Zambia
BirdingBirding
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Nestled in the heart of south-central Africa, Zambia is a land where ecological worlds collide and interlock, creating one of the continent’s most quietly extraordinary birding landscapes. From a biogeographic perspective, it sits at a fascinating junction between the Zambezian woodlands of southern Africa and the Congo Basin’s moist forest systems, producing a rich mosaic of habitats that feel both familiar and unexpectedly tropical. Mature miombo woodland—dominated by Brachystegia and Julbernardia—blankets vast expanses of the country, while ribbons of evergreen gallery forest and pockets of true “mushitu” forest punctuate the landscape, echoing the atmospheric, shadowed ecosystems more typical of the central Congo. Although Zambia boasts only a single true endemic bird, the range of near-endemics, regional specialties, and habitat-restricted species is exceptional, supported by a country-wide bird list exceeding 790 species. The miombo woodlands alone harbor a complex and often underappreciated avifauna, including localized specialists that are notoriously difficult elsewhere in their range, while the dense mushitu forests offer access to elusive Central African species at the southern edge of their distribution. This ecological overlap creates a birding experience of remarkable depth and contrast, where southern African woodland species blend seamlessly into Congo-tinged forest assemblages within a single journey.
Beyond its ornithological riches, Zambia is also defined by its sense of space, stability, and unhurried wilderness. Vast protected areas remain genuinely wild, with low human density allowing wildlife encounters that feel intimate yet unspoiled. Combined with warm hospitality, improving infrastructure, and a strong conservation ethos, the country offers an experience that is both accessible and deeply immersive. For birders, Zambia is not merely a destination for global listing, but a place where difficult, range-restricted species become attainable, and where the broader story of African biogeography can be experienced in a remarkably tangible way. Our itinerary is 100% unique; no other major bird tour company attempts to access the range of locations and species we seek on this trip, including ‘Zambian’ Papyrus Yellow Warbler, Katanga and Tanzanian Masked-Weavers and the full array of miombo specialties, right when the early-season rains begin to make eastern Zambia a mecca for ephemeral waterbirds like Lesser Moorhen, Allen’s Gallinule and perhaps some rarer rallids or flufftails? With Tropical Birding guides being the co-authors of Birds of Greater Southern Africa and Habitats of Africa, you are with the best people on Earth to showcase this under-rated part of the continent. In the detailed itinerary we use official habitat names according to the Habitats of Africa book and their Habitats of the World (HotW) codes if you wish to read more about these environments.
Price
To Be Announced
Length
12 days
Physical Difficulty
Easy to moderate
Pace
Moderate to intense
Focus
Birding
Group size
8 + 1 leader
Dates: TBA
Price: TBA (2026 price: $5990; single supplement: $590)
For a fabulous, longer tour of South Central Africa, the 2028 tour will link up with Malawi.
Starting City
Lusaka
Ending City
Lusaka
Having gathered in the bustling capital of Lusaka, one of the continent’s fastest developing cities situated on a limestone plateau at 1,280 meters above sea level, we depart northward on our morning connecting flight to the town of Mansa. After our brief 1.5 hour flight, we will have our first introduction to the country’s breathtaking scenery as we travel by road to the town of Nchelenge, dedicating time en-route to search for “Zambian” Papyrus Yellow-Warbler and Katanga Masked-Weaver. We will overnight in Nchelenge.
Enjoying your first official Zambian dawn in the bush, the glistening reflections of Lake Mweru bring with it a tangible sense of excitement at what in store for our tour. This 131km2 freshwater lake forms the border between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia and is one of the continent’s great Rift Valley Lakes. Here we explore the network of papyrus in the hope of connecting with White-winged Swamp Warbler, Slender-billed Weaver, “Zambian” Papyrus Yellow-Warbler , Swamp Flycatcher and Marsh Tchagra. We will have a brief stop at Ntumbachusi Falls to search for Rock Pratincole, which perch atop the boulder strewn rapids in the mist of the falls themselves. A single night will be spent in Kasama.
A productive morning lies in wait at Uningi Pans, one of eastern Zambia’s most productive important bird and biodiversity areas. Home to an abundance of waterbirds, the site consists of two large pans separated by a strip of land, creating the ideal habitat for the likes of White-backed Duck, African and Lesser Jacana, and African Pygmy Goose to go about their daily antics, whilst the woodland-dominated fringes play host to Oustalet's Sunbird, Black-backed Barbet and Olive Woodpecker. We will enjoy one final stop for the day at Kalambo Falls to enjoy one of our first tasters of Zambia’s famed miombo birding, as well as witness good numbers of Mottled Swift screaming in the skies above our heads. The night will be spent in Mbala.
Departing Mbala at sunrise, we will head directly to Saise in the hopes of connecting with Tanzania Masked Weaver, Bare-faced Go-away-bird and Spot-flanked Barbet. We will then continue en route to the famed Kapishya Hot Springs; a series of naturally occurring hot springs which comprise the approximate total of 80 across the country. Here, the term “relaxed birding” is given context, and we’ll enjoy some well needed rest after a long day spent in transit. Relaxation does come with a view, and the likes of Green-headed Sunbird, White-tailed Crested Flycatcher, Ross’s Turaco, African Finfoot, and Bocage's Akalat are all present around the vicinity of the springs. A night will be spent in Chinsali.
We will make use of our time around Kapishya, enjoying a breathtaking dawn chorus followed by a wonderful and wholesome breakfast to help prime ourselves for the further exhilarating birding that lies ahead. For those not yet eager to say goodbye to the hot springs, a brief and final swim can be enjoyed before we ready ourselves to hit the road and make our way to our morning stop at the nearby Shiwa Ngandu. The gardens around this elaborate 1920’s English manor house are not too dissimilar from those around Kapishya, and it is here where we hope to enjoy the likes of Black-backed Barbet, Evergreen-forest Warbler, Bocage’s Akalat and Laura’s Woodland-Warbler. Having maximised our time in the vicinity of the manor, we will begin the trip to Mutinondo, intermittently stopping along the way to do some roadside birding and exploring the numerous wetlands and dambos for any waterbirds and any sign of the inconspicuous ‘Black-chinned’ Africa Quailfinch; a bird often found frequenting the adjacent grasslands. We will welcome the start of a three-night stay at a lodge near Mpika.
Many birders will agree that Mutinondo is one of the most scenically beautiful places in Zambia, if not all of Africa. Its singular landscape is dominated by towering granite inselbergs that preside over a picturesque arena of clear streams and lush woodlands. Some may even say that it is something otherworldly, evoking a feeling of raw, untamed wilderness that harkens back to the days of Livingstone and Stanley. Despite its remote setting, the lodge here is comfortable. The food is excellent, and a fully stocked bar in a scenic spot stands ready to meet all of our sundowner needs. In addition to its great scenic value, Mutinondo is a superb birding venue. Reichard’s Seedeater is common, as are a variety of sunbirds. Our biggest avian target is Bar-winged Weaver, a tricky and strange nuthatch-like weaver. The miombo here holds the full range of specialty species including Steirling’s Wren-Warbler, and Anchieta’s Sunbird, Anchieta’s, Whyte’s, Black-backed, and Miombo Barbets. If we are lucky, the seasonal swampy marshes (dambos) will be wet and will give us a chance at a variety of difficult species including flufftails, Black-rumped Buttonquail, and the diminutive Locustfinch.
Today we will have an entire day devoted to exploring the avian specialities that Mutinondo plays host to. Whilst enjoying the stunning scenery, we’ll use our time productively in an attempt to connect with any species we may have had difficulty locating the day earlier, whilst also devoting time to searching for the inconspicuous yet dapper Chestnut-headed Flufftail, the cryptically plumed Whyte’s Francolin, vibrantly coloured Anchieta’s Sunbirds, and further attempts at the unmistakable Bar-winged Weaver. Of course, with another day spent birding here, comes further incredible culinary perfection and breathtaking sundowners as enjoyed the day before.
Whilst enjoying breakfast and some final birding around our accommodation, we bid farewell to Mutinondo and begin the journey to the famed Fika Lodge, which will not only be our accommodation for the evening, but also yet another exceptional miombo birding experience. Although situated alongside one of the major roadways, the lodge itself is surrounded by almost 160 hectares of protected miombo. These pristine, untamed woodlands will present our group with an opportunity at connecting with the likes of Miombo Barbet, Miombo Scrub-Robin, African Spotted Creeper, Souza’s Shrike, and Bar-winged Weaver, whilst our ears will remain attuned for the distinct trilling vocalisations of the highly sought-after Black-necked Eremomela. We will overnight at Fika Lodge.
Having spent the morning continuing our exploration of the pristine miombo woodlands around Fika Lodge, we will depart for the town of Chisamba, which is located north-east of Lusaka. It is here where we will spend our time targeting the country’s only endemic species and a sure highlight of our tour: Chaplin’s Barbet. This striking, charismatic lover of Sycamore Figs Trees is restricted to the country’s south- central woodlands and can often be found congregating around fruiting trees in pairs or small groups. Given that a large portion of this species’ range does not fall within protected areas, there has been a noticeable decline in their population over the past couple of years, which has now warranted them being afforded “vulnerable” status. The night will be spent in a lodge at Chisamba.
Maximising our opportunities at spending time with Chaplin’s Barbet, we will depart for Lower Zambezi after a morning spent birding around Chisamba. The journey to Lower Zambezi will be a lengthy one, but well worth the reward. General roadside birding will be enjoyed en route, but the hot topic of discussion will no doubt be centered around the target bird for the tour’s final days. The next two nights will be spent at a river lodge.
Rustic, raw, untamed Africa. The perfect idyllic setting for one of the continent’s most highly sought after species – the near mythical African Pitta. An early start is imperative as it will maximise our chances of encountering this poorly understood avian gem, which migrates large distances across tropical Africa and has even been known to appear in parking lots and other bizarre locations! The riparian woodland of the Zambezi valley is one of the few reliable places where this species is known to breed annually during a short window between December and January. We will need to be in position as early as possible, listening for the male’s strange “buuuuurrruuup” display call, which we’ll then chase down until we clamp our eyes onto this multi-coloured jewel. Other species we may encounter over the duration of our pitta quest include African Broadbill, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Livingstone’s Flycatcher, Bat-like and Mottled Spinetails, and Eastern Nicator.
Our final morning will be spent devoting any necessary additional time that may be needed in ensuring the group’s best chances at success in connecting with the elusive African Pitta. Thereafter, we will begin our journey back to the capital of Lusaka where we will share one final dinner before the conclusion of the tour. Departures should be planned for this night or the next day.
Day 1: Lusaka to Nchelenge (Via Mansa)
We gather in the bustling capital of Lusaka, one of the continent’s fastest-developing cities situated on a limestone plateau at 4200 ft. (1,280 m) above sea level. After the group is assembled, we head north on a short domestic flight to the town of Mansa. After landing, we will have our first introduction to the country’s breathtaking scenery as we travel by road to the town of Nchelenge, dedicating time en-route to search for “Zambian” Papyrus Yellow-Warbler and Katanga Masked-Weaver. We will overnight in Nchelenge.
Day 2: Nchelenge to Kasama
Enjoying your first official Zambian dawn in the bush, the glistening reflections of Lake Mweru bring a tangible sense of excitement at what is in store for our tour. This 131 km2 freshwater lake forms the border between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia and is one of the continent’s Great Rift Valley lakes. Here we use a small hald paddled canoe to explore vast expanses of papyrus in search of White-winged Swamp-Warbler, Slender-billed Weaver, “Zambian” Papyrus Yellow-Warbler, Swamp Flycatcher, and Marsh Tchagra. We will have a brief stop at Ntumbachusi Falls to look for Rock Pratincole, which perch atop the boulder-strewn rapids in the mist of the falls. A single night will be spent in Kasama.
Day 3: Kasama to Mbala
A productive morning lies in wait at Uningi Pans, one of eastern Zambia’s most productive biodiversity areas. Home to an abundance of waterbirds, the site consists of two large pans separated by a strip of land, creating the ideal habitat for the likes of White-backed Duck, African and Lesser Jacanas, and African Pygmy-Goose. If we are very lucky, we might encounter Eurasian Bittern, which has been increasingly recorded here, or perhaps even Great Snipe. The wooded fringes play host to Oustalet’s Sunbird, Black-backed Barbet, and Olive Woodpecker. We will enjoy one final stop for the day at Kalambo Falls to enjoy one of our first samples of Zambia’s famed miombo birding, as well as to witness good numbers of Mottled Swift screaming in the skies above our heads. Two nights will be spent in Mbala.
Day 4: Tanzanian fringes and Saise
Departing Mbala at sunrise, we will head to the Saise River drainage in the hopes of connecting with our main target: Tanzanian Masked- Weaver. The terrestrial thicket vegetation en-route though also holds some seldom-seen birds in Zambia like Bare-faced Go-away-bird, and Spot-flanked Barbet. The Tanzanian borderlands are some of the least ‘birded’ parts of Zambia, and many visits reveal something new that we did not know about Zambian ornithology. It’s an exciting part of the country to spend a little time in, and if we are lucky, we may be adding species to the Zambian list. We return to Mbala for another night.
Day 5: Mbala to Kapishya
Departing Mbala at sunrise, we return to Uningi pans, or another location nearby, and when the birding dies down will then continue to the famed Kapishya Hot Springs; a series of naturally occurring hot springs. Here, the term “relaxed birding” is given context, and we’ll enjoy some well-needed rest after a long day spent in transit! This is a stunning location, and relaxation does come with a view, and the likes of garden birds like Green-headed Sunbird, White-tailed Crested-Flycatcher, Ross’s Turaco, African Finfoot, and Bocage’s Akalat are all present around the vicinity of the springs. A night will be spent at Kapishya Lodge.
Day 6: Kapishya to Mutinondo (via Shiwa Ngandu)
We will make use of our time around Kapishya, enjoying a lively dawn chorus followed by a hearty breakfast. For those not yet eager to say goodbye to the hot springs, a brief and final swim can be enjoyed before we ready ourselves to hit the road and make our way to the nearby Shiwa Ngandu. The gardens around this elaborate 1920’s English manor house are not too dissimilar from those around Kapishya, and depending on what we still need to see, we hope to enjoy the likes of Black-backed Barbet, Evergreen-forest Warbler, Bocage’s Akalat, and Laura’s Woodland-Warbler. Later, begin the journey to Mutinondo, stopping periodically along the way to do some roadside birding and explore the numerous wetlands and dambos for any waterbirds and any sign of the inconspicuous “Black-chinned” African Quailfinch. After a fast-paced start of the tour, a three-night stay at the serene but rustic hinterlands of Mutinondo will be welcome.
Days 7–8: Mutinondo Wilderness
Many birders will agree that Mutinondo is one of the most scenically beautiful places in Zambia, if not all of Africa. Its singular landscape is dominated by towering granite inselbergs that preside over an arena of clear streams and lush woodlands. Some may even say that it is something otherworldly, evoking a feeling of raw, untamed wilderness that harkens back to the days of Livingstone and Stanley. Despite its remote setting, the lodge here is rustic but comfortable. The food is excellent, and a fully stocked bar in a scenic spot stands ready to meet all our sundowner needs. In addition to its great scenic value, Mutinondo is a superb birding venue. Reichard’s Seedeater is common, as are a variety of sunbirds. Our biggest avian targets are Bar-winged Weaver, a tricky and strange nuthatch-like weaver, and Whyte’s Francolin, a cryptic bird often more easily heard than seen. The miombo here holds the full range of specialty species including Anchieta’s, Whyte’s, Black-backed, and Miombo Barbets (we’d be exceptionally lucky to see more than two of them), Steirling’s Wren-Warbler, and Anchieta’s Sunbird. If we are lucky, the seasonal swampy marshes (dambos) will be wet and will have a chance at a variety of difficult species including flufftails, Blue Quail, Black-rumped Buttonquail, and the diminutive Locustfinch.
Day 9: Mutinondo to Fika Lodge
After breakfast and maybe a little more birding, we bid farewell to Mutinondo and begin the journey to the famed Fika Lodge, which will not only be our accommodation for the evening, but provide yet another exceptional miombo birding experience. Although situated alongside one of the major roadways, the lodge is surrounded by almost 160 hectares of protected miombo. These pristine woodlands hold the likes of Miombo Barbet, Miombo Scrub-Robin, African Spotted Creeper, Souza’s Shrike, and Bar-winged Weaver. Our ears will remain attuned for the distinct trilling vocalizations of the highly sought-after Black-necked Eremomela. We will overnight at Fika Lodge.
Day 10: Fika Lodge to Chisamba
Having spent the morning continuing our exploration of the miombo woodlands in the Fika zone, we will depart for the town of Chisamba, which is located north-east of Lusaka. Here we target the country’s only endemic species and a sure highlight of our tour: Chaplin’s Barbet. This striking, charismatic lover of Sycamore Fig trees is restricted to the country’s south-central woodlands and can often be found in pairs or small groups. Given that a large portion of this species’ range does not fall within protected areas, there has been a noticeable decline in their population over the past couple of years, and they are now given “Vulnerable” status. Two nights will be spent in a lodge at Chisamba.
Day 11: Chisamba
The Chisamba area is varied, and we have opportunities to focus on different habitats. The wetlands at Huntley Farm, and the vulture roost are highlights, and here we hope to pick up Lesser Moorhen, Allen’s Gallinule and if we are lucky, maybe an early Striped Crake or even one of the migrant flufftails in the surrounding flooded grasslands. There are several terrestrial birds to be seen here, but two rare (and unpredictable) targets will pique our attention. The Green Indigobird – best told by its mimicking of Red-throated Twinspot host – and very ephemeral nomadic Shelley’s Sunbird will be sought amongst the great variety of other savanna birds we will see today. A second night will be spent in a lodge at Chisamba.
Day 12: Chisamba to Lower Zambezi
After maximizing our opportunities in the Chisamba area, we will depart for Lower Zambezi. The journey will be a lengthy one, but well worth it. General roadside birding will be enjoyed en route, but the hot topic of discussion will no doubt be centered around the target bird for the tour’s final days. The next two nights will be spent at a river lodge.
Day 13: Lower Zambezi
Raw, untamed Africa. The perfect setting for one of the continent’s most highly sought after species – the near mythical African Pitta. An early start is imperative as it will maximize our chances of encountering this poorly understood avian gem, which migrates large distances across tropical Africa and has even been known to appear in parking lots and other bizarre locations! The riparian woodland of the Zambezi valley is one of the few reliable places where this species is known to breed annually during a short window between December and January. We will be listening for the male’s strange “buuuuurrruuup” display call, which we’ll then pursue until we clamp our eyes onto this multi-colored jewel. Other species we may encounter during our pitta quest include African Broadbill, Livingstone’s Flycatcher, Bat-like and Mottled Spinetails, and Eastern Nicator.
Day 14: Lower Zambezi to Lusaka
If necessary, we’ll spend our last morning making a final attempt at African Pitta. Thereafter, we will begin our journey back to the capital of Lusaka where we will share one final dinner before the conclusion of the tour. Departures should be planned for this night or the next day.
PACE: Moderate to intense. Zambia is a large country, and this tour is designed in such a way as to maximize birding time and covering large distances. This entails several long drives, with the longest being 7 hours on day 4 and there are drives of 3–5 hours on at least 6 days. Zambian roads vary from being good to poor, and driving can be fatiguing.
PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: Easy to moderate, mostly flat walks on easy tracks and trails. You will need to be able to walk on average 2–4 miles (3–6 km) per day with relative ease. Any walking will be done at a leisurely pace and matched to a speed comfortable for the entire group. We will of course be actively birding in Africa, which brings the possibility of having to walk on sand/rocky surfaces, which may be uneven at times. Flooded dambos are wet and lumpy, and wet feet are a possibility if you do not have rubber boots.
CLIMATE: Warm to hot. South-Central Africa is known for its hot climate during the summer months, and while humidity may not be as intense as one would experience in the rainforests of the tropics, it will remain a consistent 60–70%. Temperatures are expected to peak during midday and early afternoon, averaging between 86–95°F (30–35 °C), the Zambezi Valley being a lot hotter than sites on the plateau. In typical African fashion, there remains a daily possibility of rapidly developing afternoon thunderstorms; although most times short-lived, it is always best to make minor provisions for such unexpected downpours.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: For most citizens of western countries (e.g. USA, UK, Australia, Canada) there are no special requirements necessary to visit Zambia, other than having a valid passport with 2 blank pages and an expiration date of the passport of more than 6 months beyond your visit. But please check with the Zambian consulate 4-6 weeks before travel what the requirements are for your nationality.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?: Accommodation from the night of day 1 to the night day 13; meals from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 14; reasonable non-alcoholic drinks at meals; safe drinking water throughout; one way flight between Lusaka and Mansa; Tropical Birding tour leader with scope and audio playback gear from the morning of day 1 to the evening of day 14; ground transport for the group in a suitable vehicle from the morning of day 1 to the afternoon of day 14; airport transfers on day 1 and day 14; tips (except those for hotel porters if used or the Tropical Birding guide); entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the itinerary; a printed and bound checklist to keep track of your sightings (given to you at the start of the tour – only electronic copies can be provided in advance).
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?: Optional tips for the Tropical Birding guide and any hotel porters used; international flights; snacks; additional drinks apart from those included; alcoholic beverages; travel insurance; excursions not included in the tour itinerary; extras in hotels such as laundry service, minibar, room service, telephone calls, and personal items; medical fees; other items or services not specifically mentioned as being included.
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