4-Day Tanzania Birding Safari

Arusha NP, Meru Forest & lark Plain and Mererani

Timeless 4-Day Birdwatching Adventure.

Overview:

For avian enthusiasts craving a concentrated dose of Tanzania’s birding magic, this 4-day safari packs Arusha’s top hotspots into one seamless adventure. From the arid Lark Plains (home to the critically endangered Beasley’s Lark) to the misty montane forests of Meru and the Somali biome’s dry-country jewels, this tour is a lifelister’s dream. Designed for travelers short on time but big on passion, it blends rare endemics, expert guiding, and conservation-focused travel—all within a short drive from Arusha.

Day To Day Itinerary

Day 1: Lark Plains – Quest for the Beasley’s Lark

Your adventure begins at dawn with a drive to Lark Plains, a globally recognized Important Bird Area (IBA). Under the guidance of a Tanzania Bird Atlas-trained expert, scour golden grasslands for the critically endangered Beasley’s Lark—found nowhere else on Earth. Watch Fischer’s Sparrow-Larks perform aerial courtship displays and spot Capped Wheatears perched on termite mounds. After a picnic lunch under acacias, visit Maasai Bomas to observe Grey-capped Social Weavers in bustling colonies and the elusive Rosy-patched Bushshrike and more species. Return to Arusha, your checklist already brimming.

Day 2: Arusha National Park—Montane Forest Wonders

Today, explore Arusha National Park, a compact gem where montane forests meet crater lakes. Trek through moss-draped fig trees to spot:

Hartlaub’s Turaco, flashing crimson wings in the canopy.
Taveta Golden Weavers crafting nests over Momella Lakes.
Bar-tailed Trogons camouflaged in shadowy glades.
After a bush lunch, ascend to higher elevations for the Broad-ringed White-Eye (endemic to Tanzania’s northern highlands) and the melodic African Moustached Warbler. Return to Arusha by dusk, swapping stories over dinner.

Day 3: Mererani/Somali Biome—Dry-Country Jewels

Venture into the Somali biome near Mererani, where arid scrubland hosts unique dry-country specialists. Your guide’s sharp eyes lead you to:

Golden-breasted Starlings glittering like living jewels in the morning sun.
Pink-breasted Larks foraging in open grasslands, their rosy plumage glowing.
Scaly Chatterers rattling from thorn trees and Mouse-coloured Penduline-Tits weaving intricate nests.
Return to Arusha with memories of sunbirds, barbets, and the biome’s stark beauty.

Day 4: Meru Forest & Lake Duluti – Highland Treasures

Conclude your safari in Meru Forest, a lush highland haven. Wander through misty trails to spot:

Blue-mantled Crested-Flycatchers darting from perches.
Hartlaub’s Turacos calling eerily from dense foliage.
White-starred Robins hopping through fern-covered undergrowth.
After lunch, explore Lake Duluti’s tranquil forests, where Taveta Golden and Spectacled Weaver hang around shrubs and papyrus. Return to Arusha by sunset, your camera filled with feathered gems.

Some of Target Species

Lark Plains	Arusha NP	Mererani	Meru Forest
Beasley’s Lark (endemic)	Taveta Golden Weaver	Black-capped Social-Weaver	Blue-mantled Crested-Flycatcher
Fischer’s Sparrow-Lark	Hartlaub’s Turaco	Pink-breasted Lark	Hartlaub’s Turaco
Rosy-patched Bushshrike	Broad-ringed White-Eye	Golden-breasted Starling	White-starred Robin
Grey-capped Social Weaver	Bar-tailed Trogon	Pringle’s Puffback	Tacazze Sunbird

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”

15+ Endemics & Specials: Target Beasley’s Lark, Taveta Golden Weaver, Golden-breasted Starling, & more.
Diverse Habitats: Explore grasslands, forests, and wetlands in just 96 hours.
Small-Group Focus: Max 4 guests for personalized birding experiences.
Conservation Impact: 5% of profits fund Lark Plains habitat protection.