Day 1: Arrival in Mahale National Park

• Arrive at the nearest airstrip or port and transfer to your accommodation.
• Spend the afternoon relaxing and acclimatizing to the environment.
• In the evening, enjoy a guided night walk to observe nocturnal bird species.

Day 2: Birding in Mahale National Park

• Early morning birdwatching session in the park’s diverse habitats.
• Look for species such as the African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) and various sunbirds.
• After lunch, take a boat trip on Lake Tanganyika to spot waterbirds like herons and kingfishers.
• Evening at leisure with an optional discussion on bird identification techniques.

Day 3: Gombe Stream National Park

• Depart early for Gombe Stream National Park, known for its rich biodiversity.
• Engage in birdwatching along the trails; target species include the Blue Monjita (Cyanomitra cyanolaema) and Olive Sunbird (Cyanomitra olivacea).
• Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst nature before continuing your exploration.
• Return to your accommodation for dinner and share your sightings of the day.

Day 4: Birding in Gombe Stream National Park

• Full day of birdwatching in Gombe. Focus on different trails to maximize species diversity.
• Look out for primate interactions while observing birds; this park is famous for its chimpanzees as well.
• Evening debrief with fellow birders to discuss findings and experiences.

Day 5: Travel to Burigi-Chato National Park

• Depart from Gombe early morning and travel towards Burigi-Chato National Park.
• Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation and prepare for an afternoon of exploration.
• Take a short evening walk around the park’s entrance area to spot local birds.

Day 6: Birding in Burigi-Chato National Park

• Spend a full day exploring Burigi-Chato’s diverse habitats including wetlands and forests.
• Target species include the Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex), Red-faced Barbet (Lybius rubrifacies), and migratory birds like Great Snipe (Gallinago media).
• Participate in guided walks focusing on specific areas known for high bird activity.

Day 7: Travel to Minziro Forest Reserve

• Depart from Burigi-Chato early morning heading towards Minziro Forest Reserve.
• After settling into accommodations, embark on an introductory birdwatching session within the reserve’s unique ecosystem.

Day 8: Birding in Minziro Forest Reserve

• Full day dedicated to exploring Minziro Forest. Focus on identifying endemic species found only within Kagera region such as various forest specials not seen elsewhere in Tanzania.
• Engage with local guides who can provide insights into both flora and fauna of this unique habitat.
• Evening discussions about conservation efforts related to logging impacts on local avifauna.

Day 9: Departure

• Depending on flight schedules, enjoy one last morning of birdwatching or relax before departing from Minziro Forest back home or onward travel destinations.

This itinerary provides a comprehensive experience across four significant birding locations in Tanzania, allowing participants to engage deeply with each area’s unique avifauna while also enjoying their natural beauty.