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Birdwatching in Zimbabwe
Birdwatching in Zimbabwe
Birdwatching in Zimbabwe
Birdwatching in Zimbabwe
Birdwatching in Zimbabwe
Birdwatching in Zimbabwe
Birdwatching in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe birdwatching

The best camps and lodges for birdwatching in Zimbabwe

Whilst Zimbabwe doesn't have any endemics, it's still great for bird watching. A Zimbabwe holiday which focuses on birdwatching would be best during the rains (Oct - March) - as then food is plentiful, migrants are around and many species are in breeding plumage. Specialities include the rare Angola pitta (or 'African Pitta') and the Taita Falcon.

There have been over 650 bird species recorded in Zimbabwe, and eight of the ten families endemic to the African mainland are represented here.

Some key destinations for birdwatching in Zimbabwe include the dry Kalahari environment of Hwange National Park, the lush rainforests localised in the tiny Victoria Falls National Park, and the rocky shores of Lake Kariba. Meanwhile Mana Pools National Park may be renowned for its walking safaris, but it's well worth a visit for its birdlife which varies from massive goliath herons to the tiny, iridescent Shelley's sunbird.

Vundu Camp

Knowledgeable guides and a stunning location within deep, shady riparian forest beside the Zambezi River make Vundu Camp a great spot for birdwatching in Zimbabwe. Come here to see bee-eater colonies, kingfishers and plenty of raptors.

Camp Hwange

Hwange National Park offers a good range of habitats which attracts a large number of resident and migratory birds. With some of the best guides in the park Camp Hwange is an excellent option for your birdwatching safari in Zimbabwe.


Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge

A variety of environments including three major rivers, the Chilojo cliffs and a network of water pans allows Gonarezhou National Park support a rich variety of birdlife making Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge a fantastic option for birdwatching in Zimbabwe.

Little Vundu

A stunning location on the banks of the Zambezi River and some of Mana pools best guides make Little Vundu a great spot for birdwatching in Zimbabwe. Highlights include bee-eater colonies, kingfishers and plenty of raptors.


Camp Hwange

Hwange National Park offers a good range of habitats which attracts a large number of resident and migratory birds. With some of the best guides in the park Camp Hwange is an excellent option for your birdwatching safari in Zimbabwe.


Camp Hwange

Hwange National Park offers a good range of habitats which attracts a large number of resident and migratory birds. With some of the best guides in the park Camp Hwange is an excellent option for your birdwatching safari in Zimbabwe.


Kwara Camp

The environment at Kwara Camp is incredibly diverse resulting in superb birdwatching. Seasonal floodplains and wooded islands surround camp while papyrus-lined waterways, lagoons, mopane woodland and scrub savannah are all easily accessible.


Ongava Lodge

Visitors at Ongava Lodge benefit from the prolific birdlife on the Ongava Reserve and neighbouring Etosha National Park. Over 340 species have been recorded, including local specials: Namaqua sandgrouse, double-banded courser and yellow-bellied eremomela.

Nxamaseri Lodge

Relatively near the Okavango's main channel, Nxamaseri Lodge makes an excellent choice for a birdwatching holiday in the Okavango Delta, with a deep-water lagoon environment.

Mushara Outpost

Most visitors to Etosha National Park are drawn by the chance to see Namibia's lager wildlife. However, guided 4WD safaris into the park combined with a small hide at the lodge make Mushara Outpost a good pick for a birding trip to Namibia too.

Cornerstone Guesthouse

Although Cornerstone is a town B&B it is a great stop on a self-drive, birdwatching tour of Namibia. Walvis Bay Lagoon with its plentiful waterfowl is just a short drive away while Swakopmund itself is a perfect base for a guided birdwatching tour.

Shametu Lodge

The Mahango Core Area’s varied habitats support the largest variety of avian species in Namibia, making it a perfect place for birdwatching. While Shametu River Lodge isn't the closest camp to Mahango, it is one of our favourites in this area.

Kazile Island Lodge

Deep in Namibia's Bwabwata National Park, Kazile Island Lodge sits on a private island in the Kwando River: a must for birders. Scan the surrounding wetland or the towering mangosteen trees from the comfort of your room, or explore on a guided walk, drive or boat trip.


Mushara Outpost

Most visitors to Etosha National Park are drawn by the chance to see Namibia's lager wildlife. However, guided 4WD safaris into the park combined with a small hide at the lodge make Mushara Outpost a good pick for a birding trip to Namibia too.

Jackalberry Camp

Deep within the remote Nkasa Rupara National Park, close to the Linyanti River, Jackalberry Tented Camp is a great location for birdwatching in Namibia. A variety of activities allow guests to explore the park’s varied habitats in search of avifauna.

Okonjima Plains Camp

Okonjima boasts birdlife typical of Namibia's Central Highlands. The guided or self-guided walks pass by a variety of watering points, including dams, lakes and even bird-baths – making a lovely addition to a Namibian birdwatching break.

Nxamaseri Lodge

Relatively near the Okavango's main channel, Nxamaseri Lodge makes an excellent choice for a birdwatching holiday in the Okavango Delta, with a deep-water lagoon environment.


Nxamaseri Lodge

Relatively near the Okavango's main channel, Nxamaseri Lodge makes an excellent choice for a birdwatching holiday in the Okavango Delta, with a deep-water lagoon environment.

Nkasa Lupala

Namibia's largest wetland area with conservation status, Nkasa Rupara National Park boasts more species of bird than anywhere else in the country. Nkasa Lupala is ideally located for birdwatching be it on foot, by vehicle or by boat.


Savute Under Canvas

The Savuti Marshes are renowned for birdlife densities, particularly from mid-December to March, when flocks of yellow-billed storks, African spoonbills and pink-backed pelicans make this a great time for birdwatching in Botswana.


Kwara Camp

The environment at Kwara Camp is incredibly diverse resulting in superb birdwatching. Seasonal floodplains and wooded islands surround camp while papyrus-lined waterways, lagoons, mopane woodland and scrub savannah are all easily accessible.

Birdwatching elsewhere in Africa

Our top ideas and inspiration for Birdwatching in other countries.


Birdwatching in Botswana

Botswana

Much of northern Botswana consists of vast tracts of untouched wilderness with plenty of wildlife...

Birdwatching in Kenya

Kenya

Kenya is a prime destination for a birdwatching holiday at any time of year. Tremendous geographical ...

Birdwatching in Malawi

Malawi

Malawi has a number of species which are rare in the rest of Southern Africa, and birdwatching ...

Birdwatching in Mozambique

Mozambique

Mozambique stretches over 2000km from north to south. It is a lush and varied country, and birding ...

Birdwatching in Namibia

Namibia

The best time for bird watching in Namibia is during the rains - typically between around November ...

Birdwatching in Rwanda

Rwanda

Birdwatching in Rwanda is somewhat overlooked in favour of gorilla-trekking trips. However, birdlife ...

Birdwatching in Seychelles

Seychelles

The Seychelles is a disparate group of islands - some granitic; some coralline - scattered around ...

Birdwatching in South Africa

South Africa

South Africa has the highest number of endemic bird species in mainland Africa. Birding in the ...

Birdwatching in Tanzania

Tanzania

With a range of endemic bird species, Tanzania is a great location for a birdwatching holiday. ...

Birdwatching in Zambia

Zambia

Birdwatching in Zambia will reveal a mix of south, east and even central African birds. Birdlife ...

Where to see wildlife species in Africa

Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite African animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.


Lion

Lion

Panthera leo

Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.

82% SUCCESS

2,934 sightings from 3,600 observations

Where to see lion in Africa

Leopard

Leopard

Panthera pardus

The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.

47% SUCCESS

1,875 sightings from 3,986 observations

Where to see leopard in Africa

Cheetah

Cheetah

Acinonyx jubatus

The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.

33% SUCCESS

1,008 sightings from 3,047 observations

Where to see cheetah in Africa

Wild dog

Wild dog

Lycaon pictus

African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.

31% SUCCESS

840 sightings from 2,672 observations

Where to see wild dog in Africa

Elephant

Elephant

Loxodonta africana

By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.

91% SUCCESS

3,504 sightings from 3,850 observations

Where to see elephant in Africa

White Rhino

White Rhino

Ceratotherium simum

The white rhino is the largest and most numerous of the world’s five rhinoceros species. They are larger, easier to see and generally more approachable than the black rhino.

44% SUCCESS

476 sightings from 1,083 observations

Where to see white rhino in Africa

Spotted Hyena

Spotted Hyena

Crocuta crocuta

The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.

55% SUCCESS

2,098 sightings from 3,799 observations

Where to see spotted hyena in Africa

Black Rhino

Black Rhino

Diceros bicornis

The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.

31% SUCCESS

607 sightings from 1,963 observations

Where to see black rhino in Africa

Buffalo

Buffalo

Syncerus caffer

One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.

83% SUCCESS

2,472 sightings from 2,982 observations

Where to see buffalo in Africa

Eland

Eland

Taurotragus oryx

Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.

49% SUCCESS

1,405 sightings from 2,877 observations

Where to see eland in Africa

Giraffe

Giraffe

Giraffa camelopardalis

The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.

86% SUCCESS

3,374 sightings from 3,911 observations

Where to see giraffe in Africa

Hippo

Hippo

Hippopotamus amphibius

The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.

89% SUCCESS

2,562 sightings from 2,875 observations

Where to see hippo in Africa

Oryx

Oryx

Oryx sp.

Oryx are impressive antelopes, with a powerful physique and elegant markings set off by rapier-like horns. They cut a distinctive dash in some of Africa’s harshest landscapes.

70% SUCCESS

1,272 sightings from 1,823 observations

Where to see oryx in Africa

Roan antelope

Roan antelope

Hippotragus equinus

Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings, roan are wary of people, but renowned for their bravery against predators.

23% SUCCESS

457 sightings from 1,958 observations

Where to see roan antelope in Africa

Sable antelope

Sable antelope

Hippotragus niger

Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.

22% SUCCESS

436 sightings from 1,952 observations

Where to see sable antelope in Africa

Wildebeest

Wildebeest

Connochaetes sp.

Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.

68% SUCCESS

2,383 sightings from 3,524 observations

Where to see wildebeest in Africa

Zebra

Zebra

Equus sp.

The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.

84% SUCCESS

3,684 sightings from 4,366 observations

Where to see zebra in Africa

Aardvark

Aardvark

Orycteropus afer

The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.

2% SUCCESS

67 sightings from 3,205 observations

Where to see aardvark in Africa

Pangolin

Pangolin

Smutsia sp.

Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.

2% SUCCESS

52 sightings from 3,201 observations

Where to see pangolin in Africa

Brown Hyena

Brown Hyena

Parahyaena brunnea

This largely solitary scavenger is one of the more elusive and little-known of Africa’s carnivores. Shaggier than its spotted cousin, it occurs only in the arid southwest of the continent.

17% SUCCESS

239 sightings from 1,448 observations

Where to see brown hyena in Africa

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