Southern Africa is one of the world’s great birding destinations, and nowhere is this more evident than in Botswana and Zimbabwe. With wetlands, woodlands, river corridors, grasslands, and migratory flyways, these two countries host hundreds of species throughout the year.
Whether you are a seasoned birder searching for rarities or a safari traveller looking to understand the bush through its birds, Botswana and Zimbabwe offer birdwatching experiences that stay with you long after the binoculars are packed away.
This guide explores the best birding regions in Botswana and Zimbabwe, the species you can expect, the ideal seasons, and where to stay for unforgettable sightings.
Quick Answer: Where Are the Best Birding Safaris in Botswana and Zimbabwe?
The top birding destinations in Botswana and Zimbabwe include:
- Chobe & Kazuma Forest Reserve (Botswana): raptors, waterbirds, rollers, bee-eaters.
- Mana Pools (Zimbabwe): woodland species, parrots, hornbills, and seasonal African Pitta sightings.
- Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe): 420+ species, excellent raptor diversity, migrant arrivals in summer.
- Okavango Delta (Botswana): 500+ species, sought-after waterbirds.
The best birding season is November–March (Green Season), when migratory species arrive, plumage brightens, and bird calls fill the landscape.
Top Birding Destinations in Botswana
Birding Safaris in Chobe & the Kazuma Forest Reserve
In northern Botswana, the Chobe region is a mosaic of riverfront, floodplains, and teak forest—ideal habitat for more than 450 recorded species.
At Camp Kuzuma, located inside the Kazuma Forest Reserve, the days begin and end with birdsong echoing across natural pans and open woodland.
Notable sightings include:
- African fish eagle
- Lilac-breasted roller
- Meyer’s parrot
- Carmine bee-eater (summer)
- Woodland kingfisher (summer)
- White-backed vulture
- Dickinson’s kestrel
Kazuma is also a key corridor between Chobe National Park and Hwange in Zimbabwe, meaning large raptors follow the same migratory paths as elephants and buffalo.
Birding the Okavango Delta: Botswana’s Waterbird Wonderland
The Okavango Delta is one of the most rewarding birding destinations in Africa, with more than 500 species thriving in its reedbeds, channels, and seasonal floodplains.
Expect encounters with:
- African jacana
- Slaty egret
- Malachite kingfisher
- African skimmer
- Wattled crane
- Pel’s fishing owl (rare but possible)
Birdwatching here is intimate and atmospheric, especially on mokoro excursions or quiet boat journeys where you drift past reeds alive with movement.
Staying at Mankwe Tented Retreat, near the eastern waterways of the Delta, provides excellent access to both woodland and floodplain species, making it a strong choice for bird-focused travellers.
Top Birding Destinations in Zimbabwe
Hwange National Park: Zimbabwe’s Birding Powerhouse
Hwange is one of Southern Africa’s great birding destinations with 420+ species recorded. Its mix of open plains, woodlands, rocky outcrops, and seasonal pans creates varied habitats that attract both resident and migratory species.
At Nantwich Lodge, sweeping views provide perfect vantage points for:
- Kori bustard
- Tawny eagle
- Martial eagle
- Ostrich
- Secretarybird
Further east at Bumbusi Wilderness Camp, riverine woodland and rocky gorges reveal different species altogether:
- Trumpeter hornbill
- Black eagle
- African green pigeon
- Meyer’s parrot
- Brown-hooded kingfisher
During the green season, Hwange transforms into a vibrant birding paradise as migrants arrive—European bee-eaters, woodland kingfishers, steppe buzzards, and more fill the air with colour and movement.
Mana Pools (Chitake Region) – Inland Birding at Its Best
Birding the Inland Woodlands of Mana Pools (Chitake Region)
Mana Pools is often associated with the Zambezi River, but the inland side of Mana Pools—particularly the Chitake region—is one of Zimbabwe’s most rewarding birding areas.
Here, seasonal riverbeds, mature woodland, and scattered springs create habitat for:
- Broad-billed roller
- Gabar goshawk
- Trumpeter hornbill
- Meyer’s parrot
- African hawk-eagle
- Woodland kingfisher (summer)
- African pitta (occasionally seen in green season)
At Mhara River Camp, situated beside a seasonal riverbed, birding feels immersive. Quiet shade, sandy paths, and nearby water pockets draw a constant flow of avian movement right through camp.
Best Time to Visit Botswana & Zimbabwe for Birding
Green Season (November–March): Prime Birding
This is the peak season for birdwatching in both countries.
Expect:
- Migrants arriving from Europe, Asia, and North Africa
- Bright breeding plumage
- Dramatic skies
- Exceptional photography opportunities
Species like African pitta, woodland kingfisher, and carmine bee-eaters appear during this period.
Dry Season (April–October): Raptor Country
The dry season is excellent for:
- Clear raptor sightings
- Waterbirds at shrinking pans and channels
- Woodland species concentrated in predictable areas
While migration slows, visibility increases, and birding pairs beautifully with big-game safaris.
Final Word
Birding safaris in Botswana and Zimbabwe capture some of Africa’s most soulful wilderness moments. Whether you are listening to fish eagles over the Chobe River, watching a roller glow at dusk in Hwange, or spotting silhouettes of parrots against Mana’s afternoon sky, the experience is as much about atmosphere as it is about species.
For travellers ready to experience the richness of Southern Africa’s birdlife, our Botswana and Zimbabwe safari lodges offer ideal bases for both dedicated birders and nature-curious explorers.
Browse our safari packages or get in touch to plan your birding journey.
