magamba is uniquely identified by a German cave and oldest skyline in East Africa as well as a fascinating stone with a human being foot step, known as “Jiwe la Mungu”. Magamba Nature Forest Reserve extends in altitude from 1650m above sea level to 2300m above sea level, at Kwahondo peak. The reserve is an important water catchment area with some 28 streams vital for the well-being of communities surrounding the reserve. The reserve can easily be accessed by road from Dar es salaam to Lushoto 340 km or from Kilimanjaro to Lushoto about 310 km. From Lushoto to the reserve is only 9 km.
Magamba Nature Reserve is the largest forest fragment remaining in the West Usambara mountain block. Some of the plants and animals that are found in Magamba are found only in the West Usambara Mountains including Vestergaard’s Forest Toad, the Mazumbai Warty Frog and the West Usambara Two-horned Chameleon. For bird watchers, the reserve offers a rare chance to see the Usambara akalat, Usambara weaver, Usambara Thrush, Usambara nightjar, Spot throat, yellow-throated woodland warbler, Usambara eagle-owl, Fischer’s turaco and the banded green sunbird. Others include eastern bronze-napped pigeon, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Moustached Tinkerbird, Short-tailed Batis, white-tailed crested flycatcher, African Tailorbird, shelley’s Greenbul, Cabanis Greenbul, southern yellow white-eye, white-chested Alethe, Usambara double-collared sunbird, Wallers’ Starling, and Oriole finch.
Amani Nature Forest Reserve, Tanga region - Tanzania
Amani Nature Forest Reserve is located in Muheza and Korogwe Districts in Tanga Region. The Nature Reserve covers an area of 8,380 ha and it has tremendous ecological importance with the astonishing African violet flowers (Saintpaulia) which is believed to have a spiritual aspect (power of forgiveness) and cultural significance.
According to Bird Life International, the area is ranked the 12th world best bird watching sites and the UNESCO list the Reserve among the designated Man and Biosphere Reserve in the World.
Pare Mountains, Tanzania
The Pare Mountains (Milima ya Upare) are a mountain range in northeastern Tanzania, located north of the Usambara Mountains. The mountains are administratively located in the Kilimanjaro Region, specifically in the Mwanga District and Same District. The North and South Pare mountain ranges reach a height of 2,463 meters at Shengena Peak. They are separated into North Pare Mountains and South Pare Mountains and are part of the Eastern Arc of mountains. The mountains are named after the indigenous Pare people who reside there
Within the range, there are 52 named mountains, the highest and most prominent of which is Shengana Peak (2,463 m/8,081 ft) in South Pare.
They begin about 35 km (20 mi) to the southeast of Kilimanjaro and end just to the north of the Usambara Mountains. To the east of the North Pare Mountains is Lake Jipe, which is located on Tanzania’s border with Kenya.
The North Pare Mountains in the Mwanga District of the Kilimanjaro Region contain six forest reserves, In total, these reserves cover 7,407 ha (18,303 acres) of terrain. In addition to this, there are nearly 300 clan forests that protect 371 ha (917 acres) of land in the region.
The South Pare Mountains are located in the Same District of the Kilimanjaro Region. Within the southern part of the range you’ll find a total of 15 reserves.
In total, these reserves cover more than 27,168 ha (67,134 acres) of terrain.
Bird species in the Pare mountains include the endemic South Pare white-eye (Zosterops winifredae), the mountain buzzard (Buteo oreophilus), olive woodpecker (Mesopicos griseocephalus), moustached tinkerbird (Pogoniulus leucomystax), and the African hill babbler (Pseudoalcippe abyssinica), Bar-throated Apalis (Pareensis race)
Magamba Nature Forest Reserve, Tanzania
Gazetted in 2008, The reserve is located in North Eastern part of Tanzania within Lushoto and Korogwe Districts in Tanga Region. The reserve covers an area of 9283.9 ha and is part of West Usambara Mountain Ranges. Magamba is uniquely identified by a German cave and oldest skyline in East Africa as well as a fascinating stone with a human being foot step, known as “Jiwe la Mungu”. Magamba Nature Forest Reserve extends in altitude from 1650m above sea level to 2300m above sea level, at Kwahondo peak. The reserve is an important water catchment area with some 28 streams vital for the well-being of communities surrounding the reserve. The reserve can easily be accessed by road from Dar es salaam to Lushoto 340 km or from Kilimanjaro to Lushoto about 310 km. From Lushoto to the reserve is only 9 km.
Magamba Nature Reserve is the largest forest fragment remaining in the West Usambara mountain block. Some of the plants and animals that are found in Magamba are found only in the West Usambara Mountains including Vestergaard’s Forest Toad, the Mazumbai Warty Frog and the West Usambara Two-horned Chameleon. For bird watchers, the reserve offers a rare chance to see the Usambara akalat, Usambara weaver, Usambara Thrush, Usambara nightjar, Spot throat, yellow-throated woodland warbler, Usambara eagle-owl, Fischer’s turaco and the banded green sunbird. Others include eastern bronze-napped pigeon, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Moustached Tinkerbird, Short-tailed Batis, white-tailed crested flycatcher, African Tailorbird, shelley’s Greenbul, Cabanis Greenbul, southern yellow white-eye, white-chested Alethe, Usambara double-collared sunbird, Wallers’ Starling, and Oriole finch.
amani nature forest reserve, tanga region - tanzania
Amani Nature Forest Reserve is located in Muheza and Korogwe Districts in Tanga Region. The Nature Reserve covers an area of 8,380 ha and it has tremendous ecological importance with the astonishing African violet flowers (Saintpaulia) which is believed to have a spiritual aspect (power of forgiveness) and cultural significance.
According to Bird Life International, the area is ranked the 12th world best bird watching sites and the UNESCO list the Reserve among the designated Man and Biosphere Reserve in the World.
pare mountains, tanzania
The Pare Mountains (Milima ya Upare) are a mountain range in northeastern Tanzania, located north of the Usambara Mountains. The mountains are administratively located in the Kilimanjaro Region, specifically in the Mwanga District and Same District. The North and South Pare mountain ranges reach a height of 2,463 meters at Shengena Peak. They are separated into North Pare Mountains and South Pare Mountains and are part of the Eastern Arc of mountains. The mountains are named after the indigenous Pare people who reside there
Within the range, there are 52 named mountains, the highest and most prominent of which is Shengana Peak (2,463 m/8,081 ft) in South Pare.
They begin about 35 km (20 mi) to the southeast of Kilimanjaro and end just to the north of the Usambara Mountains. To the east of the North Pare Mountains is Lake Jipe, which is located on Tanzania’s border with Kenya.
The North Pare Mountains in the Mwanga District of the Kilimanjaro Region contain six forest reserves, In total, these reserves cover 7,407 ha (18,303 acres) of terrain. In addition to this, there are nearly 300 clan forests that protect 371 ha (917 acres) of land in the region.
The South Pare Mountains are located in the Same District of the Kilimanjaro Region. Within the southern part of the range you’ll find a total of 15 reserves.
In total, these reserves cover more than 27,168 ha (67,134 acres) of terrain.
Bird species in the Pare mountains include the endemic South Pare white-eye (Zosterops winifredae), the mountain buzzard (Buteo oreophilus), olive woodpecker (Mesopicos griseocephalus), moustached tinkerbird (Pogoniulus leucomystax), and the African hill babbler (Pseudoalcippe abyssinica), Bar-throated Apalis (Pareensis race)
The Lark Plains, Oldonyosambu - Tanzania
Engikaret or lark plains is probably the most famous birding spot in east Africa, famed for its endemic Beesly’s Lark and other dry country specials. The rich avifauna dry plains is located in the North of the famous Tanzania safari capital, Arusha. It is approximately 45 km or 25-30 mins drive from the city Centre,
Lark Plains, an area renowned for the elusive Tanzania endemic, Beesley’s Lark. These arid plains serve as a magnet for a diverse range of specialized avifauna adapted to dry environments, promising extensive on-foot birding opportunities. Although typically dry year-round, these plains witness substantial downpours from March to May, triggering rapid vegetation growth and attracting numerous passerines, raptors, and ground-dwelling species. From June to July the grasses are a little bit long and in the nearby woodlands a green paradise of acacia scrub, supporting a no of good woodlands species. Most of the land here is governed by the local Maasai community, where they graze their cattle in the famous plains and through the rich acacia scrub. Targets here are the near-endemic species like the Athi Short-toed Lark (endemic to Kenya and Northern Tanzania), Red-throated Tit (East African Endemic), and Short-tailed Lark, among other notable bird species.
Masai Steppe, Mererani - Tanzania
The Masai Steppe is a dry plateau of some 3,000,000 ha in north central Tanzania. The area lies in the rain shadow of the Nguru and Nguu Mts to the south-east and the Usambara and Pare Mts to the east. There is virtually no surface water during the dry season and this restricts the carrying capacity of the land for livestock. Agriculture on the poor soils is entirely rain dependent, with poor years more frequent than good ones. The dominant vegetation is Acacia-Commiphora woodland, with Baobabs clustered on rocky soils below 1,400 m. The landscape is dominated by a series of isolated small mountains and kopjes. The tallest of these, Lolkisale (2,132 m), in the north-west and Lossogonoi (2,124 m) in the north-east, are both crowned with montane forest with avifaunal links to Mts Meru and Kilimanjaro.
It was designated an IBA in 1990’s after a pair of Taita Falcons were discovered that the site could be centralised on a particular species.
There are however other key notable species that have been discovered in the area including
a common and widespread residents of black-capped social weavers with hundreds of breeding colonies involving many thousands of birds. Two Tanzanian endemics occur, both the Ashy Starling and Yellow-collared Lovebird being locally common in association with Baobabs. This site represents the southern limits for such localised dry country species as the Vulturine Guineafowl, White-headed Mousebird, Pringle’s Puffback, Acacia Grey Tit, Pygmy Batis, Scaly Chatterer, Golden-breasted Starling and Southern Grosbeak Canary. The rocky hillsides and isolated kopjes hold populations of Hildebrandt’s Francolin, Freckled Nightjar, Cliff Chat and Rock-loving Cisticola. The large raptors include Martial, Verreaux’s and Tawny Eagles and African Hawk Eagles.
The Masai Steppe is an important wintering area for Palearctic migrants. Sprossers and Iranias occur locally at high densities, as do European Rollers. Among the Afro-tropical migrants, Grasshopper Buzzards and Jacobin Cuckoos are seasonally common while Little Tawny Pipits (which may be resident) and Golden Pipits breed.
Kilombero Flood Plains, ifakara - Tanzania
The Kilombero floodplain, covering an area of 796,735ha, at 300 m asl, is one of the largest wetlands in Africa. Its headwaters originate about 40 km north of Lake Nyasa. The floodplain is about 260 km long and up to 52 km wide at its widest point covers approximately 6,300 km2, and comprises a myriad of rivers and seasonally flooded marshes and swamps.
It has a rich flora and fauna and is of immense importance for biodiversity and contains several endemics including three species of birds and a frog. The floodplain was designated a Ramsar Site in 2002. Notable endemics here include the Kilombero weaver, The Kilombero Cisticola and White-tailed Cisticola.
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