Zimbabwe Birding Tours

Tours

Zimbabwe ‘Golden Trio’ Birding and Mammal Safari – Mana Pools, Victoria Falls & Hwange

This tour was meticulously crafted to highlight Zimbabwe’s natural world in all its glory. Anticipate encountering a vast array of bird species alongside impressive big game as we leisurely explore each destination, ensuring we absorb …

12 days

From £7,870

Zimbabwe Eastern Highlands Birding Tour

This tour is meticulously crafted with a specific focus: encountering Zimbabwe's distinctive and most sought-after bird species.

10 days

Zimbabwe, arguably the most beautiful country in Africa is situated in Southern Africa and has a rich history, wonderful culture, and simply beautiful landscapes.

Bordered by Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa, and Botswana, this nation, once known as Rhodesia, embodies a captivating blend of ancient traditions and modern influences. Renowned for its breathtaking natural wonders, including the iconic Victoria Falls – one of the world’s largest and most awe-inspiring waterfalls – Zimbabwe is a destination that summons travellers and safari-enthusiasts. Its diverse ecosystem, spanning from savannahs to lush mountains, contains a remarkable density of wildlife, featuring some of the best big game viewing on the continent.

Zimbabwe also offers an exceptional birding experience despite lacking endemic species. Notable specials include elusive African Pitta and the rare Taita Falcon. The country boasts a diverse bird population, with a staggering 650 recorded bird species. Zimbabwe hosts eight out of the ten families endemic to the African mainland, showcasing a rich variety of avifauna. Key birdwatching destinations include Hwange National Park, set in the dry Kalahari environment, Victoria Falls National Park with its lush rainforests, and the rocky shores of Lake Kariba. Even Mana Pools National Park, renowned for its walking safaris, stands out for its diverse birdlife, ranging from the colossal Goliath Heron to the delicate, shimmering Shelley’s Sunbird.

Tailor-made Tours
Scheduled Group Tours
When to visit
Weather
What to Bring

Tailor-made Zimbabwe Birding Tours

At Sustainable Birding, we don’t offer ready-made, off-the-shelf birding tours. Our approach is deeply personalised—we meticulously craft each of our tours in Zimbabwe from scratch, ensuring every detail aligns with your unique preferences. From the diverse habitats of Hwange National Park to the captivating shores of Lake Kariba and the enchanting landscapes of Matobo Hills, our team of seasoned birding experts use our comprehensive knowledge to tailor your birding holiday, guaranteeing an experience perfectly attuned to your specific requirements.

All our birding tours in Zimbabwe are expertly guided by our passionate, knowledgeable and experienced Zimbabwean tour leaders. They are some of the best guides on the planet! So, give us a call or drop us an email and let’s talk Zimbabwe!

Reasons to go on a Tailor-made Birding Tour

• Select the exact dates that suit your schedule.
• Choose the ideal time of year for your birding adventure.
• Travel alongside your preferred companions—be it family, friends, or fellow birders.
• Set your pace—whether fast or brisk.
• Customise within your personal budget, from luxurious to budget accommodations or a mix.
• Craft a tour that matches your specific interests—whether intense birding, leisurely exploration, photography, culture, music, wine, botany, butterflies, herpetology, geology, diving, hiking, and beyond.
• Our team is here to cater to your interests and ensure a fulfilling birding holiday.

Scheduled Group Kenya Birding Tours

Explore our selection of Scheduled Group Birding Tours in Zimbabwe. These groups tours have been designed to fit different birding preference and time restraints. Typically, our group tours are more affordable, and allow people to meet up and make lifelong memories with fellow birders. All our group tours are small and come with an expert Tour Leader, having groups no bigger than 6 individuals, so you still get that intimate feeling and the full attention of the Tour Leader.

Please refer to our Birding Calendar for tour schedules, dates, and fixed prices.

Best time of year to visit:

The prime time for a birding holiday in Zimbabwe falls during the rainy season from October to March. Abundant food sources, the presence of migrants, and many species adorned in breeding plumage make this period the best suited for visitors.

Zimbabwe experiences a diverse climate owing to its varying landscapes. Generally, the country exhibits a tropical climate in the low-lying areas, characterized by warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. The rainy season typically spans from November to March, bringing heavy downpours and higher humidity levels. This period supports lush vegetation and is ideal for birding due to the abundance of food sources and the presence of migratory birds. The dry season, from April to October, brings cooler temperatures and clear skies, making it a popular time for wildlife safaris. The Highveld regions enjoy milder temperatures compared to the lower-lying areas, with pleasantly warm days and cooler nights, offering respite from the heat during the dry months.

Zimbabwe’s varied landscapes also influences its climate. Regions such as the eastern highlands experience a more temperate climate due to their higher elevation, characterized by cooler temperatures and higher rainfall compared to the low-lying plains. Conversely, the western parts, including the areas around Victoria Falls, have a semi-arid climate with scorching temperatures during the day and cooler nights. This diverse climatic range across the country contributes to its unique ecosystems and provides a wealth of experiences for visitors throughout the year.

Preparing for a birding tour in Zimbabwe involves packing strategically to ensure a rewarding and comfortable experience. Dressing in lightweight, breathable clothing with layers, sturdy footwear, sun protection like hats and sunscreen are crucial for comfort in diverse climates and terrains.

Mosquito repellent is important to ward off insect bites, and taking anti-malarial tablets is highly recommended.

Equipment such as high-quality binoculars tailored for birdwatching is essential and if you have a good working camera and lens, then please bring it with you! A comprehensive field guide specific to the country’s birds, such as Field Guide to Birds of Greater Southern Africa would be recommended.

*Remember that when you book a Zimbabwe birding tour with us over 10 days, we will send you a new complementary field guide!