Wild Tanzania: Birding & Safari

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Arusha. In the late afternoon, bird the grounds of the Arusha National Park area and the nearby forests of the Mount Meru foothills, where Hartlaub's Turaco, Tacazze Sunbird and the silvery-cheeked hornbill are regular. A welcome dinner and trip briefing complete the day.

Drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its ancient baobabs, giant herds of elephants and superb birdlife. An afternoon game drive among the African elephants and the park's acacia woodland introduces the specials of the region - Yellow-collared Lovebird, Ashy Starling, Red-and-yellow Barbet and the striking Northern Pied Babbler.

A full day in Tarangire, whose riverine woodland is among the most productive bird habitats in Tanzania. Dawn drives along the river search for the Yellow-collared Lovebird, the localized Ashy Starling and the shy Dickinson's Kestrel, while the vast herds of elephants and the predators that follow them deliver the classic safari experience.

Drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the crater - the world's largest intact volcanic caldera and home to some 25,000 large animals. Lake Magadi on the crater floor hosts thousands of flamingos, and the Lerai Forest shelters Hartlaub's Turaco and silvery-cheeked hornbills. The grassland offers the chance to see the Big Five, including the endangered black rhino, in a single day.

Drive across the plains to the Serengeti, stopping at Olduvai Gorge where the history of humankind began. Enter through Naabi Hill and enjoy a first game drive across the short-grass plains, alive with wildebeest, zebra and gazelle, and patrolled by Ostriches, Kori Bustards and Secretary Birds. Arrive at the lodge in time for sundowners over the endless savanna.

A full day exploring the Serengeti ecosystem, one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth. Morning drives seek out the big cats and the migration herds, while dedicated birding sessions target the Lilac-breasted Roller, Superb Starling, Martial Eagle, White-bellied Bustard and Fischer's Lovebird. During migration season, the river crossings are unforgettable.

A final morning in the Serengeti before the scenic drive back through the Rift Valley to Lake Manyara National Park. The afternoon introduces the park's extraordinary birdlife - vast flocks of flamingos on the lake, pelicans, Yellow-billed Storks and the forest birds of the groundwater woodland, including Crowned Hornbills and the endemic Usambiro Barbet.

A full day at Lake Manyara. The lakeshore mudflats hold flamingos, pelicans and an enormous variety of waders, while the groundwater forest is alive with monkeys and birds. Search the acacia canopy for the park's famous tree-climbing lions and the Crowned and Silvery-cheeked Hornbills, and enjoy a late-afternoon boat safari along the lake edge.

A relaxed morning birding around Lake Manyara for any last species, then drive back to Arusha beneath the towering cones of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro. In the afternoon, visit the Arusha National Park for a final taste of the north's wildlife, or explore the city's markets and cultural heritage before a farewell dinner.

After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight, having experienced the very best of Tanzania's birds and wildlife on one unforgettable journey.