Tanzania Parks
By Philip Briggs
Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Bradt guidebooks to African destinations, including the guide 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
Common
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Birding Specials –Treats for Avid Birders
(E) = endemic to Tanzania & (NE) = near-endemic to TanzaniaBest 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.
Best Parks for Birding –Including 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.
- Serengeti NP 4.4/5 207 Birding Ratings
- Ngorongoro 4.2/5 200 Birding Ratings
- Lake Manyara NP 4.3/5 115 Birding Ratings
- Arusha NP 4.1/5 56 Birding Ratings
- Tarangire NP 4.4/5 109 Birding Ratings
- Ruaha NP 4.4/5 48 Birding Ratings
Want to Visit Ngorongoro?
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Facts & Figures
