Bird Watching Safari in Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Bird Watching Safari in Ngorongoro Conservation Area : The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is among the iconic wildlife destinations in Tanzania. The Ngorongoro Crater, which hosts many large animal species, is an icon of this area.

Most tourists who reach this area end up searching for the Big Five and other animals. And that’s okay because wildlife is the top attraction in this area. But there is another side of wildlife that usually goes unnoticed—the birds. You may be hearing loud sounds of birds or even seeing them fly over your vehicle, but don’t pay much attention.

Birds are architects of the wilderness. They make plant species spread over a large area by assisting in pollination and seed dispersal. Therefore, they are worth paying attention to. While in Ngorongoro, birds can be the best wildlife to see. And you may end up being a bird lover even if you’ve never been.

Iconic birds in Ngorongoro

Ngorongoro is home to over 500 bird species, spread over the crater and other parts of the area. Yet, migratory birds breed in the crater, adding a unique experience to the available. Here are a few iconic birds that you might see in the Ngorongoro.

Rufous-tailed weaver

This small, social bird is endemic to Tanzania. They have a striking appearance, with males having a black-and-yellow coat. Females are somehow brown and subdued. These unique birds are great weavers, with their intricate nests, which usually hang from branches.

Kori bustard

You probably know the world’s flying bird. If you don’t, Kori Bustard is the one. You’ll find them in grasslands, where they blend with the dry grass, especially during the dry season. Their wings have a black-and-white pattern, which is strikingly beautiful. Their plumage may be brown or gray.

White-eyed slaty flycatcher

This small long-tailed flycatcher has a dark gray tail and wings. Its head and underparts are pale gray. They have a characteristic high-pitched sound and usually prefer montane habitats, like the crater rim.

Secretary bird

This bird is very common in Ngorongoro Crater. Its name comes from a topknot of long feathers that are like quill pens. It usually dwells on the ground to prey on its prey, like snakes, lizards, insects, and small animals. Its powerful kicks help to weaken the prey.

Jackson’s widowbird

This bird is endemic to Tanzania. The crater is an essential habitat where you can see these birds. Its name is due to its black appearance—a color commonly put on in funerals. You’ll see this bird flying on the crater floor or the rim.

Other birds include the African spoonbill, Egyptian vulture, Schalow’s turaco, Hartlaub’s turaco, Augur buzzard, Rufous chatterer, red-and-yellow barbet, eastern double-collared sunbird, and yellow-necked spurfowl.

When to go for a bird-watching safari?

Ngorongoro is good all year round. But birding is great from November to April. This time usually receives heavy and frequent rainfall. The majority of birds are in their breeding season and usually make nests for growing their plumage. You’ll also see migratory bird species coming from Europe and Asia just to breed in Tanzania.

What to pack for a birding tour?

Bird-watching safari isn’t the same as other safari tours. The fact that you’ll be looking for small birds ready to fly at any moment makes it demanding your attention. You also require special equipment to enjoy it more. And here are a few of them.

Binoculars: Getting too close to birds scares them. Some birds are elusive and prefer remote locations. A high-quality pair of binoculars enables you to watch their beauty from a distance.

 

Camera: A quality camera will help you record the most intriguing moments in the wild. Some birds’ colors and body displays make you want to see them more and more. Taking a picture will help keep a memory for the future.

Other necessary gear. Depending on your time of travel, we advise you to bring all necessary things, including clothes, footwear, earwear, and headgear. If you travel in the wet season, remember to pack waterproof electronics, clothes, and quick-drying clothes. But, if you travel in the dry season, light clothing is highly recommended.

Beyond birdwatching

There are plenty of things to witness while in the Ngorongoro Crater. Besides birds, the crater is home to over 30,000 large animals. As you drive looking for beautiful birds, you’re assured to see animals doing their daily routines.

Big herds of wildebeests, buffalos, and antelopes are very common. They can be seen grazing in the grass-rich plains on the crater floor. Predators like lions, leopards, hyenas, and even the rare wild dogs never stay far from their prey. Your focus on a beautiful bird may be cut short by a predator running after prey. The wild moments are iconic.

If you love birds, you probably love butterflies and flowers. These tiny wildlife species decorate the green forest. Beautiful insects fly over flowers while chameleons blend with the color of the surroundings as they try to evade stick insects, which they prey on.

The crater rim is exceptionally beautiful and awe-inspiring. Witness the illuminating sunrise and stunning sunset from a special viewing point on the crater rim.

Birding in Ngorongoro is life-changing. You’ll explore the crater from a birder’s perspective. This will make you appreciate the underrated beauty of this spectacular caldera. Focus East Africa Tours organizes unforgettable safaris to Ngorongoro and other safari destinations in Tanzania.