9-Days Ngorongoro birding excursion
Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in northern Tanzania, and it's known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. It's also a great destination for birdwatchers, with over 500 species of birds found in the area.
9-Days Ngorongoro birding excursion overview
There are some exciting things to look forward to at the National parks in the Northern Tanzania circuit, namely Arusha, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. These parks are home to over 600 different species of birds, some of which can only be found in certain parks. The diverse range of environments in these parks, such as savannas, rivers, lakes, swamps, marshes, and forests, provides a perfect habitat for many unique African bird species that can only be found in Tanzania and nowhere else on the continent.
Itinerary for 9-Days Ngorongoro birding excursion
Day one: Arusha National Park
Professional Guide, Private car, Lunch box from the hotel which will contain everything that you need for the day from sandwiches, chocolate, groundnuts, biscuits, fruits, juice, boiled egg, piece of cake Water/Juice
Day two: Arusha to Lake Manyara and Karatu
We watch more birds in this beautiful park we expect to watch a lot of aquatic birds (water birds) forest and savanna birds like the Dusky turtle dove, Palm-nut vulture, Egyptian vulture, Spur-winged plover, Madagascar pratincole, Chestnut-banded plover, Purple-crested Turaco, Taita fiscal, Southern black flycatcher, Silvery-cheeked hornbill, Red bill hornbill, Grey hornbill, Ground hornbill, Crested guinea fowl, African fish eagle, Black-winged stilt, African spoonbill, Egyptian goose. White pelican and Marabou stork. Afternoon have a picnic lunch in Lake Manyara National Park where we will spend the night at the lodge called Endoro Lodge located in the Karatu area.
Day three: Serengeti Natioal Park
You'll begin your journey into the park, stopping along the way to observe and identify different bird species. Your guide will be knowledgeable about the park's birdlife and will point out various species to you as you travel through the park.
As you move deeper into the park, you'll have the opportunity to observe a variety of different bird species, including raptors, waterbirds, and savannah species. Your guide will help you to identify each bird species and will also provide information on their habits and behaviors.
Later in the day, you'll arrive at your accommodation in the park, where you'll have the opportunity to relax and take in the stunning surroundings. As the sun begins to set, you can enjoy a delicious dinner while listening to the sounds of the African wilderness
Day four: Serengeti National Park
On the second day of your bird-watching tour in Serengeti National Park, you can expect to see even more amazing bird species than on your first day. The park is home to over 500 bird species, so there's always something new and exciting to spot. As you begin your tour, keep an eye out for the colorful Lilac-breasted Roller, with its distinctive turquoise and purple feathers. You may also see the Grey-headed Kingfisher, the Red-billed Hornbill, or the Rufous-tailed Weaver, which builds intricate nests using grass and twigs. One of the highlights of the day may be spotting a large bird of prey such as the Martial Eagle, which is known to hunt small mammals and birds. The African Fish Eagle is another impressive sight, with its striking white head and powerful beak
If you're lucky, you may also catch a glimpse of some of the park's more elusive bird species, such as the Saddle-billed Stork, the Kori Bustard, or the Secretary Bird, which can often be seen stalking through the grasslands in search of prey. Throughout your tour, your guide will be on hand to help you identify the different bird species you encounter, and to provide you with fascinating information about their behavior, habitat, and conservation status. Overall, the second day of your bird-watching tour in Serengeti National Park promises to be an unforgettable experience, full of stunning bird sightings and fascinating insights into the park's incredible wildlife.
Day five: Serengeti
Another day we spend the whole day watching birds in Serengeti National Park as dictated by bird movements, in late Afternoon, we drive back to the Lodge and spend our last night
six Day: Serengeti-Ngorongoro
After breakfast, we start our day. We continue to watch birds in Serengeti for half a day then we head to the Ngorongoro / Serengeti gate. We pay our park entrance fees and then we head to Ngorongoro conservation area for dinner and accommodation at Ngorongoro area.
Day seven: Ngorongoro crater
We leave the lodge very early in the morning. We take packed lunch boxes with us safari in the crater for 4-6 hours. We expect to see many grasslands and aquatic birds like the Mountain green bull, Paradise flycatcher, Dusky flycatcher, White-eye salty flycatcher, Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, Augur buzzard (white and dark morph), Black saw the wing, Grey-capped warbler, Black kite, Red-knobbed coot, Avocet, Black crown night heron, Anteater chat, Baglafecht weaver, Hunter's cist cola, Red-rumped swallow, Montane nightjar, Schalows Turaco, Scaly Francolin, Golden-winged sunbird, Mountain yellow eye we will spend a full day in the crater then we ascend and spend the night
Day eight: Tarangire National Park
We spent the entire day at the park observing various bird species and following their movements. Among the birds we saw were the Ashy Starling, Violet-tipped Courser, Heuglin's Courser, Orange-bellied Parrot, Yellow-collared Lovebird, Red & Yellow Barbet, Red-billed Quelea, Mottle-throated Spine-tail, Abyssinian Scimitarbill, Beautiful Sunbird, Greater Honeyguide, African Hawk-eagle, Black-shouldered Kite, Black-chested Snake Eagle, Brown Snake Eagle, Open-bill Stork, White-faced Tree Duck, Goliath Heron, and Great White Egret. We had dinner and spent the night there.
Day nine:Tarangire-Arusha
We spend half a day in Tarangire watching birds, and then we drive directly back to Arusha. Dinner and overnight at
Why Choose Ngorongoro for a Birding Excursion?
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best birding destinations in East Africa. With over 500 recorded bird species, diverse habitats ranging from the crater floor to highland forests, and excellent year-round birding opportunities, it offers an unforgettable experience for serious birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
From flamingos on the soda lakes to raptors soaring above the crater rim, this 9-day birding excursion gives you ample time to explore different zones and spot both resident and migratory species in their natural environment.
Birding Highlights of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Ngorongoro is home to a remarkable variety of birds including the beautiful Greater and Lesser Flamingos, Kori Bustard, Secretary Bird, Verreaux’s Eagle, Grey-crowned Crane, and many colorful sunbirds, weavers, and hornbills. The crater floor provides excellent opportunities for waterbirds and grassland species, while the surrounding highlands and forests host montane and forest specialists.
With an experienced birding guide, you will visit the best locations at the optimal times to maximize your sightings and enjoy close, rewarding observations.
Detailed 9-Day Ngorongoro Birding Itinerary Overview
This carefully planned 9-day birding excursion begins with exploration of Arusha National Park and Lake Manyara before moving into the heart of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You will spend several full days inside the crater and surrounding highlands, searching for both common and rare species. The itinerary also includes time in Tarangire and Serengeti for additional bird diversity before returning to Arusha.
Each day is timed for peak bird activity, with flexible stops based on sightings and seasonal movements.
Best Time for Birding in Ngorongoro
Birding in Ngorongoro is excellent throughout the year. The dry season (June to October) offers clearer views and concentrated wildlife around water sources, while the wet season (November to May) brings lush vegetation, migratory birds from Europe and Asia, and spectacular breeding plumage in many species. Flamingo numbers are often highest during the wetter months.
Our guides will help you choose the best timing based on your target species and preferred weather conditions.
What to Expect on the 9-Days Ngorongoro Birding Excursion
Expect early morning starts to catch birds at their most active, followed by relaxed drives with plenty of time for observation and photography. Your experienced birding guide will help identify species, explain behavior, and locate hard-to-find birds. Comfortable accommodation, good meals, and drinking water are provided throughout the trip.
The small group size ensures you have excellent viewing opportunities without feeling rushed.
Packing Tips for Ngorongoro Birding Excursion
Bring binoculars, a good field guide or birding app, a camera with zoom lens, neutral-colored clothing, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a lightweight rain jacket. Comfortable walking shoes and a small daypack for water and snacks are also recommended. A spotting scope can be very useful for distant waterbirds and raptors.
We provide vehicles with roof hatches for better viewing and photography during game drives.
Price Inclusions and Exclusions – 9-Days Ngorongoro Birding Excursion
The package includes private 4x4 transportation with birding-friendly roof hatches, an experienced birding driver-guide, all park fees, comfortable accommodation, all meals during the safari, drinking water, and airport transfers. Birding tips and flexible timing for optimal sightings are also provided.
It does not include international flights, personal expenses, tips for the guide and staff, travel insurance, visa fees, or optional activities. Alcoholic drinks and items of a personal nature are excluded.
Frequently Asked Questions – 9-Days Ngorongoro Birding Excursion
9-Days Ngorongoro Birding Excursion – Interactive Itinerary Map
Guest Review – 9-Days Ngorongoro Birding Excursion
"Jaynevy Tours exceeded all our expectations on our Tanzanian adventure! Their attention to detail and passion for showcasing Tanzania's beauty truly shone through. The guide's knowledge of wildlife and culture added depth to our experience, and the accommodations were top-notch. From sunrise game drives to stargazing nights, every moment was magical. We've done safaris elsewhere, but Jaynevy Tours stands out for its professionalism and genuine care for clients."
Price inclusions and exclusions
Price inclusions for 9-Days Ngorongoro birding excursion
- Transport (Go and return)
- Park fees (entrance fees)
- Driver guide
- Lunch box
- Drinking water
Price exclusions for 9-Days Ngorongoro birding excursion
- Personal items
- Gratuities and tips for driver guide
- Optional Tours that is not in the itinerary
- Travel insurance