Birdwatching at Tarangire National Park

Birdwatching in Tarangire National Park, Tanzania: Tarangire National Park is an exceptional location in Tanzania for seeing birds, boasting a list of over 500 species. The area is also designated as an Outstanding Birding Zone.

Tarangire National Park features several wetlands surrounding the Tarangire River, which serve as breeding grounds for diverse species across the park. These swamps remain verdant year-round and are inhabited by several dry bird species in Tanzania. Tarangire National Park is an ideal sanctuary for ornithologists seeking to observe substantial flocks of vibrant yellow-collared lovebirds, rufous-tailed weavers, and ashy starlings, all of which are abundant in the dry savannah of north-central Tanzania. From November to April, migrating birds come to Tarangire National Park, making it an ideal time to observe the vibrant avifauna. Species of migratory birds arrive in Tarangire National Park from Northern Africa and Europe.

Tarangire National Park boasts the largest population of any national park in Tanzania and almost one-third of all bird species found in the country.

  • Bird Species in Tarangire National Park
  • The Common Red-and-yellow Barbet
  • The locally prevalent and endemic Ashy Starling
  • The Common White-headed Buffalo-Weaver
  • Aquila rapax
  • The Common African Orange-bellied Parrot
  • The Common Speckle-fronted Weaver

Bird specialities in Tarangire National Park

  • African Grey Flycatcher
  • Ashy Starling, native to Tanzania
  • Bare-faced go-away bird
  • Donaldson-Smith’s nightjar
  • Great white pelican
  • Mouse-hued penduline tit
  • Northern pied babbler is nearly native to Tanzania.
  • Northern white-crowned shrike
  • Ostrich
  • Pink-breasted Lark
  • Avian observation at Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
  • Pink-breasted Lark
  • Rufous-tailed weaver, native to Tanzania.
  • Slate-colored boubou
  • Von der Decken’s hornbill
  • Vulturine guineafowl
  • Yellow-collared Lovebird

Best time to go for birding safari in Tarangire National Park

Birdwatching in Tarangire National Park is excellent year-round, providing remarkable experiences; nevertheless, the optimal season occurs from November to April, coinciding with the arrival of migratory bird species from Europe and Northern Africa.

The resident avian species in Tarangire National Park commence nesting concurrently, facilitating the observation of birds in their breeding plumage. From June to October, visitors can relish optimal views of wildlife in Tarangire National Park.

Best National parks  to watch birds in Tanzania

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About Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is one of the most diversified national parks in East Africa, providing opportunities for both wildlife observation and avian watching. The area features exceptional views of raptors and other magnificent birds, including aerial predators. Commonly observed raptors in Tarangire National Park include martial eagles, bateleur eagles, long-crested eagles, spotted eagle owls, fish eagles, and tawny eagles.

Tarangire National Park encompasses 1,600 square miles, ranking it as the fifth largest national park in Tanzania. Additionally, it is situated within the Tarangire Ecosystem Area, which is almost 13 times larger than the park itself.

Tarangire National Park derives its name from the Tarangire River, the sole permanent water source for the region’s wildlife. This river draws numerous animals, including elephants, zebras, wildebeests, and Cape buffaloes, which are frequently observed drinking along its banks.