Birds – Gombe NP

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Bradt guidebooks to African destinations, including the 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 Stream has about 200 bird species listed. Most of them are forest birds, which are quite difficult to spot. Particularly since walking in the forest unguided is not allowed and the guided walks are focused on chimpanzees. The lakeshore is a good place to see fish eagles and palmnut vultures perched in the palm trees. Peter’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
Kenya rufous sparrow
Endemic to Kenya-Tanzania
Livingstone's turaco
Occasional
Palm-nut vulture
Common

Birding Rating

Birding Specials –Treats for Avid Birders

Best Time for Bird Watching

The birdlife in Gombe Stream is good year-round, but at its best from November to April when the migratory birds from Europe and northern Africa 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. Chimp trekking is better in the Dry season, from June to October, since they are easier to find.

Best Parks for Birding –Includes Birding Rating

All the well-known safari parks offer good birding opportunities, and specials can be found pretty much everywhere you go. The often-overlooked Arusha National Park has an amazing diversity of habitats that host an incredible list of 400 species in a small area. Lake Manyara offers a good variety of waterbirds.

Want to Visit Gombe NP?

Birding Rating

Facts & Figures

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