​Birds – Ngorongoro Crater

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.

Both the Ngorongoro highlands and the crater offer excellent birding, with over 500 species recorded. Birdlife in the highland forest is rich and interesting. Among the birds to be seen are white-eyed slaty flycatcher and Livingstone turaco. A number of specialized grassland birds are resident in the crater. Most noticeable are ostrich, kori bustard, crowned crane and the secretary bird. Migratory birds are present from November to April.

Notable Birds in Ngorongoro Crater
› ‹
Black kite
Common
Black-winged lapwing
Common
Hildebrandt's spurfowl
Common
Kenya rufous sparrow
Endemic to Tanzania and Kenya
Lesser flamingo
Common

Birding Rating

Birding Specials –Treats for Avid Birders

(E) endemic = only lives in Tanzania
(NE) near-endemic = also lives in neighboring countries

Facts & Figures

Birds in Ngorongoro Crater
Bird Species
500+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr

Best Time for Bird Watching

Although birdlife is generally good throughout the year, from November to April migratory birds from Europe and northern Africa are present, and many resident birds are in breeding plumage. This makes it the best time for bird watching. The best time to watch wildlife is during the Dry season, which is June to October.

Want to Visit Ngorongoro Crater?

Birding Rating

Facts & Figures

Birds in Ngorongoro Crater
Bird Species
500+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr