Tanzania is one of Africa's best birding destinations. It has one of the largest species lists of any African country: over 1,100 of which over 800 species are resident and nearly 200 are regular migrants. 22 species are endemic to Tanzania and a further 43 are near-endemic. Migrants are present from November to April.
Best time for bird watching
The birdlife in Tanzania 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. The wettest months are March and April, when parts of the country may experience storms on a daily basis. The Wet season is also the hottest time of the year, which may be uncomfortably hot on the coast. For wildlife viewing, the Dry season is better.
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, which host an incredible list of 400 species in a small area. Lake Manyara offers a decent variety of water birds.