Birdwatching at Lake Manyara & Tarangire National Park
Birdwatching at Lake Manyara & Tarangire National Park
Northern Tanzania is a paradise for bird lovers, and two of the most rewarding destinations are Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire National Park. Both parks offer diverse habitats, abundant wildlife, and excellent opportunities to spot colorful and rare bird species.
Whether you are a serious birder or simply enjoy nature, these parks provide unforgettable birdwatching experiences throughout the year.
Birdwatching at Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara is one of Tanzania’s most scenic parks, located at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Despite its relatively small size, the park hosts more than 400 recorded bird species.
The alkaline lake itself attracts thousands of water birds, including flamingos, pelicans, storks, and cormorants. During certain times of the year, the shoreline turns pink with large flocks of flamingos feeding in the shallow waters.
The park’s groundwater forest is another birding highlight. Here, you may spot hornbills, turacos, sunbirds, and various species of kingfishers. Raptors such as fish eagles and buzzards are also commonly seen.
Lake Manyara is especially good for birdwatching during the wet season (November to April), when migratory birds arrive and breeding plumage makes many species more colorful.
Birdwatching in Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is famous for its massive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees, but it is also one of the best birdwatching destinations in Tanzania. Over 550 bird species have been recorded here, making it one of the richest bird habitats in East Africa.
The Tarangire River attracts large numbers of birds, particularly during the dry season when water sources are limited elsewhere. You can often see herons, egrets, kingfishers, and various wading birds along the riverbanks.
The park is also known for several rare and unique species, including the yellow-collared lovebird and the ashy starling, both of which are endemic to northern Tanzania.
Open savannah areas provide opportunities to see ostriches, secretary birds, and kori bustards walking across the plains, while raptors soar overhead searching for prey.
Best Time for Birdwatching
Birdwatching in both parks is excellent year-round. However:
- November to April is best for migratory birds and colorful breeding plumage.
- June to October (dry season) offers easier wildlife visibility and birds concentrated near water sources.
Why Combine Lake Manyara and Tarangire?
These two parks complement each other perfectly. Lake Manyara offers lake and forest habitats, while Tarangire provides open savannah and river ecosystems. Visiting both allows birders to experience different environments and dramatically increase their species list within just a few days.
For anyone passionate about birds, photography, or nature, Lake Manyara and Tarangire offer a rich and diverse safari experience in the heart of northern Tanzania.
