2-Day Tanzania Birding Safari

Arusha NP & Lark Plains – Endemics & Avian Wonders

Overview: A Perfect for Birders Short on Time!

Crafted for birders who crave a quick yet immersive Tanzanian avian adventure, this 2-day safari zeroes in on Arusha’s most prolific birding hotspots: the arid Lark Plains and lush Arusha National Park. Designed by expert ornithologists, this tour targets rare endemics like the critically endangered Beasley’s Lark and jewel-toned Taveta Golden Weaver, alongside dry-country specials and migratory marvels. Ideal for weekend explorers or pre/post-safari add-ons, this compact itinerary delivers big rewards for binocular-toting travelers.

Day To Day Itinerary

Day 1: Lark Plains – Arusha’s Hidden Avian Treasure

Your adventure begins at dawn with a pick-up from your Arusha hotel. A one-hour drive northwest to Lark Plains—a globally recognized Important Bird Area (IBA)—unlocks a world of dry-country specialists. Your guide’s sharp eyes and ears lead you through golden grasslands, where the elusive Beasley’s Lark (found nowhere else on Earth!) flits between thorny acacias. Scan for the Fischer’s Sparrow-Lark performing its parachute-style courtship display, while Red-capped Larks dart across the scrub. After a picnic lunch under a lone Acacia trees, shift to the Maasai Bomas area, where the vibrant Rosy-patched Bushshrike lurks in acacia thickets and Grey-capped Social Weavers chatter in communal nests. As the sun dips, return to Arusha, swapping stories over dinner at a boutique lodge, your checklist already brimming.

Day 2: Arusha National Park – Montane Forest Birding Extravaganza

Fuel up on coffee and breakfast before a 40-minute drive to Arusha National Park, a compact gem teeming with montane endemics. Trek through moss-draped forests, where the Broad-ringed White-Eye (endemic to Tanzania’s northern highlands) flutters in the canopy, and the iridescent Hartlaub’s Turaco flashes crimson wings. Near the park’s tranquil Momella Lakes, listen for the melodic trill of the African Moustached Warbler and watch Taveta Golden Weavers craft intricate nests over the water. After a bush lunch, ascend to the park’s higher elevations, where the Bar-tailed Trogon perches motionless in shadowy glades, and the White-starred Robin hops through fern-covered undergrowth. Return to Arusha by dusk, your camera filled with feathered gems and memories of misty forests echoing with birdsong.

Safari Included

Park entry fees for national reserves (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, etc.).
Guided game drives with experienced drivers/guides.
Accommodation (lodges, tented camps, or safari tents).
Meals (often full-board: breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Transportation (4x4 safari vehicle between parks).

Safari Excluded

International flights and visas.
Travel insurance (medical/evacuation coverage).
Tips for guides, drivers, or camp staff.
Optional activities (hot-air balloon rides, cultural village visits).
Personal expenses (souvenirs, alcohol, laundry).

What Makes This Safari Uniquely “You”

Rare Endemics Guaranteed: Spot 10+ near-endemic species in 48 hours.
Expert Guidance: Led by our experienced birding guides and driver
Flexible & Fast: Starts/ends in Arusha – no long drives, just pure birding.
Habitat Diversity: Contrast Lark Plains’ stark beauty with Arusha NP’s montane forests.