10-Day Lake Victoria to Serengeti Birding Adventure
This immersive 10-day birding safari takes you from the tranquil shores of Lake Victoria to the wildlife-rich plains of the Serengeti, through Grumeti River woodlands and the iconic Ngorongoro Crater. Discover over 600 species of birds across wetland, woodland, and savannah ecosystems. Perfect for passionate birders, photographers, and nature enthusiasts looking to combine diverse habitats with top wildlife sightings—including the Big Five.
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Destinations: Lake Victoria, Grumeti, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara
Safari Type: Birding & Wildlife Safari
Starting Point: Mwanza / Ending in Arusha
Safari Highlights
Wetland and woodland birding at Lake Victoria
Riverine bird species along the Grumeti River
Raptors, bustards, and ground birds in Serengeti
Crater birding: flamingos, spoonbills, and forest birds
Expert bird guide and flexible birding-focused drives
Cultural insights from local fishing communities near Mwanza
🗓️ Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Arrival in Mwanza – Lake Victoria Birding
Arrive in Mwanza and enjoy a relaxed afternoon birding along Lake Victoria’s shores. Spot African fish eagles, pygmy geese, cormorants, and weavers.
Overnight in Mwanza (Lakeside Lodge).
Day 2: Lake Victoria – Wetland & Woodland Birds
Boat excursion and guided walk through lakeshore wetlands and fishing villages. Look for papyrus gonolek, swamp flycatchers, and herons.
Overnight in Mwanza.
Day 3: Transfer to Western Serengeti (Grumeti Zone)
Drive to Serengeti’s western corridor. En route, explore riverine forests and acacia zones along Grumeti.
Overnight in Grumeti (Tented Camp).
Day 4: Birding in Grumeti & Ikorongo Area
Full-day birding and light game viewing. Look out for martial eagles, black-headed gonoleks, red-cheeked cordon-bleus, and more.
Overnight in Grumeti.
Day 5: Serengeti Central – Savannah Birding
Drive to the heart of the Serengeti. Spot kori bustards, secretary birds, and chestnut-bellied sandgrouse along the way.
Overnight in Central Serengeti (Safari Lodge).
Day 6: Full-Day Birding & Game Drive in Serengeti
Explore different zones of Serengeti—open plains, woodlands, and kopjes. Incredible for both birding and predator sightings.
Overnight in Central Serengeti.
Day 7: Drive to Ngorongoro – Highland Transition
Travel to Ngorongoro Highlands. Stop at watering holes for raptors and migrant species.
Overnight in Ngorongoro (Crater Rim Lodge).
Day 8: Crater Birding & Game Viewing
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater. Spot flamingos, spoonbills, crowned cranes, and forest birds near the rim.
Overnight in Ngorongoro.
Day 9: Lake Manyara National Park
Transfer to Lake Manyara for forest and wetland birding. Possible sightings: silvery-cheeked hornbills, African jacana, and palm-nut vultures.
Overnight in Karatu.
Day 10: Return to Arusha – Departure
Morning birding walk around lodge grounds. After breakfast, transfer to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport.
End of tour.
✅ What’s Included
All private transfers and birding vehicle
Expert birding guide with checklists and optics
9 nights’ accommodation in lodges and camps
All meals during safari
Park fees and community entrance fees
Boat trip at Lake Victoria and crater service fee
Bottled water, guidebooks, and field support
❌ What’s Not Included
International and domestic flights
Optional balloon safari in Serengeti
Visa, insurance, and personal expenses
Tips for guides and staff
Alcoholic beverages and premium drinks