2 Days Tanzania Birdwatching Safari to Lake Manyara

Discover rare avian species on a 2-day Tanzania birdwatching safari. Visit Lake Manyara and Tarangire with expert birding guides to spot diverse birds.

2 Days Best Tanzania Birdwatching Safari to Manyara and Tarangire Park

Explore over 500 avian species on this 2-day Tanzania birdwatching safari. Visit the alkaline Lake Manyara and the diverse habitats of Tarangire National Park. Our professional birding guides help you identify rare species, raptors, and colorful weavers. This 2-day birdwatching safari in Tanzania is a paradise for enthusiasts seeking to document diverse birdlife in a single short trip through the Great Rift Valley.

Tour Highlights:

Day 1
Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park
Day 2
Lake Manyara to Tarangire tour back to Arusha
Duration 2 Days
🚙
Tour Mode -
🎯
Main Tour Focus -
Tour Type -
Destination/Accommodation
Start/End
arusha
Tour Starting & Ending Point
1
Day 1
Lake Manyara
Overnight: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
2
Day 2
Tarangire
Overnight: Gold Crest Hotel

Arrival Day: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha

Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha

Our driver will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for a 50-kilometer transfer to Arusha, taking approximately 1 hour. Even in the city, you can spot species like the Silvery-cheeked Hornbill in the local trees. This day is for resting and receiving a briefing for your 2-day Tanzania birdwatching safari to Lake Manyara & Tarangire. You will review your bird checklist with the guide to prepare for the diverse habitats you will visit the following day in the parks.

Destination: Kilimanjaro Airport

Accommodation: Gold Crest Hotel

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Lunch, Dinner

Day 1: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park

Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park

The tour departs Arusha at 7:30 AM for a 130-kilometer drive (2.5 hours) to Lake Manyara. This 2-day birdwatching safari in Tanzania focuses on the lake shore and forest. You will look for thousands of pink flamingos, pelicans, and the Grey Crowned Crane. A positive and unexpected moment often occurs when you see a flock of flamingos take flight, turning the sky into a sea of pink. After a picnic lunch and a full day of identifying species, you will head to your lodge for dinner.

Destination: Lake Manyara

Accommodation: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge

  luxury 4 star lodge

Semi luxury 4 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Lake Manyara to Tarangire tour back to Arusha

Lake Manyara to Tarangire tour back to Arusha

Today you travel 100 kilometers to Tarangire National Park. This park is a highlight for birding because of its swamps and baobabs. You will search for the endemic Ashy Starling and the Yellow-collared Lovebird. An unexpected positive highlight often occurs when you spot a Martial Eagle or a Bateleur soaring low over the savannah. After a picnic lunch and 6 hours of birding, you will begin the 120-kilometer drive back to Arusha, arriving in the evening by 6:30 PM.

Destination: Tarangire

Accommodation: Gold Crest Hotel

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

TOUR PRICE/COST

We offer two pricing options:

  •   Private Tour (Sharing Price)
  • The cost is shared within your private group. More people means a lower price per person.

  •   Group Joining Tour
  • Join others on a fixed-date tour at a set per-person rate—ideal for solo travelers or small groups.

    Private (Shared) Price

    Pricing Notice: No activities or park fees were found for this itinerary (ID: 2286). Please check the admin panel and ensure fees are selected and saved.

    PRICE INCLUSIONS & PRICE EXCLUSIONS

    Inclusions
  •  Rescue fee
  •  Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
  •  All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)
  •  All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
  •  All Taxes/VAT
  • Exclusions
  •  International flights to/from the start/end of the tour
  •  Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  •  Tips: tipping guideline
  •  Personal items
  •  Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
  • The Booking Form

    RELATED FAQS ABOUT 2 Days Tanzania Birdwatching Safari to Lake Manyara

    What is the best season for a two day Tanzania birdwatching safari in these northern parks?

    The ideal time to visit is during the Palearctic migratory season from November to April. During these months, the local bird population is joined by thousands of species from Europe and North Africa.

    How many bird species can we expect to spot during this short trip?

    It is quite common to identify over 100 different species in this limited timeframe because the habitats are so varied. Lake Manyara is a highlight where you can see water birds, while Tarangire offers savanna and woodland species.

    Are there specialized guides available for this Lake Manyara and Tarangire tour?

    We provide expert guides who possess deep knowledge of avian calls and nesting habits. They are skilled at locating elusive species like the Ashy Starling or the various kingfishers found near the water.

    What specific birding amenities are provided in the safari vehicle?

    Each Land Cruiser is equipped with high quality binoculars and updated field guides for your reference. The vehicle features a pop up roof that allows for unobstructed views of raptors and tree dwelling birds.

    Can this 48 hour itinerary be customized to focus on specific raptor species?

    We are happy to tailor the route to spend more time in the areas of Tarangire known for eagles and vultures. Simply let us know your target list before the journey begins so we can plan the best locations.

    Will we see the famous pink flamingos during our visit to the lake?

    The shores of Lake Manyara are often lined with a spectacular pink ribbon of Lesser and Greater flamingos. Their presence depends on the water levels, but they are a consistent feature for most of the year.

    What should I bring for a successful bird watching experience?

    A camera with a powerful zoom lens is highly recommended for capturing distant shots of colorful birds. You should also pack a wide brimmed hat and neutral colored clothing to blend into the natural environment.

    How does the avian life differ between Tarangire and Manyara?

    Tarangire is famous for dry country specialists such as the ostrich and the ground hornbill. In contrast, Lake Manyara provides a lush groundwater forest that hosts silvery cheeked hornbills and various waterfowl.

    Are meals included during our two day birding excursion?

    The package includes full board meals with delicious picnic lunch boxes served at scenic viewpoints inside the parks. This allows you to stay in the field during the most active times for bird life.

    Is the road travel between the parks suitable for spotting birds?

    The drive between the destinations passes through diverse agricultural and wild landscapes where you can spot roadside species. Your guide will always be ready to stop if a unique bird is sighted along the way.

    REVIEWS FOR 2 Days Best Tanzania Birdwatching Safari to Manyara and Tarangire Park

    Write a Review

    Unforgettable Safari Experience

    5/5

    The bird diversity was staggering for just a two day trip. We saw everything from tiny kingfishers to massive ostriches in the bush.

    By: Sarah Miller
    From: Flag BD

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    Perfect Nature Escape

    5/5

    Our guide from Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD was incredible at spotting owls hidden in the trees. I never knew Tanzania had so many colorful species in such a small area.

    By: James Taylor
    From: Flag VE

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    Exceptional Safari Service

    5/5

    Our guide from Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD was incredible at spotting owls hidden in the trees. I never knew Tanzania had so many colorful species in such a small area.

    By: Sarah Jenkins
    From: Flag AE

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    Exceptional Safari Service

    5/5

    Our guide from Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD was incredible at spotting owls hidden in the trees. I never knew Tanzania had so many colorful species in such a small area.

    By: Sophie Martin
    From: Flag US

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    Great Guides, Great Experience

    5/5

    Our guide from Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD was incredible at spotting owls hidden in the trees. I never knew Tanzania had so many colorful species in such a small area.

    By: Klaus Weber
    From: Flag BH

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    Top Safari in Tanzania

    5/5

    The baobab trees in Tarangire are full of interesting nests and unique birds.

    By: Michael Thompsonm
    From: Flag GB

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    Great Guides, Great Experience

    5/5

    I appreciated the flexibility of the itinerary to stay longer at the lake for photography. The driver knew exactly where to go for the best morning light.

    By: Anna Fischer
    From: Flag AT

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    Unforgettable Safari Experience

    5/5

    I appreciated the flexibility of the itinerary to stay longer at the lake for photography. The driver knew exactly where to go for the best morning light.

    By: Pierre Dubois
    From: Flag GB

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    Perfect Nature Escape

    5/5

    The tented camp we stayed in was surrounded by beautiful birdsong at dawn. It was a very immersive experience that I would recommend to any nature lover visiting Tanzania.

    By: Pierre Martin
    From: Flag DE

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