Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam

Arrive at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam.

Transfer to your accommodation and rest after your journey.

If time permits, explore the local area for common bird species such as the African Grey Parrot and various sunbirds.

Day 2: Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park

Depart early for Mikumi National Park, approximately a 5-hour drive from Dar es Salaam.

Upon arrival, begin birdwatching in the park. Look for species like the African Fish Eagle, Lilac-breasted Roller, and various weavers.

Overnight stay at a lodge within or near the park.

Day 3: Full Day Birding in Mikumi National Park

Spend the entire day exploring different habitats within Mikumi.

Focus on wetlands to spot waterbirds such as Great White Pelican and African Jacana.

Visit grasslands for sightings of birds like the Red-collared Widowbird and various raptors.

Return to your lodge for an overnight stay.

Day 4: Mikumi to Udzungwa Mountains National Park

Travel to Udzungwa Mountains National Park (approximately 2 hours).

Begin birdwatching immediately upon arrival. Target endemic species such as the Udzungwa Forest Partridge and other forest dwellers.

Overnight at a nearby lodge or campsite.

Day 5: Full Day Birding in Udzungwa Mountains

Dedicate this day to hiking and birdwatching in the park’s montane forests.

Look for unique species including the Iringa Red-billed Hornbill and several types of sunbirds.

Enjoy stunning views while searching for elusive birds. Overnight at your accommodation.

Day 6: Udzungwa Mountains to Selous Game Reserve

Depart early for Selous Game Reserve (approximately a 3-hour drive).

Start birdwatching as you enter the reserve, focusing on open savannah areas where you can find Secretary Birds and Ground Hornbills.

Settle into your lodge or tented camp for an overnight stay.

Day 7: Full Day Birding in Selous Game Reserve

Explore different ecosystems within Selous, including riverine forests and wetlands.

Target species such as African Skimmer, White-crowned Lapwing, and various kingfishers.

Enjoy a boat safari on the Rufiji River if available, providing opportunities to see aquatic birds like herons and storks. Overnight at your accommodation.

Day 8: Selous Game Reserve to Ruaha National Park

Travel from Selous to Ruaha National Park (approximately a 4-hour drive).

Begin birdwatching upon entering Ruaha, looking for species like the Yellow-collared Lovebird and various hornbills.

Overnight at a lodge or camp within Ruaha.

Day 9: Full Day Birding in Ruaha National Park

Spend this day exploring Ruaha’s diverse habitats including savannahs, woodlands, and riverbanks.

Look out for large flocks of birds such as Abdim’s Stork and numerous raptors soaring overhead.

Return to your accommodation for an overnight stay.

Day 10: Departure from Ruaha or Return to Dar es Salaam

Depending on flight schedules, either depart directly from Ruaha’s airstrip or return by road to Dar es Salaam (approximately a 10-hour drive).

If returning to Dar es Salaam, consider stopping along the way for any last-minute birdwatching opportunities.

This itinerary provides an excellent opportunity to experience some of Tanzania’s most beautiful landscapes while observing its rich avifauna.