Discover Zambia’s extraordinary birdlife across the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi, where more than 750 species thrive year-round. From iconic African fish eagles and carmine bee-eaters to African skimmers and Pel’s fishing owls, explore exceptional birding by boat, vehicle, on foot, or even from the comfort of camp.
Birding in the Lower Zambezi
The Lower Zambezi National Park is home to more than 370 recorded bird species. As waters settle in April and May, floodplains remain lively with species such as African jacana and white-fronted bee-eater. The cool, dry months of June and July reveal exposed sandbanks where African skimmers, Goliath herons, and white-crowned lapwings gather. By August and September, the river draws in specialised species such as nesting southern carmine bee-eaters. As heat builds into October and mid-November, the first summer migrants return, woodland kingfishers call, and European rollers bring colour as the season turns toward the rains.
Birding in the South Luangwa
Open year-round and home to over 400 recorded bird species, the South Luangwa is a birder’s paradise. Birdlife shifts gently with the seasons, and no matter what time you come, it remains consistently rich. From November to April, the green season brings breeding activity, vibrant plumage, and summer migrants such as European bee-eaters, woodland kingfishers, and cuckoos, drawn by abundant insect life. As waters begin to recede in May and June, lagoons and riverbanks attract storks, herons, and waders in excellent numbers. Between July and October, the dry season concentrates birds along the Luangwa River, where southern carmine bee-eaters nest in riverbanks from August to October and raptors are often seen riding warm thermals overhead. At any time of year, whether on foot, by vehicle, or from camp, the South Luangwa offers layered, rewarding birding with constant movement, colour, and song.
