Safari OverviewThe beautiful, pleasantly tropical, landlocked south-central African country of Zambia should really be higher up on most birdwatchers’ lists of top places to visit.
The country boasts some of Africa’s best wildlife reserves, but because the country is relatively undervisited compared to east Africa and South Africa, you can still have spectacular bird and wildlife sightings all to yourself – a very special experience!
Zambia boasts large tracts of pristine, undisturbed wilderness comprised mostly of miombo woodland, but also has grassy dambos (seasonal wetlands), savannah plains, papyrus swamps, wetlands and evergreen riverine forests (mushitus) next to the country’s many rivers. Most of the country is situated on a plateau with an elevation from 900 to 1,250 m (3,000 to 4,100 ft) above sea level, with a small area in the far northeast reaching 2,000 m (6,600 ft).
Although only boasting two true endemics (Chaplin’s Barbet and Black-cheeked Lovebird) despite this impressive habitat diversity, Zambia is blessed with over 750 other species, including several near-endemics and a large number of species that otherwise only occur in difficult-to-visit Angola and DRC.
Our fantastic 14 day birding tour includes a visit to the majestic Victoria Falls, as well as many of the key birding hotspots in the country (including Choma, Kasanka, Shiwa Ng’andu, Mutinondo and more), ensuring a good total of birds and a great time in the “warm heart of Africa”. We will also see some of Africa’s Big Five, many other rare mammals, stunning scenery, and enjoy the warm and friendly attitude of the people of Zambia. Let’s go birding!
Get more detail about what to expect on this tour: Go to full itinerary
Safari starts in Livingstone and ends in Lusaka
Tour duration: 14 days / 13 nights
Type of accommodation: Comfortable, mid-range
Next departure dates: To be confirmed
Private and small group, customised safaris can be booked on request
Victoria Falls-
UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a must-see attraction for nature lovers
Nkanga River Conservancy-
Great variety of habitats and home to Chaplin’s Barbet, one of Zambia’s two endemics
Kasanka National Park-
Beautiful small park famous for the annual bat migration, walking safaris, 470 bird species and so much more
Shiwa Ng’andu-
historical manor house, hot springs, vast estate and great birding all in one
Mutinondo Wilderness-
Stunning private reserve with excellent Miombo birding and dramatic scenery
Boat cruise on the mighty Zambezi river
Top Birds:
• Chaplin’s Barbet
• Anchieta’s Barbet
• Black-backed Barbet
• Miombo Pied Barbet
• Black-cheeked Lovebird
• Böhm’s Bee-eater
• Blue-breasted Bee-eater
• Anchieta’s Sunbird
• Western Miombo Sunbird
• Miombo Scrub Robin
• Bocage’s Akalat
• Bar-winged Weaver
• Chestnut-headed Flufftail
• Red-capped Crombec
• Souza’s Shrike
• Wattled Crane
• Pel’s Fishing Owl
• Palm-nut Vulture
• Shoebill (with a dose of luck)
Top Mammals:
• African Elephant
• African Buffalo
• Leopard
• Sitatunga
• Puku
• Lion (on South Luangwa extension)
• African Straw-coloured Fruit-bat (dependent on time of year)
Optional Activities:
• Activities at Shiwa Ng’andu (spa treatment, horse riding, mountain biking, canoeing, etc)
• Guided Shiwa House visit at Shiwa Ng’andu
• Activities at Mutinondo (mountain biking, fishing, mushroom picking, etc)
• Four fantastic local extensions (Bangweulu, Mwinilunga, South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi) can be added to this birding tour. See full itinerary for details
| ITINERARY OVERVIEW |
|---|
| Day 1 | Start of safari in Livingstone, including Zambezi river boat cruise |
|---|---|
| Day 2 | Machile (Black-cheeked Lovebird search), return to Livingstone |
| Day 3 | Victoria Falls visit, afternoon transfer to Choma |
| Day 4 | Choma (Nkanga River Conservancy) |
| Day 5 | Choma to Lusaka |
| Day 6 | Lusaka to Kasanka National Park |
| Day 7 & 8 | Kasanka National Park |
| Day 9 | Kasanka National Park to Shiwa Ng’andu |
| Day 10 | Shiwa Ng’andu |
| Day 11 | Shiwa Ng’andu to Mutinondo |
| Day 12 & 13 | Mutinondo |
| Day 14 | Mutinondo to Lusaka and Departure |
All our tours can be customised according to your specific requirements.
Get in touch with one of our team members for more information at info@naturetravelafrica.com