Birds Of The Zambezi
BEE-EATERS, HONEYGUIDES, SKIMMERS AND BIRDS OF PARADISE...
"On the banks of the Zambezi, great cliffs overhang the river and the floodplains. This is an area of dramatic landscape and ecological processes. Physically protected by the Zambezi River to the north and the steep escarpment to the south, this substantial area of 677,000 ha provides shelter for immense congregations of Africa's large mammal populations which concentrate in its flood plains. Resident and migratory birdlife, with over 450 species recorded, is also abundant." - UNESCO
Mana Pools National Park is certainly one of our favourites and we're of the opinion that it's one of the best locations in Southern Africa for a birding safari. This is principally because of the Zambezi Valley's terrain diversity and six main habitats are usually recognised. They include, courtesy of the Zambezi Society:
- The Zambezi River and its myriad islands and sandbanks
- Riverine fringe and alluvial floodplain
- Mopane woodland of various types
- Jesse bush, or mixed species layered dry forest
- Open woodland along the Rukomechi and Chitake Rivers
- Brachystegia-dominated (miombo) woodland on the Zambezi escarpment
'Special' birds in the area include:
- Pel's fishing owl
- Lilian's lovebird
- The weavers (lesser-marked, spectacled, golden, southern-masked, village, dark-backed and red-headed)
- Livingstone's flycatcher
- Crested guineafowl
- Western banded snake-eagle
SAMPLE ITINERARY - 9 days
Day 1-3 - You'll start in the interior of Mana Pools very near the Chitake Spring and riverbed. Located only a few kilometres from the Zambezi Escarpment, this location will give you access to a variety of habitat types for birds. Some species you can expect to encounter during your luxury camping or lodge experience include red-necked falcon, lilian's lovebird, Livingstone's flycatcher, crested guineafowl and racquet-tailed roller to name a few. In addition to the birds, Chitake Spring is famed for its herds of elephant and buffalo which, unsurprisingly, have created a predator paradise as well.
Day 4-6 - After your time near the Zambezi Escarpment, we'll transfer you to the Zambezi River itself where your canoe safari will give you ideal access to riverine and floodplain environments. This safari explores the shoreline of Mana Pools National Park and traverses 70km downstream to the Zambezi's confluence with the Chewore River. In addition to offering unparalleled game-viewing ambience, you can expect to encounter different bird species such as the African fish eagle, rufous-bellied heron, pel's fishing owl (if you're lucky!), African skimmer, long-toed lapwing and of course, the carmine bee-eater.
Day 7-9 - Upon reaching Chewore you'll be collected by us in one of our river boats and transferred to our private camp 70km downstream. This journey is remarkable in itself as the Zambezi River transforms from wide and shallow to deep and narrow as it enters the Mupata Gorge. During your three days here you'll be accompanied by our very own photographer, Andy, who is vastly experienced in this part of the Zambezi. The gorge presents a different environment once again and the dramatic rocky environment is home to 12 eagle species, 6 vulture species and a variety of others such as egyptian goose and rock pratincole.
