Our Zambia tours offer one of the best places to see one of Africa's most desired species, the African Pitta. Our leaders know how to reliably find the pittas here in December when they migrate into riverine forests to breed. As the pittas advertise themselves by their call, they lure us in to show their amazing colourful jump-display.
Focus: Besides the African Pitta, our tours also target Zambia's only true endemic, Chaplin's Barbet. This snowy-white bird occurs very locally and is keen on Fig trees. Also highly desired and localised is the virtually endemic Black-cheeked Lovebird, for which we search the mopane woodlands in the dry season.
In addition to these specials, more than 750 species recorded in Zambia. Perhaps thanks to Zambia's stable politics and vast tracts of intact wilderness.
Our tours focus on the Zambezi endemics found primarily
in the Miombo woodlands that blanket large parts of the country. Baobab Trees, Sycamore Figs, Acacia parklands, wet open dambos and valleys make up the biodiverse scenery.
Indigenous mammals can also be seen here, such as regal Sable and Greater Kudu, elegant Southern Reedbuck, Oribi and Bushbuck, amusing Chacma Baboon and even secretive Bush Pig, Aardvark, Serval and Leopard.
Email us about availability: email info@birdingafrica.com
Featured
Leader: Michael Mills
Michael Mills grew up "in the bush" in the Kalahari and Kruger National Parks where his parents were carnivore researchers. His incredible focus, dedication and ability to locate and show people Africa's toughest birds is probably unequalled on the continent.
Michael has led dozens of tours in Southern, East, Central, West and North Africa and his experience in locating birds on just the softest of calls or briefest of views impresses those who have travelled with him.
There is seldom a tour where Michael doesn't make an interesting discovery such as finding a new species for a country or record an undescribed bird call (and he has published these in the scientific literature).
Not only is Michael one of our principal leaders, but he also helps extensively with scouting and planning our most challenging itineraries.
For keen birders and mammal enthusiasts. Designed
to focus on birds, but while on the walks
we may also look for other aspects of wildlife.
We can also customise any itinerary to suit to the keen birder,
the wildlife enthusiast or both.
Photography
Many participants on our trips are amateur wildlife photographers.
And when we get excellent views of a bird or mammal, some time
is usually spent watching and photographing it. However, this
is not a photographic tour and once the majority of the people
have felt that they have absorbed the animal or bird to their
satisfaction, then we move on in search of the next encounter.
Thus, while the photographic opportunities are very good, the
group will only occasionally wait for somebody who wants to
spend even longer getting better photos.
Fitness
No fitness is required. The few walks are generally in relatively
flat areas with occasional small inclines.
Timing
Various times. Please enquire.
Climate
Warm to hot.
Comfort
A good standard of accommodation in guest houses, lodges and
small hotels.
Transport
We travel by minibus or four wheel drive vehicle.
Group Size
Limited to 7 participants on the African Pitta Tour in December.
Top birds
African Pitta, and the country's two only endemics, Chaplin's
Barbet and Black-cheeked Lovebird.
Your booking can be secured with a booking form and deposit. You will receive confirmation and our tour information pack with practical information on what to expect and how to prepare for the tour. The balance is due 150 days before the tour. Contact us to enquire about availability.
About Birding Africa
Birding Africa is a specialist birding tour
company customising tours for both world listers and more relaxed
holiday birders. We combine interests in mammals, butterflies, dragonflies,
botany and other natural history aspects and will guide you to Africa's
and Madagascar's most diverse birding destinations. Our guides'
knowledge of African birds and birding areas is our greatest strength
and together we have rediscovered species, shared exciting observations
with the birding community and had a fun time exploring our home
continent. We've even written two acclaimed guide
books on where to find Southern Africa's and Madagascar's best
birds. Birding is more than our passion, it's our lifestyle, and
we are dedicated to making professional, best value trips filled
with endemic species and unique wildlife experiences. Since 1997,
we've run bird watching tours
in South Africa and further into Africa for individual birders,
small birding groups and top international tour companies. We've
run Conservation Tours
in association with the African Bird Club and work with and consult
for a number of other top international tour companies and the BBC
Natural History Unit.
