Zambia Endemics Birding tour

Day 1: Lusaka to Lochinvar National Park.
Your journey begins with a scenic transfer from Lusaka to Lochinvar National Park, a five-hour drive across central Zambia. Part of the vast Kafue Flats, one of Africa’s great floodplain ecosystems, Lochinvar is widely regarded as Zambia’s premier birding destination. Stretching across a million hectares of wetlands, grasslands and lagoons, the area supports extraordinary concentrations of waterbirds against a backdrop of spectacular scenery and large herds of endemic Kafue Lechwe.

Among its many highlights are regular Greater Flamingos, sizeable numbers of Black-tailed Godwits, Caspian Terns and Gull-billed Terns, as well as healthy populations of Slaty Egret, which is believed to breed here. The wetlands are also renowned for their impressive numbers of African Skimmers, Caspian Plovers, Grey Crowned Cranes and Wattled Cranes. Raptors are equally well represented, with Red-necked Falcon, seasonal Montagu’s and Pallid Harriers, and all of Zambia’s resident vulture species regularly recorded across the floodplains.

Birding starts en route before arriving in Lochinvar for an afternoon of exploring this remarkable wetland wilderness. Early December is one of the finest times to visit, with thousands of migrant waders present and the possibility of exceptional rarities among the impressive diversity of waterbirds.

Day 2: Lochinvar National Park.
Today is dedicated to the exceptional wetlands and floodplains of Lochinvar National Park, one of Africa’s finest birding destinations. Birding focuses on the shores of Chunga Lagoon, where water levels determine the location of the largest concentrations of birds. Depending on conditions, highlights may include Whimbrel, Bar-tailed Godwit, Grey Plover, Pectoral Sandpiper, Cape Shoveler, Black-winged Pratincole, Curlew, Terek Sandpiper, Cape Teal, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Pacific Golden Plover, Baillon’s Crake, Lesser Sand Plover and Red-rumped Swallow, alongside the many other wetland specialities for which Lochinvar is renowned.

The afternoon is spent birding the extensive floodplains surrounding Chunga Lagoon, a mosaic of wetlands and grasslands that attracts large numbers of waterbirds and other characteristic plains species. Denham’s Bustard, Black-bellied Bustard, Marsh Owl and large flocks of Yellow-throated Sandgrouse are among the possible highlights. As dusk approaches, the open plains offer opportunities for Three-banded Courser and, with luck, the elusive Serval before returning to camp.

Day 3: Lochinvar National Park to Kafue National Park.
A final morning around camp provides further opportunities for waterbirds before travelling through the Banda and Gwisho Hot Springs area. These productive plains often hold impressive numbers of cranes and Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, while Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark, Red-necked Falcon and Southern Ground Hornbill are regularly seen.

The journey then continues through fascinating landscapes towards Lake Itezhi-tezhi on the southern edge of the vast Kafue National Park. This scenic lake will serve as our base as we explore the park’s attractive southern region in search of the rare and highly localised Black-cheeked Lovebird, one of only two bird species endemic to Zambia. The drive itself often provides excellent birding opportunities before arriving in time to enjoy a sundowner overlooking the lake and prepare for the exciting days ahead.

Day 4: Kafue National Park.
Kafue National Park is one of Africa’s great wilderness areas and boasts the highest diversity of antelope species anywhere in the world. Today focuses on the attractive southern section of the park around Lake Itezhi-tezhi and the Nanzhila area.

The main target is the highly localised Black-cheeked Lovebird. Its tiny global range is largely restricted to this region, and chances of finding these beautiful parrots are excellent. Time will be spent searching the pools where they regularly come to drink, offering outstanding photographic opportunities.

While focusing on this Zambian endemic, the surrounding habitats offer a rich variety of other species. Open woodlands and riverine areas may produce African Green Pigeon, White-browed Coucal, Böhm’s Spinetail, Pearl-spotted Owlet, Woodland Kingfisher, Striped Kingfisher, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, Southern Carmine Bee-eater, and both Purple and Lilac-breasted Rollers. Raptors are well represented and may include Black-chested Snake Eagle, Brown Snake Eagle and the striking Bateleur. Around wetlands and open water, species such as Helmeted Guineafowl, Double-banded Sandgrouse, Great White Pelican and Marabou Stork may also be encountered, making for an exciting and varied day in one of Zambia’s premier birding areas.

The diverse habitats around Lake Itezhi-tezhi support an excellent variety of birdlife. The Nanzhila Stream is a productive area for species such as Lesser Jacana, Half-collared Kingfisher and African Finfoot, while the lake itself attracts a rich diversity of waterbirds and regularly draws large mammals to its shores. This region also marks the eastern limit for several Kalahari specialities, including Meves’s Starling and Violet-eared Waxbill.

Kafue National Park is equally rewarding for mammal enthusiasts. Renowned for supporting the greatest diversity of antelope species of any national park in the world, its grasslands and woodlands are home to abundant populations of Puku, Waterbuck and Impala. Larger grazing species such as Wildebeest, Roan and Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest are regularly encountered, while predators including Lion, African Wild Dog, Cheetah and Serval add to the area’s outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities.

Day 5: Kafue National Park to Choma.
Depending on the previous day’s success, the morning may be devoted to further searches for Black-cheeked Lovebird or to general birding and wildlife viewing around camp. The rich habitats surrounding Lake Itezhi-tezhi offer endless possibilities.

From Kafue, the journey continues south to the Choma area, gateway to one of Zambia’s most sought-after endemic birds, the Zambian (Chaplin’s) Barbet. The well-managed Nkanga River Conservation Area is one of the best-known sites for the species, where multiple family groups can be found. The surrounding landscapes also support a wealth of wildlife, including Serval, adding further interest to the region.

Day 6: Nkanga River Conservation area.
The Choma area combines productive miombo woodland with seasonal wetlands, making it an important stop for both endemics and regional specialities. The Nkanga River Conservation area is one of the key sites for the endemic Zambian (Chaplin’s) Barbet.

The surrounding miombo supports an impressive suite of special birds, including Miombo Pied Barbet, Shelley’s Sunbird, Arnot’s Chat, Racket-tailed Roller, Spotted Creeper, Cabanis’s Bunting and Souza’s Shrike. Nearby dams and wetland areas may produce Rufous-bellied Heron, White-backed Duck and Lesser Jacana. The wider region is also known for seasonal gatherings of Amur Falcon, together with smaller numbers of Red-footed Falcon and Lesser Kestrel.

Other species that may well be found here include Little Grebe, Little Bittern, Rufous-bellied Heron, African Spoonbill, White-faced Whistling Duck, White-backed Duck, Long-crested Eagle, Hooded Vulture, Coqui and Shelley’s Francolins, Black and Senegal Coucals, Malachite Kingfisher, Crowned and Trumpeter Hornbills, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, Miombo Tit, Grey Penduline Tit, Greater Blue-eared, Miombo Blue-eared and Violet-backed Starlings, and Amethyst and White-bellied Sunbirds.

Day 7: Choma to the Lower Zambezi Valley.
Morning birding around the lodge focuses on some of Zambia’s finest miombo woodland species. Shelley’s Sunbird is a major target, while Miombo Pied Barbet, Western Miombo Sunbird and White-backed Duck are among the many other highlights.

Later, travel through scenic countryside towards Gwabi on the Lower Zambezi, the base for the next stage of the tour and one of Africa’s most exciting birding spectacles.

Day 8: Lower Zambezi Valley.
The Lower Zambezi Valley is one of Africa’s premier destinations for African Pitta. This dazzling intra-African migrant arrives with the onset of the rains and is at its most vocal and active during the first weeks after arrival. The tour is specifically timed to coincide with this peak display period, offering some of the best chances available anywhere to find this highly sought-after species.

Morning birding focuses on the thickets around the lodge and the nearby Little Chongwe River system, where a significant breeding population occurs. Other characteristic species include Eastern Nicator, Livingstone’s Flycatcher, Southern Crested Guineafowl, Crested Francolin, Purple-crested Turaco and Narina Trogon.

After lunch, a boat excursion explores the Kafue-Zambezi confluence, an area of exceptional ornithological interest. Eleonora’s Falcon, African Skimmer, Slaty Egret, Greater Sand Plover, and Mottled Spinetail are among the many possibilities.

Day 9: Lower Zambezi Valley.
Another full day is devoted to African Pitta and the remarkable birdlife of the Lower Zambezi. Morning searches continue in the productive thickets around Gwabi, while favourable road conditions may allow a full-day excursion towards wildlife areas bordering the Lower Zambezi National Park.

Several pairs of African Pitta occur in this region, and time will be devoted to searching for this spectacular and highly sought-after species in its favoured riverine forest habitat. Large mammals are also frequently encountered. The rich woodland and forest mosaic supports an impressive diversity of birds, with additional possibilities including Purple-crested Turaco, Crested Guineafowl, Green Malkoha, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Horus Swift, Sombre Greenbul, Eastern Nicator, Livingstone’s Flycatcher, Red-capped Robin-Chat, Bearded Scrub Robin, Red-throated Twinspot and Purple-banded Sunbird. A variety of migrant warblers may also be present, including Thrush Nightingale and, with luck, River Warbler, making this one of the most rewarding birding areas in the region.

Day 10: Lower Zambezi Valley to Lusaka.
Depending on previous sightings and group preferences, the morning may be spent enjoying one final search for African Pitta.

Alternatively, time may be spent in the Mutulanganga area, an Important Bird Area that also supports this species and offers further opportunities to observe it in suitable habitat.

The rich deciduous thickets and riverine woodland of the Mutulanganga area support a range of sought-after species, including Purple-crested Turaco, Green Malkoha, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Livingstone’s Flycatcher, Eastern Nicator, Sombre Greenbul, Red-capped Robin-Chat, Bearded Scrub Robin, Red-throated Twinspot and Purple-banded Sunbird. African Pitta is also regularly recorded in suitable habitat

After lunch, return to Lusaka, ending an extraordinary journey through Zambia’s most rewarding birding regions.

Day 11: Lusaka for departure.
The final morning is spent at Lazy J Bird Sanctuary, widely regarded as Lusaka’s premier location for miombo woodland birding. This excellent site offers opportunities for a range of miombo specialists, including Miombo Tit, Black-eared Seedeater, Souza’s Shrike, Arnott’s Chat, Rufous-bellied Tit, African Spotted Creeper, Woodland Pipit, Böhm’s Bee-eater and Whyte’s Barbet, while Purple-crested Turaco, Crowned Hornbill and Pale-billed Hornbill are also regularly encountered.

After the morning birding session, transfer to Lusaka Airport according to flight schedules for onward departures.