The northern safari circuit is as good for birds as it is for big game. The Serengeti alone has more than 500 recorded species, and the lakes of the Rift Valley attract flamingos in huge numbers.
Serengeti
The open plains are home to large ground birds: ostrich, kori bustard, secretary bird and several species of vulture that follow the migration. Look for regional specials such as Fischer’s lovebird, grey-breasted spurfowl, rufous-tailed weaver and Usambiro barbet. The woodland and rivers in the north and west add hornbills, turacos and kingfishers. Read our Serengeti guide.
Ngorongoro Crater and highlands
The crater floor has grey crowned cranes, kori bustards and Egyptian geese, and flamingos often gather on Lake Magadi. The forested rim brings sunbirds, Hartlaub’s turaco and golden-winged sunbird. Empakaai Crater, in the highlands to the north, has a soda lake that often holds flamingos. Read our Ngorongoro guide.
Lake Natron
Lake Natron is the most important breeding site in the world for the lesser flamingo. The birds nest on salt islands in the lake, out of reach of predators. Visitors cannot reach the nests, but flocks feed along the southern shore. Read about Lake Natron.
Lake Eyasi
This shallow soda lake south of the crater attracts flamingos, pelicans and waders when water levels are right.
When to go
November to April is best. Migrants from Europe and Asia arrive, many residents breed in full colour, and the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti are busy with larks and pipits during calving season.
Birding tips
- Go out at dawn, when birds are most active.
- Bring 8×42 or 10×42 binoculars and an East Africa field guide or app.
- Ask for a guide with birding experience, and allow time to stop for small birds.
See our Northern Loop and Northern Grand. Start with our beginner’s guide to the birds of Tanzania.
Frequently asked questions
More than 500 species have been recorded in the Serengeti.
Mainly at Lake Natron, the world’s most important breeding site for lesser flamingos.
November to April, when migrant birds arrive and residents breed.
