Birding Paradise: Flamingos, Storks, and More
Tanzania is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 1,100 bird species, making it one of the most diverse avian destinations in Africa. From the shimmering soda lakes that attract flocks of flamingos to the lush wetlands and forests alive with colorful songbirds, Tanzania offers birding opportunities for both casual observers and seasoned ornithologists.
The alkaline Lake Manyara and Lake Natron are especially famous for their enormous gatherings of lesser and greater flamingos, which tint the shoreline pink as they feed on algae and crustaceans. These lakes also support other waterbirds such as pelicans, spoonbills, and herons.
In Tanzania’s savannahs and woodlands, birders can spot iconic species like the saddle-billed stork, martial eagle, lilac-breasted roller, and various species of hornbills and bee-eaters. The Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park) and Ruaha National Park are known for excellent birding in less crowded settings, while Usambara Mountains and Amani Nature Reserve offer endemic forest species in cooler, highland climates.
Whether you’re on a game drive, a boat safari, or a walking tour, the constant presence of birds—through color, song, and flight—adds a vibrant dimension to the Tanzanian wilderness.