Tour OverviewWith a bird list of almost 700 species and some of the most beautiful birding areas in the whole of southern Africa, Zimbabwe truly is a wonderful birding destination. Despite some political issues in the past, it remains a safe country to visit, blessed with a mild climate, great tourism infrastructure, superb tourist attractions and genuinely friendly locals.Birding habitats in the country vary greatly, and include miombo woodland on the central plateau, montane grassland in the east, lush forests, riparian woodland along its mighty rivers, rallid-rich wetlands, and grassland savannah. Although the country has no true endemic species, there are several special, near-endemic ones that are very difficult to see elsewhere.
Our fantastic 11 day birding tour focuses on the main birding attraction in Zimbabwe, the dramatically beautiful Eastern Highlands. This area consists of the Nyanga Mountains, Honde Valley and Bvumba Mountains, and is home to some of the most sought after specials in southern Africa. We also spend time in Harare, with several key locations to scout around the capital. Let’s go birding in “Zim”!
This birding trip should ideally be combined with a 5 day Mozambique extension or a 4 day Lower Zambezi Valley extension in the north of Zimbabwe. Please see the full itinerary for more details on these and other extensions.
Get more detail about what to expect on this tour: Go to full itinerary
Safari starts and ends in Harare
Tour duration: 11 days / 10 nights
Type of accommodation: Comfortable, mid-range
Next departure dates: February 2024
Private and small group, customised safaris can be booked on request for your preferred travel dates
Harare–
The “sunshine city” is not only the capital of the country, but also boasts top birding hotspots nearby, including several wetlands and miombo woodland area
Nyanga highlands-
Beautiful, rolling montane grassland habitat that boasts excellent birds along with unique mammals and flora; part of the globally important Eastern Zimbabwe Mountains EBA
Honde valley–
Adventure sports headquarters of the country, and also boasting 400 bird species, stunning tea plantations, evergreen forests and superb photographic opportunities
Bvumba highlands–
Mist-covered mountain wonderland of savannah woodland, sub-montane grasslands and evergreen forest; the altitudinal gradient guarantees top birds
Birding in one of Africa’s most beautiful countries, boasting a superb year-round climate, friendly locals, fantastic accommodation and excellent cuisine
Top Birds:
• Swynnerton’s Robin
• Red-faced Crimsonwing
• Chirinda Apalis
• Pallid Honeyguide
• Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon
• Lesser Seedcracker
• Silvery-cheeked Hornbill
• Singing and Short-winged Cisticola
• Red-winged Prinia
• Moustached Warbler
• Barratt’s and Roberts’s Warbler
• Boulder Chat
• Marsh Tchagra
• Blue Swallow
• Scarce and Mottled Swift
• Stripe-cheeked Bulbul
• Bronzy Sunbird
Top Mammals:
• Sable Antelope
• Blue and Common Duiker
• Blue Monkey
• African Palm Civet
• Red Bush Squirrel
• Thick-tailed Greater Galago
Optional Activities:
• Extensions to this tour (see full itinerary)
| ITINERARY OVERVIEW |
|---|
| Day 1 | Start of safari in Harare, birding around the capital |
|---|---|
| Day 2 | Harare, birding around the capital |
| Day 3 | Harare to Nyanga Highlands |
| Day 4 | Nyanga Highlands |
| Day 5 | Nyanga Highlands to Honde Valley |
| Day 6 & 7 | Honde Valley |
| Day 8 | Honde Valley to Bvumba Highlands |
| Day 9 & 10 | Bvumba Highlands |
| Day 11 | Bvumba Highlands to Harare 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@naturetravelbirding.com