6 Days Midrange Birdwatching Safari in Tanzania with Zanzibar Beach Stay

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where a Burigi Chato Safaris driver will meet you and transfer you to your midrange hotel in Arusha. The journey normally takes around one to one and a half hours, passing through farmland, local communities and green countryside around Mount Meru. Depending on your arrival time and the location of your hotel, you may notice common birds around the gardens and trees, including weavers, sunbirds or other familiar species of northern Tanzania. This is not a scheduled birding excursion, but it offers a pleasant introduction to the wildlife you'll encounter during the journey. After checking in, take time to relax, organise your binoculars and camera equipment, and prepare for the following morning's safari. Your guide will explain the itinerary and discuss the birds and wildlife you would particularly like to see.

Destination:

Kilimanjaro Airport

Overnight:

Kibo Palace Hotel

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Lunch, Dinner

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06:00 AM – 09:30 AM | Drive to Ngorongoro Highlands

After an early breakfast, depart Arusha for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. As you travel through the farming regions around Mto wa Mbu and Karatu, keep an eye out for birds perched on roadside trees, flying above open fields or feeding in the surrounding countryside.

The route gradually climbs into the cooler Ngorongoro Highlands, where the vegetation changes and forested slopes create habitats for a different range of birds. Stop at the crater viewpoint to admire the enormous caldera below before descending towards the crater floor.

09:30 AM – 03:30 PM | Birdwatching and Wildlife Viewing in Ngorongoro Crater

Spend the day exploring the crater's varied habitats, including grasslands, wetland areas, woodland and the surroundings of Lake Magadi.

Depending on water levels and seasonal conditions, you may see flamingos gathered along the lake margins, herons searching for food in shallow water, crowned cranes feeding in the grasslands and ostriches moving across the open plains.

Look for raptors perched on trees or soaring above the crater, along with waterbirds around the marshes and pools. Your guide will help identify species whenever possible and explain how the different habitats support the crater's birdlife.

Ngorongoro is also an outstanding place for large mammals, so the game drive offers opportunities to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest and hippos while enjoying the birdwatching experience.

Stop for a picnic lunch at a designated area before continuing your exploration.

Late Afternoon | Transfer to Your Midrange Lodge

After the game drive, ascend the crater wall and continue towards your lodge in Karatu or the Ngorongoro Highlands.

Enjoy dinner and a comfortable evening, with time to review your bird photographs, check your species notes and prepare for the Serengeti.

07:00 AM – 01:00 PM | Scenic Journey into the Serengeti

Following breakfast, leave Ngorongoro and travel towards Serengeti National Park.

The drive takes you through highland landscapes before opening into the vast plains of the Serengeti. Along the way, watch for birds of prey, ground-dwelling birds and species associated with the surrounding grasslands.

As you approach Naabi Hill Gate, the open savannah provides a different birdwatching environment from the crater's wetlands and highlands.

01:00 PM – 06:00 PM | Birdwatching in Central Serengeti

After a picnic lunch, begin exploring the Seronera region, which combines open grasslands, scattered acacia woodland, rocky kopjes and riverine habitats.

The Serengeti provides opportunities to observe some of Africa's most interesting savannah birds. Keep your binoculars ready for Kori bustards walking through the grass, secretary birds searching for food on the plains and ostriches moving through open country.

Colourful lilac-breasted rollers may be seen perched on exposed branches, while various bee-eaters, hornbills and birds of prey can be found in suitable habitats.

Your guide will also look for lions, elephants, giraffes and other large mammals, allowing you to enjoy a balanced wildlife and birdwatching safari.

As the afternoon progresses, use the softer light for photography whenever interesting birds or animals appear near the safari tracks.

Evening | Overnight at Your Midrange Serengeti Camp

Continue towards your selected midrange tented camp or lodge.

Enjoy dinner and spend some time reviewing the species you've encountered during the day. The quiet surroundings of the Serengeti provide a pleasant setting for a night in the wilderness.

06:00 AM – 08:30 AM | Early Morning Birdwatching in Serengeti

Begin the morning with a final wildlife and birdwatching drive in central Serengeti, depending on your confirmed flight departure.

The cooler morning hours can be especially rewarding for observing birds before temperatures rise. Your guide will explore suitable routes near Seronera Airstrip, looking for birds perched on acacia trees, raptors moving over the plains and ground-dwelling species feeding in the grasslands.

This final morning also provides another opportunity to see the Serengeti's large mammals, adding variety to your wildlife experience before leaving the park.

Late Morning or Afternoon | Flight to Zanzibar

After your morning excursion, transfer to Seronera Airstrip for your scheduled flight to Zanzibar.

On arrival at Zanzibar International Airport, meet your driver and travel to your midrange beach hotel. Depending on your accommodation's location, you may notice coastal birdlife around the gardens, palms or nearby shoreline.

Spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying the beautiful Indian Ocean surroundings. If time allows, take a short walk around your hotel's grounds or along the beach, keeping an eye out for common coastal birds before sunset.

Destination:

Central Serengeti

Overnight:

Tembo House Hotel

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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07:30 AM – 09:00 AM | Transfer to Fumba Village

After breakfast, travel to Fumba Village on Zanzibar's southwestern coast for the Safari Blue excursion.

The journey takes you to Menai Bay, a beautiful marine area with small islands, tidal sandbanks and coastal habitats. As you reach the shoreline, look for birds moving above the water or feeding along the coast.

Meet your boat crew and board a traditional dhow for the day's ocean adventure.

09:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Menai Bay Sailing, Seabirds and Snorkeling

Sail through Menai Bay, enjoying views of the islands and turquoise water while watching for coastal birdlife along the route.

Depending on the season, tide and location, you may encounter terns, gulls, herons or other shorebirds around exposed sandbanks and shallow coastal areas. These sightings are incidental to the standard Safari Blue route, rather than part of a dedicated birdwatching boat charter.

The excursion also includes opportunities for snorkeling at suitable reef locations, where you can discover colourful tropical fish and the underwater scenery.

When tidal conditions allow, stop at a sandbank to enjoy the surroundings, take photographs and observe any birds using nearby exposed shorelines without disturbing them.

12:30 PM – 04:00 PM | Island Lunch and Coastal Exploration

Continue towards the Kwale Island area for lunch, featuring local dishes and tropical fruits.

Enjoy some time exploring the island surroundings. The coastal vegetation, mangroves and shoreline habitats in the broader Menai Bay area support different birds from those seen in the Serengeti.

If the excursion includes a mangrove lagoon visit, enjoy the scenery while watching for birds moving between the trees and water.

Return to Fumba in the afternoon and transfer back to your hotel.

Destination:

Blue Safari Trip

Overnight:

Amaan Beach Bungalows

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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08:00 AM – 09:30 AM | Scenic Journey to the Northeast Coast

After breakfast, travel towards Matemwe or Muyuni on Zanzibar's northeastern coast.

The journey passes through local villages and tropical countryside before reaching the beautiful shoreline facing Mnemba Island. Look for common coastal birds around the beaches and shallow water as you prepare for the boat excursion.

Meet your boat crew and receive a safety briefing before boarding.

09:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Mnemba Atoll Snorkeling and Seabird Observation

Travel towards the coral reef areas surrounding Mnemba Atoll, where the clear water and attractive underwater environment make this a popular snorkeling destination.

Enjoy exploring the reef and observing colourful tropical fish. While travelling by boat, keep an eye out for terns and other seabirds feeding or flying across the surrounding waters.

The boat excursion primarily focuses on snorkeling rather than specialist birdwatching, but it offers an opportunity to experience Zanzibar's marine environment while remaining alert to birdlife along the coast.

Marine and bird sightings depend on natural conditions, and the boat crew will choose suitable locations according to weather and sea safety.

Afternoon | Relaxation and Optional Coastal Birdwatching

Return to shore and transfer back to your beach hotel.

Spend the afternoon relaxing or take a quiet walk along accessible parts of the shoreline, where you may see shorebirds feeding around exposed tidal areas.

Depending on your hotel's surroundings, you may also observe birds in nearby gardens and coastal vegetation. This free afternoon gives you time to enjoy photography, review your bird sightings or simply relax before the final day of your holiday.

Destination:

Mnemba

Overnight:

Amaan Beach Bungalows

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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09:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Explore Nungwi Beach and Coastal Habitats

After breakfast, travel to Nungwi on Zanzibar's northern coast.

The area is known for its white sandy beaches, traditional fishing boats and beautiful Indian Ocean views. Spend the morning exploring the coastline, looking for seabirds moving offshore and common coastal birds around suitable shoreline habitats.

You may also observe local fishing activities, traditional wooden boats and the surrounding village scenery. While Nungwi is primarily a beach destination rather than a dedicated bird sanctuary, the visit provides a pleasant opportunity to combine coastal observation with general sightseeing.

12:30 PM – 03:30 PM | Beach Leisure and Nature Photography

Enjoy lunch at a beachfront restaurant before spending time at leisure.

You may choose to walk along the shore, photograph traditional fishing boats or look for birds resting near quieter stretches of coastline. The afternoon is also an opportunity to relax after several days of wildlife drives and ocean activities.

04:00 PM – 06:30 PM | Sunset Dhow Cruise Along the Northern Coast

Later in the afternoon, board a traditional wooden dhow for a sunset cruise along Zanzibar's northern coastline.

As the boat moves across the water, enjoy the changing light and beautiful views of the shoreline. You may see birds flying across the sea or returning towards coastal resting areas, depending on the conditions.

The warm evening light provides a lovely setting for landscape photography, with traditional wooden boats silhouetted against the horizon.

After sunset, return to shore and transfer to your hotel for your final evening in Zanzibar.

Destination:

Sunset Tour

Overnight:

Amaan Beach Bungalows

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Enjoy your final breakfast at your Zanzibar hotel before checking out and preparing for departure. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to take a short walk around the hotel gardens, enjoy the coastal scenery or review the photographs and bird sightings collected during your journey. Your Burigi Chato Safaris driver will meet you at the arranged time and transfer you to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport for your departure flight. Your 6-day Tanzania birdwatching safari and Zanzibar holiday comes to an end with memories of Ngorongoro's wetlands, the remarkable savannah birds of Serengeti and the beautiful marine and coastal environments of Zanzibar. Thank you for exploring Tanzania with Burigi Chato Safaris. We wish you a safe journey home and hope to welcome you back for another wildlife and birdwatching adventure.