3-Day Tanzania Birding Safari

Mererani, Arusha NP & Lark Plains – Endemics & Dry Country Specials

Perfect for Avian Enthusiasts – Rare Species, Expert Guidance!

Overview:

This 3-day birding safari is a masterclass in Tanzania’s avian diversity, blending the Somali biome’s arid scrublands, Arusha National Park’s misty montane forests, and Lark Plains’ golden grasslands. Designed for birders with limited time, this tour targets endemics, near-endemics, and dry-country rarities like the Beasley’s Lark, Taveta Golden Weaver, and Golden-breasted Starling, all while minimizing travel time from Arusha. With expert guides, top-tier optics, and strategic timing for prime sightings, this itinerary is a lifelister’s dream.

Day To Day Itinerary

Day 1: Mererani / Somali Biome—Dry Country Jewels

Your adventure begins at dawn with a pick-up from your Arusha hotel. Drive to Mererani, a Somali biome hotspot where arid scrubland meets acacia woodlands. Your bird guide and driver will lead you to hidden gems:

Golden-breasted Starlings glinting like living jewels in the morning sun.
Pink-breasted Larks foraging in open grasslands, their rosy chests catching the light.
Mouse-colored Penduline-Tits weave intricate nests in thorn trees.
After a picnic lunch under a sprawling acacia, search for the elusive Scaly Chatterer, Black-throated Barbet, Black-capped Social Weaver, and many more. Return to Arusha by dusk, your checklist already bursting with dry-country specials.

Day 2: Arusha National Park – Montane Forest Magic

After an early breakfast, head to Arusha National Park, a montane Eden at the foot of Mount Meru. Trek through lush forests where:

Hartlaub’s turacos flash their crimson wings through the canopy.
Taveta Golden Weavers dazzle with sunlit plumage as they craft nests over the Momella Lakes.
Bar-tailed Trogons sit motionless in shadowy glades, their barred tails a photographer’s prize.
Post-lunch, ascend to higher elevations for the Broad-ringed White-Eye (endemic to Tanzania’s northern highlands) and the melodic White-starred Robin and many more. Return to Arusha, swapping stories over dinner about the day’s feathered treasures.

Day 3: Lark Plains – Beasley’s Lark & Grassland Wonders

A pre-dawn start takes you to Lark Plains, a globally recognized Important Bird Area (IBA) northwest of Arusha. This starkly beautiful landscape is your best chance to spot:

The Beasley’s Lark is critically endangered and found nowhere else on Earth.
Fischer’s Sparrow-Larks performing parachute-style courtship displays.
Rosy-patched Bushshrikes lurk in acacia thickets, their crimson markings glowing.
After a picnic lunch under an acacia tree, visit Maasai Bomas to observe Grey-capped Social Weavers in communal nests and Abyssinian Scimitarbills probing for insects and more birds. Return to Arusha by sunset, your binoculars heavy with memories.

Some Of Target Species

Mererani	Arusha NP	Lark Plains
Grey-headed Silverbill	Taveta Golden Weaver	Beasley’s Lark (endemic)
Tsavo Sunbird	Hartlaub’s Turaco	Fischer’s Sparrow-Lark
Golden-breasted Starling	Bar-tailed Trogon	Red-capped Lark
Pringle’s Puffback	Broad-ringed White-Eye	Rosy-patched Bushshrike
Black-capped Social Weaver	African Moustached Warbler	Grey-capped Social Weaver

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 & Endemic Focus: Target 15+ priority species, including Beasley’s Lark (critically endangered) and Hartlaub’s Turaco.
Habitat Diversity: Explore three distinct ecosystems in 72 hours.
Small Group Guarantee: Max 4 guests for personalized birding.
Conservation-Driven: 5% of profits fund Lark Plains habitat protection.