Angola 
Botswana 
Namibia 
Zambia 
Zimbabwe 
Discover Africa's Ultimate Birding Adventure: The Great Kavango Zambezi Birding Route
Are you ready to explore one of Africa’s most spectacular birding destinations? The Great Kavango Zambezi Birding Route (GKZBR) offers an extraordinary opportunity to discover incredible bird species across five countries while experiencing the raw beauty of southern Africa’s wilderness.
A Region of Riches for Birdwatchers
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- South Kafue centred on Ngoma headquarters
- Central Kafue centred on Chunga headquarters
- Northern sector of Kafue National Park to the north of the M9
Kafue National Park is a prime birding destination, boasting over 490 bird species. Its diverse habitats, ranging from wetlands to savannahs, offer opportunities to spot rare and notable birds like the African Finfoot and Pel's Fishing Owl. The park is particularly known for its winter birding (May to September) with crisp mornings and abundant wildlife activity.
More about this region- Sioma Ngwezi National Park (IBA)
- Area along the Zambezi River including Ngonye Falls National Park
- Southern tip of Barotse Floodplain IBA
- Lower West Zambezi GMA
Sioma Ngwezi, Zambia's third-largest park, boasts over 300 bird species, including African fish eagles, hornbills, and kingfishers. Ngonye Falls is known for its stunning scenery and also provides habitat for diverse birdlife, including potentially Pel's Fishing Owl and Schalow's Turaco.
More about this region- Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and Batoka Gorge IBA
- Livingstone; Katombora Rapids area
- Southern Zambia Endemic Bird Area including Machile IBA
- Simungoma IBA
Primarily known for the Black-cheeked Lovebird, which is endemic to Zambia and found in Mopane woodland habitats, particularly in valleys in the south and along the Zambezi River. Other notable bird species in this area include the Zambian Barbet (Chaplin's Barbet), Pennant-winged Nightjar, Heuglin's Courser, Schalow's Turaco, and Racket-tailed Roller.
More about this region- Devil's Gorge Conservancy
- Lake Kariba
- Chizarira National Park
- Matusadona National Park
The area offers diverse habitats, from the shores of Lake Kariba to the mountainous terrain of Matusadona, attracting a wide variety of birdlife. Birding is good year-round, but the nesting season (November to April) is particularly vibrant with resident and migratory birds arriving.
More about this region- Nyae Nyae (Tsumkwe) Pans System IBA and Khaudum National Park
- Mahangu Core Area and Kavango River IBA
Mahangu is part of Bwabwata National Park bordering Botswana and includes the flood plains of the Kavango River and Popa Falls. With over 300 species of birds, the area is designated as 'important' by BirdLife International.
By contrast, the Tsumkwe / Khaudum region consists of Kalahari Sandveld (semi-desert). During the months between November and March, there are over 320 species of birds nesting and migrating through the park area.
More about this region- Namibia Wetlands Route (Kwando River, Mudumu National Park, Nkasa Rupara National Park, Katima Mulilo, Zambezi River and associated floodplains, Ngoma bridge area along the Chobe River, Chobe River front/floodplain, and Impalila Island area)
The Zambezi Region is a premier birding destination in Africa, boasting a wide array of birdlife due to its unique wetlands, rivers, and floodplains. With over 450 bird species recorded, it attracts birdwatchers seeking both common and rare species.
More about this region- Chobe River/Floodplain – Chobe National Park
- Chobe River/Floodplain
- Ngoma Bridge area
- Chobe National Park – Savuti Marsh
- Linyanti Swamps/Chobe River IBA
This is Botswana's premier destination for birding, boasting over 400 bird species. The reserve's diverse habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, and mopane bushveld, support a wide array of avian life, particularly during the green season (November to April) when migratory birds arrive. The area attracts a wide variety of species, including raptors, waterfowl, and colourful songbirds.
More about this region- Zambezi River
- Zambezi National Park
- Victoria Falls
This circuit incorporates the Victoria Falls and Zambezi National Parks, with diverse habitats. The river front itself, the Rainforest, the drier Zambezi NP and the Kazungula swamps in the far western corner. The area offers excellent birding opportunities, with over 400 species recorded in the area. The Zambezi River, in particular, is a hotspot for diverse birdlife, including rare species like the African Finfoot, Pel's Fishing-owl, and Rock Pratincole. The best time for birding is during the summer months (November to April), when resident birds display their breeding plumage and migratory birds are present.
More about this regionThe Okavango Delta in Botswana is a world-renowned birding destination, boasting a wide array of species, including numerous waterbirds, raptors, and rare birds like the Pel's Fishing Owl and Wattled Crane. The best time for birding is during the rainy season (November to April), particularly April, when migratory birds arrive and the landscape is lush.
- Khwai Community Concession
- Moremi Game Reserve
- Panhandle
This broad sweep of habitats -- open agricultural plains, quiet mopane and teak forests, secluded pans, and river-influenced valleys -- supports an impressive diversity of species. Unique Kalahari birdlife including the Kalahari Scrub Robin, Violet-eared Waxbill, and Fawn-coloured Lark, as well as raptors and seasonal waterbirds.
- Pandamatenga
- Nogatsaa / Tchinga
- Lesoma Valley
- Hwange Main Camp and the buffer areas of Hwange including Sikumi Forestry Areas
- Ngamo Plains and Sinamatella area
- Kazuma Pans National Park
Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe is a fantastic destination for bird watching, boasting a wide variety of species. While the park is renowned for its large mammals, including the Big Five, it also offers a rich avian diversity.
More about this region- Thamalakane River
- Makgadikgadi Pans IBA
- Nxai Pan National Park
- Nata Bird Sanctuary
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is an excellent birding destination, particularly during the wet season (November to April) when the pans fill with water. This attracts large flocks of flamingos and pelicans, making it a prime location for birdwatching. The park is known for its seasonal flamingo breeding colonies and diverse birdlife.
More about this region
What Makes This Birding Route Special?
The GKZBR spans across the magnificent Kavango Zambezi Trans Frontier Conservation Area – a vast wilderness that crosses Namibia, Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Angola. This isn’t just any birding route; it’s a carefully crafted network of prime birding locations, expert guides, and bird-friendly accommodations designed to give you the ultimate African birding experience.
Why Choose the GKZBR?
- Escape the Crowds: Discover hidden birding gems away from the typical tourist hotspots
- Year-Round Birding: Experience incredible species diversity regardless of when you visit
- Expert Local Guides: Learn from specially trained guides who know every call, habitat, and behaviour
- Multi-Country Adventure: Explore diverse ecosystems across five African nations in one epic journey
Meet Your Expert Bird Guides
What sets the GKZBR apart is our commitment to exceptional guiding experiences. We’ve invested in comprehensive training programmes to ensure every guide you meet is equipped with the expertise to make your birding adventure unforgettable.
Professional Training That Makes a Difference
Our guides have completed an intensive 12-day certification programme developed by leading African birding organizations including BirdWatch Zambia, BirdLife Zimbabwe, BirdLife South Africa, and Namibia Nature Foundation. This isn’t just basic bird identification – it’s comprehensive training that covers:
- Species Identification: Master-level knowledge of local and migratory birds
- Habitat Expertise: Understanding where and when to find specific species
- Itinerary Planning: Customised birding experiences based on your interests
- Conservation Ethics: Responsible birding practices that protect the species we love
Incredible Species Diversity Awaits
The numbers speak for themselves. During recent guide training sessions alone, our teams recorded remarkable species diversity across the region:
- Zambia: 227 bird species documented
- Zimbabwe: 214 species including both resident and migratory birds
- Botswana: 196 species recorded
- Namibia: 187 species identified
Imagine what you could discover during a dedicated birding tour with our expert guides!
Your Birding Adventure Across Five Countries
Along the Rivers of Life, waterways cross borders and shape one connected landscape of remarkable bird diversity.
Namibia
Experience the dramatic landscapes where desert meets wetland, creating unique birding opportunities you won’t find anywhere else.
Zambia
Explore lush riverine forests and vast floodplains teeming with both water birds and forest species.
Botswana
Discover the incredible diversity of the Okavango Delta region and surrounding wilderness areas.
Zimbabwe
From the mighty Zambezi River to diverse woodland habitats, Zimbabwe offers exceptional birding variety.
Angola
Access previously unexplored birding territories in this emerging destination.
Supporting the Kavango Zambezi Conservation Vision
The GKZ Birding Route operates within the Kavango Zambezi Trans Frontier Conservation Area, supporting its cross-border conservation and community development goals. Through this route, visitors contribute to:
- Strengthening locally trained birding guides across the five partner nations
- Supporting long-term conservation across one of the world’s largest Trans Frontier conservation areas
- Helping protect the rivers, wetlands and woodlands that sustain migratory and resident birdlife
- Advancing a shared model of sustainable, cross-border tourism under the Kavango Zambezi framework
Ready to Start Your Birding Adventure?
The Great Kavango Zambezi Birding Route isn’t just a destination – it’s a gateway to discovering Africa’s incredible avian diversity while supporting the communities and conservation efforts that make it all possible.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder looking for new species or someone just beginning to appreciate the wonder of birdwatching, our expertly trained guides and carefully selected routes will ensure you have an experience of a lifetime.
Check out our birding itineraries
Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans, Boteti River & Nata Bird Sanctuary – 5 days or more
Hwange explore – 3 days or more
Birding in BOTSWANA AND ZIMBABWE – 14 days or more
Botswana Birding & Wildlife Safari – 7 days or more
Affordable Botswana and Zimbabwe – 4 days or more
Angola, Namibia and Botswana 14 nights or more
Birding Safari in Botswana and Namibia -7 days or more
Affordable Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe – 15 days or more
Namibia’s Zambezi and Kavango East Regions – 7 days or more
Birding Safari Itinerary: Namibia and The Panhandle – 14 days or more
Zimbabwe – Hwange and Kariba circuit – 4 or more days
