Wild Zambia: Endemics & Specials
On this Zambia birding tour, our main focus will be seeing Zambia’s two endemic bird species, the Chaplin’s Barbet and Black-cheeked Lovebird, along with many regional specials. We will also be seeking out the elusive and prized African Pitta. Expect a huge count of bird species and lots of megafauna along the way.
This tour was designed to highlight the absolute best of Zambia birdlife by visiting its top birding spots and simply incredible landscapes and habitats. Starting from Lusaka, we travel northeast to Kasanka National Park, which is home to regional bird species and hosts a remarkable bat migration of around 10 million African Straw-tailed Fruit Bats—the largest mammalian migration on earth! Next, we venture into Mutinondo Wilderness, where we seek out special birds like Dickinson’s Kestrel and Anchieta’s Sunbird in diverse landscapes. Continuing eastwards to the Zambezi Valley, we aim to see the elusive African Pitta before heading to the Choma region to seek out the endemic Chaplin’s Barbet. Finally, we conclude our tour in Livingstone, where we have the opportunity to observe Zambia’s other endemic species, the Black-cheeked Lovebird.
Bird count:
Over 350.
Speed:
Slow/medium – this tour was designed to allow enough time at each destination to gain all target species, whilst also allowing time to enjoy each exciting area.
Difficulty:
Easy/Moderate – In terms of birding, this tour is relatively easy but does have plenty of on-foot birding opportunities, but nothing overly strenuous. However, guests should anticipate long drives, as Zambia is a vast country and birding targets are often spread out.
Price:
Our tailor-made birding tours are custom-designed for each client, making standard pricing difficult. Costs vary based on factors like accommodation, group size, duration, and specific locations. For a personalised quote that matches your taste and budget, please contact us with your requirements.
As an example, this Wild Zambia: Endemics & Specials costs £4,840 per person, based on a group of 6 individuals staying in top-end mid-range safari lodges with shared twin rooms.
For our Set Departure Birding Tours, with fixed prices, please click the button below.
Best time of year:
Although fantastic all year round, the very best period for birding in Zambia is between November and April, known as the ‘Emerald Season’, affectionately termed for its lush greenery. During this wet season, wetland expanses burst to life, serving as fertile breeding grounds for birds. Resident species flourish amidst the flurry of activity, often joined by significant flocks of migrants. It is also worth noting that 20 Nov – 31 Dec is the best time of the year to spot the elusive African Pitta. Outside this period, it is unlikely to be seen.
Sustainability:
Wild Birding designs birding and wildlife holidays that support conservation, empower local communities, and tread lightly. We work exclusively with trusted local guides and conservation-minded lodges, avoid crowded circuits, and keep group sizes small to minimise our impact. We actively encourage guests to take part in citizen science through eBird, and we’ve partnered with Sustainable Travel to offer optional carbon offsetting and direct support for local conservation projects.
Tour Leader:
Wouter has harboured a passion for birds since his earliest memories and has dedicated most of his free time to birding. He successfully completed his studies at Utrecht University in 2011, earning a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences.
His inaugural visit to South Africa occurred in 2012. Wouter completed the FGASA field guide training course in the Kruger National Park, obtaining qualification as a field and nature guide. In 2013, he commenced guiding at Leopard Mountain Game Lodge, a distinguished 4-star lodge in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, situated within the renowned Manyoni Game Reserve—a sought-after destination for both South African and international birders.
As the reserve’s confines became limiting, Wouter pursued the FGASA Trails training course, enabling him to conduct guided walks within big-5 areas. Subsequently, he assumed the role of an Overland Guide, leading over 60 tours through 10 different countries over a span of 7 years. His responsibilities included guiding, driving, meal preparation, and organising activities for participants, with tours conducted in both English and German.
His extensive guiding experience across South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia, and Malawi, coupled with his profound passion for and knowledge of birds, solidify his reputation as an exceptional guide.
Bird species highlights:
- Chaplin’s Barbet
- Black-cheeked Lovebird
- African Pitta
- African Straw-tailed Fruit Bats
- Miombo Rock Thrush
- Anchieta’s Barbet
- Bar-winged Weaver
- Miombo Wren-Warbler
- Red-capped Crombec
- Anchieta’s Sunbird
- Western Miombo Sunbird
- Southern Hyliota
- African Spotted Creeper
- Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Weaver
- Zambian Barbet
- Sable Antelope
- Puku
- Common Tsessebe
- Rock Martins
- Red-winged Starlings
- Coppery-tailed Coucal
- Meves’s Starling
- Burchell’s Starling
- African Finfoot
- Rock Pratincole
- Half-collared Kingfisher
- Slaty Egret
- African Pitta
- Pale-billed Hornbill
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Departure
Fly into Lusaka -
Included
Airport TransfersBirding TelescopeFull board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)Handpicked Top AccommodationLed by our Professional Bird Guide & Tour LeaderMineral WaterNational Park FeesProfessional DriverUpdated Bird ChecklistVehicleWiFi
Our gallery
A few photos from our previous birding tours in Zambia
Arrive in Lusaka & Transfer to Fringilla Farm
Scenic Drive North to Kasanka National Park
Explore the Forests & Wetlands of Kasanka, then Continue to Mutinondo
Hiking & Birding in the Granite Hills of Mutinondo Wilderness
Full Day Immersion in the Miombo Woodlands of Mutinondo
Overland Journey to Mkushi Area
Descend into the Zambezi Valley
Wildlife & Riverine Birding in the Zambezi Valley
Cross-country Drive to Choma, in Southern Zambia
Cultural Encounters & Birding near Choma
Southwards to Livingstone, Victoria Falls Region
Victoria Falls & Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
Optional Birding, Boat Cruise, or Relaxation in Livingstone
Transfer to Airport or Onward Travel from Livingstone
