We’ve all heard of Tanzania, South Africa and even more famous tourist destinations. But never of Zambia, a landlocked country in the heart of southern Africa that is full of untamed wilderness, pristine landscapes and abundant wildlife. Think about it: what’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Africa? For me, it was barren desert-like areas with a few trees and animals scattered around. I can’t really say I’m as accurate as I believe myself to be though, because I would have never thought Zambia had the potential to be such an incredible place for birdwatchers seeking an authentic and immersive African experience.
In total, there are over 750 bird species recorded within its borders with many of them being found nowhere else in southern Africa. The Congo Basin is home to rich rainforests while the Kafue River floods their vast plains – both offering completely different environments but support the same variety of birds. This may seem like its own environmental conundrum but it’s actually quite complementary. Not only does this create unparalleled beauty across the region but also a wide range of resident and migratory birds.
In this guide we’ll break down some key information on Zambia’s top birding destinations. We’ll highlight some sought-after endemic and specialty breeds as well as provide practical tips for planning your future trip. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or simply just interested in nature expeditions at off-the-beaten-path places, one thing is certain – you just won’t find this kind of journey anywhere else in Africa. Trust us when we give you our word that this will truly be one unforgettable journey through one of the continents most spectacular birding frontiers.
Why choose Zambia as a travel destination?
There are several reasons why people tend to overlook Zambia whenever they think about visiting any given place on Earth. However, if you look past things like its unique geographic position and varied landscapes you’ll see a country that’s rich in wildlife and bird diversity. The Congo Basin has some of the richest rainforests on the continent, the Zambezian savannas to the south are home to thousands of different kinds of birds and Miombo woodlands that reach eastwards creates a perfect habitat for an astonshing variety of species.
If you’re looking to cross off as many one-of-a-kind birds off your list then look no further! Zambia’s abundance of endemic and near-endemic birds is sure to keep you coming back for more. These creatures can’t be found anywhere else in the world or only have a small range outside of their go-to area. Some examples include the Chaplin’s Barbet, Black-cheeked Lovebird, African Pitta among others – but these just happen to be most sought-after gems for birders around the globe.
During northern hemisphere winters, Zambia becomes home for many migratory birds who flock from colder parts of Europe into the country’s vast wetlands. The low-density tourism provides flocks with enough room to land and survive their season’s stay before they move along again.
But perhaps what sets Zambia apart as a travel destination is it’s exclusive experience and low-density tourism. Unlike other safaris in Africa, Zambia offers more intimate experiences without large crowds while a greater sense of solitude and adventure remains. If you’re someone who doesn’t like sharing nature with too many people then believe us when we say that this place is definitely hard to beat!
Best Places in Zambia for Birdwatching
1. South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa National Park is the top wildlife destination in Zambia. It has a high population of large mammals such as elephants, lions, and leopards… but what people really flock to it for is its rich variety of bird species. Over 400 avian creatures have been recorded within the borders of this park.
Some of the most popular birds to see here are the Pel’s Fishing Owl, Lillian’s Lovebird, and Racket-tailed Roller. These are all found in the park’s lush riverine forests and mopane woodlands. The park also contains certain miombo experts such as Miombo Rock-Thrush, Miombo Pied Barbet, and Miombo Tit; these species can only be found in this particular woodland habitat.
South Luangwa is one of the few parks on this continent that allows night game drives. This offers an exclusive opportunity for birders to spot nocturnal birds like Pennant-winged Nightjar, Fiery-necked Nightjar, and rarely-seen Three-banded Courser. Additionally, the network of oxbow lakes and lagoons within the park attracts various waterbirds including impressive ones like Saddle-billed Stork and elusive White-backed Night-Heron.
It is best for bird enthusiasts to walk around South Luangwa because guided walks from most lodges offer a more immersive experience with a higher chance of seeing species that may be missed when driving through in vehicles. For avid birders looking to spot great numbers and diversity however, we suggest heading towards the Mfuwe area located in the northern part of this large park.
2. Kafue National Park Birding
Kafue National Park was established quite a while ago making it both Zambia’s first national park as well as its largest one (it covers over 22k sq km). Its vast size along with different habitats contribute to hosting an incredibly diverse population of birds. Over 500 species have been recorded within the park.
Some of the most popular birds to see here are Black-cheeked Lovebird, Wattled Crane, and Grey-crowned Crane. These are all found in the park’s massive grasslands and wetlands. The park also contains certain miombo experts such as Miombo Scrub-Robin, Miombo Double-collared Sunbird, and Miombo Glossy-Starling; these species can only be found in this particular woodland habitat.
Although those are amazing to see, Kafue’s real birding gem is the Busanga Plains – a vast floodplain that attracts huge flocks of waterbirds and waders during the dry season. Thousands of Marabou Storks, Open-billed Storks and various species of egrets and herons make for some epic birdwatching spectacles. This area is also a stronghold for the endangered Wattled Crane, with several breeding pairs found in the park.
Kafue is quite challenging for birders due to its massive size and remote location but it’s definitely worth it if you’re committed enough. The southern section around Nanzhila Plains however has a good network of roads and a great variety of habitats including miombo woodland, grasslands, and riverine forest which makes it perfect for bird enthusiasts to trek through.
3. Bangweulu Wetlands Birdwatching
The Bangweulu Wetlands are an enormous combination of swamps, wetlands, and grasslands in the northern part of Zambia. This area is famous for its birds and unique culture. There are more than 400 bird species here and most of them can’t be found anywhere else in southern Africa.
The most well-known bird that lives here is the Shoebill. This massive creature looks like it’s from another time with its big shoe-shaped bill. Several breeding pairs live in the papyrus swamps and flooded grasslands. You can also find other cool birds here like the Swamp Flycatcher, Marsh Tchagra, and Locust Finch. These birds specialize in this wetland habitat.
Additionally, huge flocks of migratory birds come through during winter in the northern hemisphere to escape the cold weather up north. The Black Tern, White-winged Tern, Whiskered Tern are some of the many species you can expect to see then.
If you want to visit Bangweulu for birding, you’ll need to plan ahead since it is such a remote area with limited development. Usually you’ll get there by plane or by driving a 4×4 vehicle. Then when you arrive the only places to stay are a few basic campsites and lodges.
But all this work is going to pay off once you start seeing all these rare birds. It’s really unlike anything else out there!
Lochinvar Birding
Lochinvar has grasslands and woodlands that are home to more interesting birds like the Red-necked Spurfowl, Fülleborn’s Longclaw, and Rosy-throated Longclaw. The park’s acacia woodland is a good place to look for White-bellied Sunbird, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, and Violet-backed Starling.
Birding in Lochinvar is best done by vehicle, with guided game drives available from the lodges and campsites. The road network runs through a variety of habitats including wetlands, grassland and woodland offering ample opportunities to spot specialities. The best time to visit is in the dry season (May–November), when large concentrations of waterbirds congregate on Chunga Lagoon.
