Zambia Birding Tours
We simply love Zambia. Some of the best scenery in Africa, with incredible and varied landscapes throughout. It also holds over 700 bird species, with 2 very special endemics – the Chaplin’s Barbet and the Black-cheeked Lovebird!
Situated within the borders of eight neighbouring countries, Zambia unveils its captivating allure through an array of diverse landscapes, ranging from the majestic Victoria Falls – heralded as one of the world’s natural seven wonders – to the sprawling plains tracing the Zambezi River and the abundant wildlife inhabiting its national parks. Celebrated as a prime birding destination (where you can expect a large count in a short time), Zambia boasts a thriving bird population, with a recorded tally of 737 bird species. While only two true endemic species – the Chaplin’s Barbet and the Black-cheeked Lovebird are found in Zambia, the country embraces a mix of near-endemics and a diverse array of specials typically found in neighbouring Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This diversity establishes Zambia as a premier destination for birdwatchers seeking to explore the distinctive avifauna of south-central Africa on one of our birding tours.
Of particular note, Zambia is one of the best countries to see the elusive African Pitta – a well sought-after species by birding enthusiasts worldwide. This Africa Pitta holds a unique status, as its appearance in the south-central African breeding grounds aligns with a brief window of opportunity at the onset of the rainy season, typically heralded by its distinctive calls, often starting in early December. Witnessing this elusive bird outside of this specific time is typically challenging, if not impossible!
Our Zambia Birding Tours
Tailor-made Zambia Birding Tours
At Wild Birding, we make custom tailor-made Zambia birding tours just for you. We don’t do predetermined trips. Instead, we plan every part of your tour based on what you want to see and do.
Zambia has incredible birding spots, from the miombo woodlands to the Zambezi. Our team are experts and we use our knowledge to create a birding safari that’s perfect for you. On top of that, our local tour guides are the best! They’re Zambian, super passionate, and know a ton about their indigenous avifauna.
So please call us or send us an email. Let’s chat about an epic Zambian birdwatching holiday designed just the way you want it!
Reasons to go on a Tailor-made Birdwatching Tour in Zambia
• Select the exact dates that suit your schedule.
• Choose the ideal time of year for your birding adventure.
• Travel alongside your preferred companions – be it family, friends, or fellow birders.
• Set your pace – whether fast or brisk.
•Customise within your personal budget, from luxurious to budget accommodations or a mix.
• Craft a tour that matches your specific interests – whether intense birding, leisurely exploration, photography, culture, music, wine, botany, butterflies, herpetology, geology, diving, hiking, and beyond.
• Our team is here to cater to your interests and ensure a fulfilling birding holiday.
Need help? Get in touch.
Set Departure Group Zambia Birding Tours
If you’re interested in a birding trip in Zambia but prefer a pre-planned itinerary, our Scheduled Group Birding Tours might be just what you’re looking for. We’ve carefully crafted these group tours to cater to various birding interests and time constraints.
One of the advantages of our group tours is that they’re generally more budget-friendly as you cut the costs with others. They also provide a great opportunity to connect with like-minded birders and create unforgettable shared experiences.
Rest assured, we keep our groups small and intimate, with a maximum of 6 participants per tour. This ensures that you’ll enjoy a personalised experience and receive plenty of individual attention from your highly skilled and knowledgeable Tour Leader.
If you’re ready to join a Zambia birding safari with a group of fellow enthusiasts, we encourage you to explore our selection of Scheduled Group Birding Tours. We’re confident you’ll find an option that suits your preferences perfectly.
Please refer to our Birding Calendar tour schedules, dates, and fixed prices.
Good To Know
Country
Zambia
Visa Requirements
Visa is not needed for most countries.
Languages spoken
English widely spoken
Currency used
Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) - USD, GBP & EUR widely accepted
Area (km2)
752,614 km2
Endemic species: 2
- Chaplin’s Barbet
- Black-cheeked Lovebird
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When to visit
Weather & Climate
Zambia boasts a predominantly tropical climate distinguished by its distinct seasons. From November to April, the wet season prevails, characterised by warm temperatures and abundant rainfall. Dubbed the ‘Emerald Season,’ this timeframe witnesses a dramatic transformation of the landscape, as it erupts into a lush green haven, providing optimal breeding habitats for a diverse range of bird species.
In contrast, the dry season, spanning from May to October, offers a starkly different experience. This is when it is a bit cooler and drier, accompanied by sunny days and clear skies. The absence of rainfall results in a landscape with sparse vegetation – ideal for birding. This season is a great time for bug game viewing as many large game congregate around watering holes.
What to bring with you on a Zambia Birding Tour
In Zambia’s warm climate, packing appropriate clothing is essential. Opt for light-coloured shorts, trousers, and shirts for comfort. Sturdy and comfortable footwear is necessary, considering the varied terrain you may encounter, from wetlands to savannahs. Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral tones is advisable for the tropical climate, alongside a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to shield against the sun’s rays. Given the fluctuating weather patterns, a lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho can prove invaluable during occasional downpours. Mosquito repellent is crucial to ward off insect bites, and taking anti-malarial tablets is highly recommended.
Equipment such as high-quality binoculars tailored for birdwatching is essential and if you have a good working camera and lens, then please bring it with you! A comprehensive field guide specific to the country’s birds, such as Field Guide to Birds of Greater Southern Africa would be recommended.
Sustainability
At Wild Birding, we are committed to ensuring that every birding holiday we create has a positive impact on both bird conservation efforts and the local communities in the areas we visit. As a demonstration of this commitment, we have developed a carbon scoring and offsetting framework specifically designed for tailor-made holidays.
We encourage our clients to request a carbon score for their individual trips, allowing them to understand and mitigate the environmental impact of their travel. By offering this service, we aim to promote sustainable tourism practices and raise awareness about the importance of reducing our carbon footprint.
Our dedication to responsible ecotourism has been recognised through several prestigious ecotourism awards, further validating our approach to birding tours.
When you choose Wild Birding for your Zambia birding holiday, you can be confident that your journey will not only be an unforgettable experience but also one that contributes to the protection of Uganda’s incredible birdlife and supports the well-being of local communities.
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Our Zambia Birding Tours