Birding Safari in Victoria Falls

24/03/2023

A birding safari in the Victoria Falls area is fantastic if you are an adventurous birder with a love for wildlife. The Victoria Falls area is known for its stunning beauty as well as the beautiful Victoria Falls providing an incredible backdrop for birders to explore the diverse bird species that call the Zambezi River basin their home. Victoria Falls is also home to several rare species including the diminutive Taita Falcon, found in the gorges below the Falls.

Rare birds to spot on a Victoria Falls birding safari

• Grey Plover
• Ruddy Turnstone
• Rufous-bellied Heron
• Rock, Collared and Black-winged Pratincoles
• African Skimmer

A Victoria Falls birding safaris offer birders the opportunity to explore the area’s rich birdlife with expert local guides. Our travel partner guides are well-versed in the region’s ecology and can help visitors spot some of the most unique and rare bird species that are found in this area.

The Zambezi River basin is home to over 450 bird species, including several raptors such as the African Fish Eagle, the African Harrier Hawk and the Bateleur Eagle. Other notable species include the Schalow’s Turaco, African Skimmer, African Finfoot and the Southern Ground Hornbill. Birders can also expect to see several species of kingfishers, bee-eaters and sunbirds.

The Victoria Falls area is also home to several parks, which provide important habitats for hundreds of bird species. These parks are the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia, and Zambezi National Park and the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve in Zimbabwe. These protected areas ensure that birders can experience the beauty of the region while preserving the natural habitats of these birds. If you have more time to explore the region then close by parks include Hwange National Park to the south and Chobe National Park to the west in Botswana.

On a typical birding safari, visitors can expect to spend several hours exploring the various habitats around Victoria Falls. This includes early morning and late afternoon birding walks, as well as game drives to explore the different areas of the Zambezi River basin. During the walks and drives, visitors will have the opportunity to see a wide variety of bird species, as well as other wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes and giraffes. For something completely different, why not try a boat safari on the Zambezi River above the Falls. Being on the water gives you a totally different and unique perspective and you will see behaviours that are often harder to spot when you are on land.

A Victoria Falls birding safari offers a unique and unforgettable experience for adventurous birders. The region’s stunning beauty, diverse birdlife, and expert guides make it the perfect destination for any birder. Whether you’re an experienced birder or just starting out, a Zimbabwe birding safari in Victoria Falls is an absolute must.

Preparing for a Victoria Falls birding safari

It is always a good idea to do a bit of research into the area and what you are likely to encounter. Print out a Victoria Falls check list – Here is a great one from Avibase – The World Bird Database. Having a checklist prior to your safari gives you the opportunity to do a bit of research and mark up particular birds of interest

Check the weather for the time of year and be prepared with the right clothes. You will be spending the day outside! During the winter months, early morning and evenings are chilly but by midday warm and sunny – you’ll need a fleece and sunscreen! If you are on a boat you will be more exposed to the elements and if is is high water (March through to May), then a simple rain coat is a good idea for the rain forests around the Falls, where there is lots of spray.

Other bits of kits you should already have are a note book, bird book or field guide, binoculars or scope, camera – all packed into a small durable backpack. Most travel partners will supply you with refreshments and snacks but bring your own if your need to.

Speak to your guide before the trip to see if they recommend anything or tell them if you have any special requirements, target species or additional animals your would like to see. You will be out in the bush and there is plenty to see apart from birds.

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