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 our well-trained bird guide, you scour golden grasslands for the critically endangered Beesley’s lark—found nowhere else on Earth. You watch Fischer’s sparrow-larks perform aerial courtship displays and spot Capped wheatears perched on termite mounds. After a picnic lunch under acacias, you visit Maasai Bomas to observe Grey-capped social weavers in bustling colonies and the elusive Rosy-patched bushshrike and more species. You return to Arusha, your checklist already brimming.

Day 2: Arusha National Park—Montane Forest Wonders

Today, you explore Arusha National Park, a compact gem where montane forests meet crater lakes. You trek through moss-draped fig trees to spot: Hartlaub’s turacos, flashing their crimson wings in the canopy; Taveta golden weavers crafting nests over Momella Lakes; and Bar-tailed trogons camouflaged in shadowy glades. After a bush lunch, you ascend to higher elevations for the Broad-ringed white-eye (endemic to Tanzania’s northern highlands) and the melodic African moustached warbler. You return to Arusha by dusk, swapping stories over dinner.

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

You 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-colored penduline-tits weaving intricate nests. You return to Arusha with memories of sunbirds, barbets, and the biome’s stark beauty.

Day 4: Meru Forest & Lake Duluti – Highland Treasures

You conclude your safari in Meru Forest, a lush highland haven. You wander through misty trails to spot Blue-mantled crested-flycatchers darting from perches; Hartlaub’s turacos calling eerily from dense foliage; and White-starred robins hopping through fern-covered undergrowth. After lunch, you explore Lake Duluti’s tranquil forests, where the Taveta golden Weaver and the Spectacled weaver hang around shrubs and papyrus. You return to Arusha by sunset, your camera filled with feathered gems.

Some of Target Species

Lark PlainsArusha NPMereraniMeru Forest
Beasley’s Lark (endemic)Taveta Golden WeaverBlack-capped Social-WeaverBlue-mantled Crested-Flycatcher
Fischer’s Sparrow-LarkHartlaub’s TuracoPink-breasted LarkHartlaub’s Turaco
Rosy-patched BushshrikeBroad-ringed White-EyeGolden-breasted StarlingWhite-starred Robin
Grey-capped Social WeaverBar-tailed TrogonPringle’s PuffbackTacazze Sunbird

Safari Included

Safari Excluded

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.

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