Bird Watching
Bird Watching - Mikumi & Tanzania
Discover Tanzania’s feathered treasures from flamboyant rollers to majestic storks. Whether you’re a serious birder or a curious traveler, Mikumi and nearby reserves reward patience with spectacular sightings.
Why Bird Watching in Tanzania & Mikumi?
Tanzania is one of Africa’s top birding countries with over 1,100 recorded species, across savannahs, wetlands, montane forests and coastal islands a paradise for both migrant and resident birds. Mikumi National Park, on the southern edge of the Serengeti ecosystem, offers easy, vehicle-accessible birding with 300+ species recorded along riverine habitats, floodplains and acacia woodlands.
What you might see (highlights)
Colourful rollers & kingfishers: Lilac-breasted Roller, Malachite Kingfisher.
Large wetland species: Marabou Stork, Saddle-billed Stork, African Spoonbill.
Savannah specialists: Black-bellied Bustard, Francolins, Cisticolas.
Hornbills & raptors: Grey/African Hornbills, Bateleur and various eagles and kites.
For full checklists and rarities, consult local checklists (Avibase & park lists).
Best time to go
Dry season (June–October) — easier viewing as birds concentrate around permanent water and vegetation is sparser.
Wet season (Nov–May) — excellent for migrants and breeding displays; more lush habitat but some roads can be less accessible.