Tanzania has more endemic birds than almost any country in mainland Africa. Some show up on almost every northern-circuit safari. Others need a special trip into the mountains.
The northern circuit endemics
These are the ones most visitors can realistically get, often without trying very hard:
- Ashy Starling: common in Tarangire, often in noisy groups around the baobabs.
- Yellow-collared Lovebird: Tarangire and the Manyara area, usually in fast, squeaky flocks.
- Fischer’s Lovebird: the Serengeti and the area around Lake Victoria.
- Rufous-tailed Weaver: Tarangire, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Big, bold and easy once you know the call.
- Grey-breasted Spurfowl: Serengeti grasslands, often right beside the track.
- Tanzania Red-billed Hornbill: dry country around Tarangire.
The Lark Plains
Beesley’s Lark lives only on a small patch of plains north of Arusha. It’s one of the rarest birds in Africa, and we visit only with a local site guide.
The Usambara Mountains
This is where the hardest endemics are. The forests of the Usambaras hold Usambara Akalat, Usambara Weaver and Usambara Eagle-owl, along with several near-endemics shared only with a few other mountain ranges. Expect early starts, steep trails and long waits.
Seeing them with us
Our 6-day northern birding tour covers most of the northern-circuit endemics. For the Usambara birds as well, look at the 11-day birding odyssey.
Your questions answered
How many endemic birds does Tanzania have?
More than 20, depending on how species are split. Several more are near-endemics shared with one neighbouring country.
Which endemics are easiest?
Ashy Starling and Yellow-collared Lovebird in Tarangire, and Rufous-tailed Weaver across the northern parks.
Which trip covers the most endemics?
The 11-day birding odyssey, which adds the Usambara Mountains.
