​Birds – Gombe NP

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Bradt guide to Tanzania.

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Bradt guidebook to Tanzania.

Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Tanzania.

Gombe National Park has a bird checklist of 287 species. Many of these are forest birds, which are quite difficult to spot, particularly since walking unguided is not allowed and guided walks tend to focus on chimps. The lakeshore is a good place to see African fish eagles and palm-nut vultures perched in the palm trees. Peters’s twinspot, a normally elusive forest bird, is quite tame and easily spotted in the camp. Migratory birds are present from November to April.

Notable Birds in Gombe NP
African fish eagle
Common
African paradise flycatcher
Common
Palm-nut vulture
Common
Peters’s twinspot
Common
Schalow’s turaco
Occasional

Birding Rating

Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders

Facts & Figures

Birds in Gombe NP
Bird Species
200+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr

Best Time for Bird Watching

The birdlife in Gombe is good year-round, but at its best from November to April when Palearctic and intra-African migratory birds are present. At this time, many resident bird species are nesting and are in breeding plumage. From March to April the rains can make birding difficult because forest trails become slippery. In the Dry season, especially from July to October, chimps are easier to find.

Want To Visit Gombe NP?

17 Gombe Chimp Tours

Birding Rating

Facts & Figures

Birds in Gombe NP
Bird Species
200+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr