12-Day Epic Bird Watching Safari Through Mkomazi & Beyond

After arrival at the airport (Kilimanjaro / Arusha), your private driver guide will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation for overnight awaiting for your epic Bird Watching Safari adventure to start on the following day.

Early morning after breakfast you will be picked up by your private safari guide and head to Mkomazi National park. As you approach Mkomazi National Park, you will be greeted by stunning views of the Usambara and Pare mountain ranges in the distance. Mkomazi National Park stands out from all other national parks as it has a black rhinoceros’ sanctuary and also a captive-breeding program for the African wild dog. Seeing these two unique endangered species is a once-in-a-million adventure together with other species such as giraffe, eland, hartebeest, zebra, buffalo, Lion, elephant and the long-necked gerenuk.

The Mkomazi Rhino Sanctuary has attained international renown for rehabilitating rhino, and it offers viewing and educational opportunities for visitors. Mkomazi is also fascinating destination for bird watchers, boasting more than 450 avian species including some Eurasian migratory species. The home to the Martial Eagle, Ostrich, Weaver, Kori Dustard and other common bird species

Walking safari: Walking in Mkomazi gives visitors an opportunity to go bird watching and walk around the beautiful Park around Dindira or Long walk starting from Zange area, the park’s HQ to the Babus area. Safari activity in Mkomazi allows you to get up close and personal with animals and Africa nature. You will be escorted by a knowledgeable armed park ranger who will guide you and protect you from Hazardous creatures.

You will spend 2 nights in this incredible place

Morning after breakfast you will depart to an authentic Chagga village (Materuni). The Chagga are the third largest tribe of over 120 tribes existing in Tanzania, and most of them live on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. You’ll spend most of the day hiking to and visiting Materuni waterfalls, but you’ll also get tons of information about Chagga culture, and the chance to make your own coffee from A to Z. Local style, of course! 

You’ll walk over narrow paths through lush vegetation. On a clear day you might see Kilimanjaro. The scenery is stunning and your guide will give you a first introduction to Chagga culture and habits. There’ll be time to rest at the waterfall, or even a swim if you’re brave enough to face the cold water.

Later on you’ll walk back to the village over a partly different path. You’ll continue with a coffee experience. Your guide will explain more about how the coffee beans are grown, dried, roasted etc. But that’s not all! You won’t just get the explanation, but also the opportunity to execute every step by yourself, while the locals are singing and dancing all around.

After all this hard work you deserve a nice lunch, and the local ‘mama’s’ will be more than happy to prepare some of their favorite Chagga dishes for you. Banana stew, pilau or rice and beans are only a few of the options.

After activity you will head to your accommodation in the Western Kilimanjaro for dinner and overnight.

Early morning after breakfast, we depart to Tarangire National Park. The Park is named after the Tarangire River which runs through it.  This ‘river of warthogs’ is the only source of water for wildlife in the region during the dry season. In places, the vegetation is quite dense, including elephant grass, acacia woodlands and lush groundwater forest. The Park is well known for its elephant families, which can often be seen congregating by the river. You may also see giraffe, bushbuck and hartebeest. These animals are closely followed by a range of predators, including lions and leopards. There are more breeding species of birds found in Tarangire National Park than anywhere else on the planet!

After Lunch and an extensive game drive, we head for our Tented partner lodges for dinner and overnight.

Early after breakfast you will depart to Tarangire where you will enjoy full day game drive. With more chance of witnessing what you didn’t see the previous day you will visit the most remote areas of Tarangire National Park including Silale swamps. The Silale Swamps attract hundreds of elephants who come to feed on the lush grass, but it is not just the elephants that come here. A mix of animals in all shapes and sizes can be spotted at Silale Swamps – including cats! It is a great place to see the famous tree climbing lions of Tarangire as well as leopards. To add to the collection, the Silale Swamps are also known as a great place to see huge African Rock Pythons.

After Lunch and an extensive game drive, we head back for our accommodation for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, we journey towards the far south of Serengeti National Park into the spectacular Ndutu area, which lies within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area—a vital part of the southern Serengeti ecosystem.

Ndutu is not only famous for the annual wildebeest calving season, but it is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 400 bird species. The region features a rich variety of habitats: seasonal alkaline lakes, acacia woodlands, open plains, and swamps—creating ideal conditions for birdlife.

Lake Ndutu, with its alkaline waters, attracts large flocks of flamingos, stilts, avocets, and plovers. The woodlands around the lake shelter species such as the Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Silverbird, and the striking Lilac-breasted Roller. Raptors are also common—look out for Martial Eagles, Bateleurs, and Secretary Birds patrolling the skies and grasslands.

After lunch and an extensive game drive focused on both big game and bird sightings, we head to our luxury tented lodge for dinner and overnight.

After an early breakfast, we continue with our game drive across the Ndutu plains, taking time to slow down and explore the diverse avian life of the region.

The Ndutu area comes alive during the calving season, and while the spectacle of over 8,000 wildebeest births per day is dramatic, the skies and bushes are just as busy. During this season, many migratory birds are also present, making it an exceptional time for both novice and experienced birders.

Expect sightings of colorful species like the Fischer’s Lovebird, Grey-headed Kingfisher, Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, and Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse. Keep an eye on the trees for the elusive Pearl-spotted Owlet and the melodic White-browed Coucal. The grasslands and lakesides attract Kori Bustards, Crowned Lapwings, and groups of helmeted guineafowl moving between shrubs.

The day’s focus is on a balanced experience—soaking in the calving drama while appreciating the beauty and diversity of birdlife that flourishes in this season.

After a full day’s exploration, we return to our tented lodge for dinner and overnight.

After an early breakfast, we make our way to the iconic Central Serengeti, a region world-renowned for its rich wildlife and exceptional birdlife.

Famous for its vast open plains, the Serengeti offers sweeping views ideal for spotting big game such as lions, elephants, buffaloes, and the endless herds of wildebeest and zebras. This region is also the heart of the Great Migration during certain times of the year.

However, for bird lovers, Central Serengeti is a hidden gem. The Seronera River Valley in particular supports a wealth of bird species thanks to its mix of woodland, grassland, and riverine habitats. Expect to spot superb starlings, African hoopoes, and Red-cheeked cordon-bleus fluttering through the bush. The riverbanks attract kingfishers, herons, and the majestic Fish Eagle. You may even hear the unmistakable call of the Coqui Francolin or see the colorful Yellow-throated Longclaw walking through the grasses.

After lunch, enjoy an extended game and birding drive, pausing often for both big game sightings and avian highlights. Keep your binoculars ready—you never know what gem may appear on a tree branch or above the horizon.

In the evening, arrive at your tented camp for a relaxing dinner under the Serengeti stars.

After breakfast, set off on another thrilling game drive in the Seronera region of Serengeti National Park. This central area is known as the predator capital of the Serengeti, and for good reason—lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and even the elusive leopards are frequently seen, especially around the rocky kopjes and along the river.

As your eyes scan the plains for wildlife, don’t forget to look to the skies and trees—the birdlife here is rich and colorful. The tall acacia trees may reveal Grey Kestrels, Eastern Chanting Goshawks, or the elegant African Grey Hornbill. Open areas are often alive with Kori Bustards, Secretary Birds, and Northern White-crowned Shrikes. The presence of water draws in saddle-billed storks, black-winged stilts, and flocks of Egyptian geese.

With the help of your experienced guide, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how the ecosystem supports such diversity, making the Serengeti not just a big game destination, but a birdwatcher’s paradise as well.

After a full day of immersive wildlife and bird experiences, return to your tented camp for dinner and overnight.

Early morning after breakfast, we continue with our en-route drive inside the Serengeti National Park before we depart to Ngorongoro crater. When you first see Ngorongoro Crater, it looks like a forgotten world.  Concealed by the steep volcanic walls is a pristine wilderness including sweeping savannah, pockets of acacia woodland and glistening lakes and swamps.  The Crater was created when a large volcano exploded and collapsed in on itself two to three million years ago. It is famous for both its geological delights and for being a natural reserve which is home to some of the densest large mammal populations in the whole of the African continent. The drive down the into the Crater is an adventure in itself and when you reach the Crater floor, you quickly find yourself amongst large numbers of wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, and more than 500 bird species. The Crater provides you with the best chance of seeing the endangered black rhino, which can sometimes be spotted in the open grasslands.

After Lunch and an extensive game drive inside the crater, we head for our luxury partner camp inside the park for dinner and overnight.

After Breakfast at your accommodation, we head back to Arusha where we will arrive in time to catch your flight from either Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport. All in all this marks the end of our epic Bird Watching Safari adventure.