Birdwatching, the birds to discover on safari in Tanzania

Tanzania's birds are among the most beautiful in the world. Yet they're not the first thing that springs to mind when you think of an African safari. Yet they have much to offer, both in terms of beauty and rarity. You'll need an eagle eye to spot them. Birdwatchers are sure to love the Serengeti. And for the rest of you, it's a great way to learn about the joys of stalking Africa's majestic birds. There are currently no fewer than 1,000 different species of bird. Some are extinct and have not been seen for many years, others like the red-tailed histurgopse are endemic to the region, while the ostrich proudly claims to be the largest bird in the world, yet... it can't fly!

Before embarking on a superb safari, remember to book your accommodation according to your expectations and needs. In the Serengeti Park, you'll find some magnificent lodges and some more modest campsites. But why not opt for a lodge with an uninterrupted view over the park's endless plains to maximise your bird-watching?

Recognisable by its rhythmic song and magnificent voice, the red-headed barbican is surely one of the cutest birds you'll ever meet. Rarely exceeding 20 centimetres in length and weighing barely 70 grams, it is a very small yet very noisy bird.

This is a unique bird, as it is endemic to Tanzania, which means that it can only be found there. And it's in the park's majestic baobab trees that you'll find these red-tailed birds, measuring up to 22 centimetres.

In Africa, there are many species of weaver (it is also present in certain regions of Asia). It is now considered to be the most common wild bird in the world. They are best known for making incredible nests, which they weave together from grasses. Hence their name: weaver)

The Red-billed Hornbill is a large bird that can easily reach 40 centimetres in length, yet it remains one of the smallest hornbills in East Africa. During the brooding period, a surprising behaviour can be observed. The male locks the female in the cavity of a tree they have chosen together and feeds her through a small hole. Once the eggs have hatched, the male continues to feed the chicks through the small hole. When the chicks are older, between 21 and 24 days old, the female finally opens the nest and goes in search of food to feed her chicks. The chicks will remain in this cavity for another 6 weeks, fed by their parents until they are fully grown. Although the red-billed hornbill is found throughout Tanzania, you are more likely to spot it in the Tanrangire National Park.

The ostrich is the largest and fattest of all land birds. It has immense wings, but these are only used for parading, protecting its young and fanning itself, as the ostrich cannot fly! The male can measure up to 2.80 m and weigh 150 kg, while the female can also reach 2 m in height and weigh up to 90 kg. The male can be recognised by its white wing-tip plumage, while the female is a dull brown. Although flightless, it is no myth that the ostrich is a very fast runner! Its running ability is exceptional, and it can run at 40 km/h for around thirty minutes. But it can also run at speeds of no less than 90 km/h! In comparison, the lioness can reach 70 to 80 km/h maximum. In short, this impressive bird is well worth a visit.

Measuring just 14 centimetres, they are among the smallest birds in Tanzania. These great romantics are, as their names suggest, inseparable. Monogamous, they stay with the same partner for the rest of their lives. Easily spotted, they have bright green and orange plumage.