Guide

Tour type: You will be guided by the most prolific, experienced and best birdwatching safari tour guides there is in the Zambia Ornithological sector. Viewing by : Game drives, walking safaris

Others

- We tap into the support system of the general membership of BirdWatch Zambia dotted all along the value-chain of this travel itinerary to ensure only the best service is delivered to you ! Celebrating bird-watching mission accomplished . Farewell Dinner: A special dinner will be hosted for you at the Lodge/camp site in Lusaka, This will for the purpose celebrating the end of the exciting 15 day birdwatching excursion!

Accommodation

A good mix of accommodation in tourist compliant lodges, camping & Cottages

Hygieneprotocol

This travel itinerary is executed in accordance with the set World Health Organisation (WHO), Safe Travels (WTTC - Global), Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) hygiene and sanitation protocols. Malaria Risk – How to Protect Yourself Against Malaria. Zambia is a high malaria risk country throughout the whole nation including urban areas. The highest risk of infection is in the rainy season, from November to May. Persons visiting Victoria Falls must take malaria suppressive medication. In addition to the suggested antimalarial medication, use a mosquito bed net and effective repellents to avoid the bite of the nocturnal Anopheles mosquito whilst on tour in Zambia. Before you travel to Zambia, kindly consult your local physician or travel health clinic for the malaria prophylactic regimen most appropriate to your need to protect you from getting Malaria whilst visiting Zambia. Safety & Security Zambia is a safe country to visit, especially when on an organized safari like this one. Tourlane, an online travel agency based in USA recently ranked Zambia the 6th safest travel destination in the world post COVID-19 pandemic. If driving independently, always get local advice on the road conditions and recommended routes and never underestimate driving times or drive at night. Below are tips on staying safe in Zambia. Staying Safe on Wildlife Viewing Activities As long as you listen to your guide’s instructions, you’ll be very safe on safari. Always follow the rules of the park and respect wild animals. When on a self-drive safari, only leave your car where it has been designated as safe to do so. For additional tips, kindly read the following captioned bulletin points: • Always follow your guide’s instructions and guidelines! •Always keep your voice down when close to animals •Stay in the car during game drives except at designated areas where you are allowed to get out •Don’t stand up in the car, hang out of the window or sit on the roof •Don’t drive too close to animals if you are on a self-drive safari and back off if the animals seem disturbed •Don’t drive between elephants in a herd, especially females and their young •Stay together as a group close to your guide on a walking safari and always walk in single file •Never run or jog in a wildlife area as it entices predators to attack •Never walk between a hippo and water; it may panic and charge because its safety route to the water is blocked •Never leave food in your tent; it will attract wildlife •Cover your arms and legs in the evening and use insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes •Wear a hat, use sunscreen and drink plenty of water •Don’t wear bright and colorful clothes or too much perfume – especially on walking safaris •In tsetse-fly areas it is recommended not to wear dark-colored clothing – such as black or dark blue – since it attracts these stinging flies •Bring warm clothes for morning game drives in open vehicles Staying Safe in Cities and Towns in Zambia . As in most big cities in the world, there is a fair amount of crime in Zambia’s cities and towns. Most incidents are minor, such as petty theft and pickpocketing. You are unlikely to encounter any trouble on guided tours. When venturing out in the city unguided, it helps to take some simple safety precautions: seek advice from your hotel about the area; don’t wear any valuables and only take the money you need with you; take a taxi after dark. For more safety tips that apply to Zambia cities and towns in general, kindly read the following bulletin points: •Ask at your hotel if it is safe to walk around the local area; when new in a place it’s always good to seek local advice on safety issues •Don’t wear jewelry when walking in cities and leave all valuables in a safety deposit box at your hotel •Avoid walking alone in a large, unfamiliar city •Don’t walk around at night; take a taxi •Avoid getting engaged with people approaching you in the street •Be careful when drawing money from an ATM; go elsewhere if you suspect people hanging around •Always lock your car doors and close windows when driving in busy towns •Never leave a car unattended with valuables or luggage visible. Delivering a Safe Experience for YOU A Health and Safety Assistant together with a Tour Guide and driver will accompany you on this safari tour. This is to ensure that you receive a safe experience through enhanced cleanliness and hygiene best practices throughout the journey.

Meals

A Fully Inclusive all Lodging, meals, drinks from day 1 to 16, park fees, transfers and all ground transportation, Expert local birding guide(s) at a ratio of no more than 10 birders per guide. Bird checklist.

Transport

• Getting around : 4WD vehicles compliant with Safe Travels (WTTC - Global Protocols). • A special aeroplane will be chartered to fly you to mystery Shoebill Island in the Bangweulu swamps to discover the hidden Shoebill Stork treasure. *** NOTE: Kindly expect to share the same aeroplane with other independent travelers also flying to Shoebill Island camp for birdwatching excursion.

Not included:

Flights

International flights to and from Lusaka, Zambia are excluded in this package.

Others

Gratuities, items or services of a personal nature, travel Insurance. Visa, International roundtrip airfare to Zambia, Airport transfers if you arrive on a day other than the scheduled start date.

Optional

Items you may consider to bring along •Binoculars - one pair per person Comment: Please do not forget to come with those special birding binoculars and other equipment you are familiar with to spot every bird species along the way. •Enough film/video cassettes and spare batteries for your camera if you want to take photographs/videos •Hats, sunscreen for sensitive skins •Sunglasses •Warm as well as light clothes in the cool months {(May to August when midday temperatures may be quite warm and night temperatures cold to freezing) and light clothing for the other months. Even in summer, it is a good idea to bring at least one warm jersey or jacket as occasionally there are sudden drops in temperature caused by unusual weather conditions.} •Raincoats (from November to April) •Comfortable safety footwear and gloves •Basic medicines, including malaria prophylactics •A notebook and pen TIPING & SERVICE CHARGE The application of a 10% service charge is a mandatory requirement in Zambia for all hospitality bookings. At your own discretion, you may directly tip any of the support staff for going an extra mile in serving you.

Insurance

We strongly advise that guests purchase their own travel insurance and ensure they have adequate cover for their entire trip.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 You Arrive In Livingstone, The Tourist Capital Of Zambia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

You Arrive In Livingstone, The Tourist Capital Of Zambia

You are Welcome! You arrive in Livingstone, the tourist capital city of Zambia. You will be met at the Livingstone International Airport ((Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula) by our driver and hospitality Greeter. You will be transferred and stay at Maramba River Lodge (sharing) or at any other tourist friendly lodge in the greater Livingstone city area.

Narration (information tip): Maramba River Lodge is situated 4km from the mighty Victoria Falls. This is located just outside of Livingstone city on the banks of the Maramba River in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park.

Introductions: In the evening we will have a ‘meet and greet session’ in the lodge where you will meet your other fellow birders.

Notes: Please be ready to stay at any other good tourism lodge facility other than Maramba River Lodge. This may happen is a situation where Maramba River Lodge is fully booked at the time of your arrival in Livingstone.

Comment: However, every effort will be made to ensure that we book and reserve your accommodation at Maramba River Lodge in advance before you arrive in Zambia.

Afternoon Activity: Time permitting after your check-in late in the afternoon, you will be picked from the reception of the lodge. You will then be transferred for your exciting, relaxing and splendid sunset cruise. This will be done on the mighty Zambezi River above the mighty Victoria Falls aboard a medium-sized boat cruise.

Travel advice: You are therefore advised to arrange for a mode of transport that delivers you early in Zambia in Livingstone. This is to ensure you attend a full afternoon of activities on your first day of arrival.

17:00 pm: After an exciting day on the sunset cruise, you will return to your lodge to refresh up for the evening.

Evening: Time permitting after you returning from the cruise, we will then check out some birds around Maramba River Lodge.

Briefing: You will also receive a short briefing from the Tour Nature Leader on some pertinent facts such as personal safety, required eco-tour practices and some important country information and social etiquette.

19:30 pm: Take your dinner

21:30 pm: You will retire to bed to sleep.

What happens if you are already in Zambia?

Suppose you have already arrived or stay in Zambia and wish to undertake this exciting birding safari trip. In this situation, there is no need for us to pick you from the Livingstone International airport as stated in the travel plan.

Travel Advice: You will simply need to position yourself at a suitable place in Livingstone at least one day before the commencement of the tour. You should therefore give us the physical address of the Lodge or hotel or residence where we will pick you from in Livingstone.
Day 2 Still Staying At Maramba River Lodge (Or At Any Other Tourism Compliant Lodge) In Livingstone
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Still Staying At Maramba River Lodge (Or At Any Other Tourism Compliant Lodge) In Livingstone

Narration (information tip): In the morning, you will receive a short briefing which will be conducted by the Tour Nature Leader. This will revolve around some pertinent facts such as safety and planned bird-watching tour program for the next 15 days. Other items which will be covered in the discussion are the permissible and none-permissible ethical conducts, local social etiquettes, required eco-tour practices, country and regional information.

Summary of activities of the day:

06:30 am - Wake up call and take bath.

07:00 am - Take your sumptous breakafast

07:30 am: Start early morning bird-watching around Livingstone and thereafter move a bit afar field. The Tour Nature Leader will guide you accordingly as to which far off areas you will visit and tour to spot more bird species.

Bird search: We will be searching for odd Saddle-billed Stork Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, Slaty Egret, Black Coucal, Southern Ground Hornbill, Meyer’s Parrot and even the odd Saddle-billed Stork. In woodlands, we will search for White-backed Duck, Black-faced Waxbill, Ovambo Sparrowhawk and Greater Swamp Warbler.

Go to the mighty Victoria Falls

You will later during the day visit and tour the mighty Victoria Falls, Zambia’s premier waterfalls tourism destination. It is a world heritage site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. At the falls, there is a possibility of seeing other bird species such as the African Black Swift, Schalow’s Turaco and Terrestrial Brownbul.

Return to your Lodge: Thereafter, we will return to the lodge for an evenning of rest and update your bird log book.

19:00 pm: Take your sumptous dinner.

21:30 pm: Retire to bed for a well deserved restful sleep.
Day 3 Depart From Livingstone For Choma - Enroute To Masuku Lodge (Nkanga Conservation Area)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Depart From Livingstone For Choma - Enroute To Masuku Lodge (Nkanga Conservation Area)

Program of the day:

Below is the order of events for the day.

05:30 am: Wakeup call and take a bath; thereafter take your delicious breakfast. What will happen next: We shall depart from Livingstone for Choma, the nearest town to Nkanga Conservation Area. You will travel north on a good T-1 tarmac road covering a distance of about 290.7 kms before reaching Choma.

09:30 am –12:00 pm - Arrive in Choma, the political capital town of Southern Province of Zambia.

12:30 pm: You will take your lunch at a good and clean restaurant that offers good and delicious food.

12:00 pm –13:00 pm - Commence touring Choma Museum and Craft Centre.

Narration (information tip): The Choma Museum and Crafts Project is a museum dedicated to preserving the heritage of the Tonga tribe of Southern Province of Zambia.

13:15 pm: Thereafter depart for Masuku Lodge, the main gateway to accessing Nkanga Conservation Area. This is where you will do a full day of bird-watching activities the following day.

What will happen: You will spend 2 nights, one full day at Masuku Lodge which has nice Chalets. This beautiful lodge is situated in beautiful gardens overlooking a lake. You will enjoy an impressive views of the surrounding bush and the nearby lake.

Masuku Lodge – A wonderful birding spot

Masuku Lodge environment is an amazing place for birders and is way off the crowds situated in an excluded bushy area. The lodge is surrounded by beautiful tall trees and the bird life here is amazing. You will see array of birds from African Fish Eagles down to the smallest birds on the grassland. You will certainly not miss seeing the endemic Chaplins barbet and many other rare bird species.

Menu: The lodge serves wholesome and tasty food as well. You will be well fed with delicious mouth-watering food.

Rooms

The Chalets are well equipped and very nicely furnished with en suite bathrooms and a small private veranda overlooking the bush. Wifi is also available for you to keep in touch with friends and family back home. However, it times the internet at certain times it becomes bumpy but on avaerage you will be able to surf the internet.

Game viewing drive: Masuku Lodge/Nkanga Conservation Area is also a game sanctuary of excellent reputation. You will see plenty wild animals such as Warthog, Puku, Common Eland, Waterbuck, Impala, Kudu, Common Duiker, Tsessebe, Zebra, Bushbuck, Sable Antelope, Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest , Vervet monkey and Chacma Baboon.Zebra, Sable, Kudu. The dam is a nice walk away and offers views of water birds, too

18:00 pm: Take your dinner. Threafter you will update your bird log book for bird species seen on the day.

21:00 pm; Retire to bed to sleep.

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Notes: There might be some time variations on the above mentioned activities
Day 4 Full Day Of Bird-Watching Around Masuku Lodge In The Nkanga Conservation Area
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Full Day Of Bird-Watching Around Masuku Lodge In The Nkanga Conservation Area

The untold story of Nkanga River Conservancy area

You will do a full day of birding in this Nkanga River Conservancy area. You will extend your coverage of bird spotting to other good bird viewing areas within the same Nkanga conservation area.

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Overview

The Nkanga Conservation Area is one of Zambia’s top IBAs (Important Bird Areas). It boasts a variety of great birding habitats, including Miombo woodland, Munga woodland, and thickets interspersed with dambos (a shallow, seasonally inundated wetland) and some open grassy plains.

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Details of bird-watching plan

We will do a mixture of birding walks and drives to ensure that we spend enough time in each of the birding habitats. The conservancy is best known for seeing the snowy white Chaplin’s Barbet, a Zambian endemic bird.

Mid-day: At lunch time, we will return to Masuku Lodge for your well deserved delicious lunch. Thereafter, you will take a short nap! In the afternoon, you will go back for more birding sightings in the bush.

Evenning: You will be treated to a mouth-watering bye bye dinner being the last night at Masuku Lodge.

Evenning relaxation: Bird list: You sit around the lounge with your fellow birders and compile an exhaustive list of all bird species spotted on this exciting birding excursion.

21:30 pm: Retire to bed to sleep.

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Notes: There might be some time variations on the above mentioned activities due to changed situation
Day 5 Travel To Lochinvar National Park For Exceptional Bird-Watching Excursion; A Natural Paradise For Birders!
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Travel To Lochinvar National Park For Exceptional Bird-Watching Excursion; A Natural Paradise For Birders!

Program of the day

Below is the order of planned activities.

06:30 am: Wakeup call and take a bath;

07:00 am: Take your delicious breakfast.

We shall depart from Masuku Lodge for Monze which is the satellite base town for Lochinvar National Park in Chief Hamusonde’s area.

Continuation: You will travel north on a good T-1 tarmac road through the Daniel Mukombwe toll Plaza, covering a distance of about 97.4 km before reaching Monze.

07:30 pm - Arrive in Monze and buy a few goodies in the local Choppies supermarket to use in Lochinvar National Park. You will then proceed to the Lochinvar National Park in Monze-west a distance of 60 kms, a natural bird paradise of the world!

Narration (information tip): The Kafue Flats of the Lochinvar National park has the largest concentration of water birds in Zambia. It is home up to 3 000 Wattled Cranes which have been recorded so far. Lochinvar is particularly well known for the large herds of Kafue lechwe, endemic to the Kafue flats. More than 30 000 of them make the Kafue flats their home and move seasonally according to the flood level.

08:40 am: Enter the Lochinvar National Park. And straight proceed to Chunga Lagoon to commence superb bird spotting and watching excursion.

Exciting Walking Safari.

10:20 am – 11.30 am: Walk along the Chunga Riverline Frontage towards Namalyo fish camps for closer birdwatching and wildlife viewing excursion.

Weather conditions permitting, drive (or use a speedy boat) through Kafue plains to Namalyo Kafue Flats Fish camps. This area is very rich for a more thorough and detailed bird watching excursion along the main Kafue Riverline. We will do a walk safari bird watching excursion with lunch served in-between activities.

16:30 pm - (Return to Monze): Start returning to the park exit gate whilst bird watching. Finally exist Lochinvar Park and drive back to Monze town.

18: 00 pm - Arrive in Monze town and check-in at any good level lodge for an over night sleep-over.

-Evening relaxation, dinner before retiring to sleep.

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Notes: There might be some slight variations over the sleep-over place and time variations on the above cited activities.
Day 6 Travel To Fringilla Farm Lodge, A Safe Vulture Zone And Birdwatching Hotspot In Chisamba
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Travel To Fringilla Farm Lodge, A Safe Vulture Zone And Birdwatching Hotspot In Chisamba

This another exciting day of travel adventure and sightseeing at its best! You will cover three provinces, Southern, Lusaka and Central province before finally arriving at Fringilla Farm Lodge.

Program of the day

06: 00 am - Wakeup and take your bath

06:10 am: It might be too early to take your breakfast. But you may prepare .and take a cup of Coffee in your room.

06:30 am: You will then depart for Mazabuka en route to Lusaka. You will see large sugar plantations on the way near Mazabuka town. You will pass a number of small village siding settlements along the way to Mazabuka, approximately 72 kms from Monze.

Narration (information tip!): Arrive in Mazabuka, dubbed “The Sweetest Town” in Zambia. This is because sugar canes that are processed into edible household sugar are grown on a large scale in Mazabuka. Breakfast will be served whilst on board the vehicle whilst in transit Mazabuka.

10:30 am: Arrive in Lusaka and drive through Metropolitan mall to eat some delicious food at any of a good Restaurant.

11:40 am: Thereafter, you will depart for Fringilla Farm Lodge in Chisamba which is the next small siding place after Lusaka, a 51 kms distance.

14:00 pm: Arrive at Fringilla Farm Lodge in Chisamba in the central province of Zambia.

14:30 pm: You will take your delicious lunch

Narration (information tip): Fringilla was recently declared a Vulture safe zone due to its efforts in protecting bird life.

Afternoon Activity: After taking your meals, you will do some relaxed bird walks around the farm. This will be in the most environmentally friendly forest with good chances of seeing a variety of bird species.

20:30 pm: Take your delicious dinner

Evenning relaxation: : You will sit around the lounge with your fellow birders and relax after a long day’s journey from Lochinvar National Park.

21:30 pm: Retire to bed to sleep.

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Notes: There might be some time variations on the above mentioned activities.
Day 7 Depart For Forest Inn Lodge In Mkushi District
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Depart For Forest Inn Lodge In Mkushi District

This will be yet another day of hitting the road going yonder in the interior of Zambia in Mkushi district.

Program of the day

Below is order of activities for the day.

06:00 am: Wake up and take a bath.

06:20 am: Take your delicious Frangilla Farm Lodge breakfast.

Narration (information tip): We will not reach Kasanka National Park the same day of leaving the Kafue National Park. Half way through to Kasanka National Park, we will spend a night at Forest Inn Lodge or any other tourist compliant lodge in this same area.

05:20 am: Depart from Frangilla Farm Lodge for an overnigt sleep over at Forest Inn Lodge in Serenje.

09:20 pm: Upon arriving in Kabwe, you will take your breakfast at any Cafe in town.

10:00 pm - After break fast, we shall continue travelling heading towards Serenje district.

15:30 pm: Arrive at Forest Inn Lodge (or at any good tourism facility) around in the same vicity to spend two (2) nights.

Narration (information tip): Forest Inn Lodge is situated at Great North Road Farm 2917, Mkushi (not very far off the main road). It’s a simple wooded camping area with very nice clean rooms which are tastefully equipped and has mosquito nets fitted. It is safe and secure with decent showers, where you will spend the next two nights.

Food Menu: Forest Inn boasts a fairly diverse menu - chicken wraps, steak, fish, and even Masala! The setting is beautiful, with huge trees full of birds - very exciting place to stay near Mother Nature.

Late Afternoon Activity: After taking your meals, you will do some relaxed bird walks around Forest Inn.

19:00 pm: You will take your delicious dinner at this lodge.

20:30 pm: You will relax with friends whilst updating your bird log book with new bird species seen on this tour.

21:00 pm: Retire to bed to sleep.

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Notes: There might be some time variations on the above cited activities.
Day 8 Full Day Of Bird-Watching Around Forest Inn Forests
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Full Day Of Bird-Watching Around Forest Inn Forests

Narration (information tip!): You will do a full days bird-watching activities around Forest Inn Forests.

Program of the day

06:20 am: Take your first delicious breakfast at Forest Inn.

06:40 am: Depart for the surrounding Miombo Forest for some exciting bird-watching excursion.

In the surrounding Miombo Woodlands, there are high chances of sighting the likes of Red-throated and other special bird species. Other species you might see include Miombo Sunbird, Twinspot, Weaver and Bee-eaters.

12:30 pm: Return to Forest Inn to take your lunch.

13:00 pm - 14:00 pm: Take an hours rest in your room.

14:10 pm - 16:30 pm: Continue with bird-watching in the forest.

18:00 pm: Return to Forest Inn to refresh for the evenning.

19:00 pm: Enjoy a sumptuous dinner.

20:30 pm: Relax with colleagues and update your bird log sheet with new bird species identified for the day.

21:00 pm: Retire to bed to sleep.

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Notes: There might be a slight variation of the sequence and time slots of the above cited activities.
Day 9 Depart From Forest Inn To Kasanka National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Depart From Forest Inn To Kasanka National Park

With fond memories of Forest Inn, unfortunately it will be time to let go and say good bye to your newly found friends at Forest Inn Lodge .

Day of direct travel to Kasanka National Park

Narration (information tip): We will depart from Forest Inn Lodge (or from any other Lodge you spent the previous night). We will head for Kasanka National Park which is arguably one of the best place for birding in Zambia.

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Overview

Kasanka National Park is also renowned for large variety of bird species in Zambia. It is a relatively small in size measuring only 390 km² located on the fringes of Bangweulu wetlands It is home to the largest population of bats on earth. Every year, between October and December about 10 million straw-colored fruit bats descend into a tiny patch of evergreen swamp forest inside Kasanka National Park. his natural phenomenon is said to be the biggest migration of land mammals on earth and is reportedly unique only to Kasanka.

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Accommodation: We will stay at Luwombwa camp.

Narration (information tip): If time will permit on the same day of arriiving in Kasanka National Park, we will try to do some relaxed birding trip down the Luwombwa river.

What you might see: You will most likely see the African Finfoot, African Barred Owlet, Olive Woodpecke, Pel’s Fishing Owl, and Half-Collared Kingfisher is common along the river.

Other special birds along the river include, Böhm’s Bee-eater, African Green Pigeon, Ross’s Turaco, and Western Banded Snake-Eagle.

Wildlife Profile: Kasanka National Park is equally home to abundant wildlife. This includes rarities like Sitatunga which is mostly seen grazing out in the misty dambos in the morning. The Sitatunga in this area is the largest population in Africa.

Vegetation: The predominant vegetation is dry miombo woodland through mushitu forests to papyrus swamp.

Below is the summary of activities of the day

06:00 am: Wakeup and take a bath.

06:20 am: Take your delicious breakfast.

06:40 am: Commence your game and birding-watching activities in the park. .

18:00 pm: Will spend a night at a good quality campsite accommodation in Kasanka National Park.

19:00 pm: Enjoy a sumptuous dinner

21:00 pm: Retire to bed for a restful night of sleep.

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Notes: There might be a slight variation of the sequence and time slots of the above cited activities.
Day 10 Full Day Bird-Watching In Kasanka National Park.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Full Day Bird-Watching In Kasanka National Park.

This is an exciting full day of bird-watching and game viewing!

Narration (information tip): Kasanka National Park is a valuable conservation area with diverse flora and fauna including many endangered species. The Luwombwa River and Bufumu Forest with its treetop canopy tower offer some superb birding opportunities.

Birding target list: We hope to see birds of the likes of African Broadbill, Brown Firefinch, Black-Backed Barbet, Grey Olive and Cabanis’s Greenbul along the Luwombwa river and within the camp confines. Other spices include Hartlaub’s Babbler, Moustached Grass Warbler, Short-winged Cisticola, Red-Throated Twinspot, and Black-throated Wattle-eye.

Program of the day.

Below is the order of planned activities

06:00 am: Wake up call, take a bath

06: 30 am: Take breakfast

07:00 am: Full day birding around Luwombwa camp or any good birding area in the park;

Narration (information tip): We shall do a full day bird viewing spiced with game viewing of the very elusive Sitatunga antelope.

Alternative birding area: We will then head for Wasa Lake and should be able to see the Cabanis Bunting, Pale-Billed Hornbill, African Pygmy Goose and possibly a variety of other waterbirds. Miombo specialties include Racket-Tailed Roller, Rufous-Bellied Tit, Redcapped Crombec, Miombo Pied Barbet, Thick-Billed Cuckoo, Böhm’s Flycatcher, Spotted Creeper, Anchieta’s and Whyte’s Barbets. Back at the camp we will go for a walk along the river in the hope of finding the spectacular Narina Trogon. After dinner we will reflect on the day’s birding around the fire.

16:30 pm: Return to the same residential camp.

18:00 pm: Take your sumptuous dinner.

19:30 pm: Evening relaxation and update your bird sighting log book with new species you have seen today.

21:00 pm: Retire to bed for a restful night of sleep.

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Notes: There might be a slight variation of the sequence in which activities are done and time slots of the above cited activities.
Day 11 Transferred By Chartered Plane To Shoebill Island Camp In The Bangweulu Wetlands.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Transferred By Chartered Plane To Shoebill Island Camp In The Bangweulu Wetlands.

Up in the air; Chartered Flight to Shoebill Island Camp;

Narration (information tip): Today is a special day in your entire bird-watching excursion program. It is the climax of the entire bird-watching experience. You will hop in the air using a chartered small plane and fly to Bangweulu wetlands. The mission is to go and see the the world’s most sought after bird: The SHOEBILL STORK!

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Overview

Bangweulu, which means "where the water meets the sky", is recognized by the Ramsar Convention as one of the world’s most important wetlands. The Bengweulu swamp is an absolute waterbird mecca with over 400 species on record, and covers over a million hectares. Bangweulu Wetlands is located 700km/343mi north of Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia.

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Destination: Shoebill Island Camp is the flight destination. It is situated in the remote Bangweulu wetlands. We shall take a chartered flight directly into Chimbwi airstrip, just 1 km from Shoebill Island. You might share the plane with other travelers going to Shoebill Island Camp as well for bird excursions.

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Program of the day.

07:00 am – 07: 30 am – Breakfast; After breakfast we’ll head for the airstrip near Wasa camp. From there, you will take a chartered flight to Shoebill Island camp landing at an airstrip (S11.96800 E 030.25473)1km from Shoebill Island Camp.

Narration (information tip)- Accommodation facilities: The four walk-in safari tents at Shoebill Island Camp are on raised platforms with views across the flood plain, and direct access to excellent birding, black lechwe sightings. It is possible to walk right into the swamps virtually from your front door. Fantastic birding can be had in the immediate vicinity of the camp, and depending on the time of year we might even see the Shoebill Stork from the camp.

12:30 pm: You will take your delicious lunch.

Narration (information tip); In the afternoon we will go for a drive and see herds of Black Lechwe numbering several thousand - this particular sub-species is endemic to the Bengweulu swamp and is found only here. Tsessebe and Buffalo are also common. From a birding perspective we will see large flocks of the endangered Wattled Crane as well as Saddlebilled Stork. Take dinner.

Activities: The Tour Nature leader will guide you on the sequence of events.

***IMPORTANT NOTICE********Different mode of transportation to Shoebill Island camp = Overland vehicle transfer

Oversight: In case during your visit to Shoebill Island the water levels in the Bangweulu swamps will still be high. This means that the chartered plane will not be ble to land at Chimbwi airstrip of Shoebill Island.

Alternative mode of transport: Then you will be transferred to Shoebill Island by an overland 4x4 transfer vehicle. This will be 2.5 hours rough land vehicle transfer followed by a 50 minute transfer boat ride to Shoebill Island camp.

Comment and travel advice: We hope this does not happen. However it is adviseable that when choosing dates of of undertaking this bird-watching excursion, that you avoid rainy seasons (November - March)

19:30 pm: Evening relaxation. You may then update your bird sighting log book with new species you have seen today.

21:00 pm: Retire to bed to sleep.

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Notes: There might be a slight variation of the sequence in which activities are done and time slots of the above cited activities.
Day 12 Full Days Activities At Shoebill Island
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Full Days Activities At Shoebill Island

Still staying on Shoebill Island camp;

Shoebill sighting: This is the day dedicated to spotting the Shoebill Stork

Narration (information tip): On this day, our main aim will be on finding the Shoebill Stork. This huge bird is one of Africa’s most sought-after birds! We will do our level best to get everybody as close as possible while keeping disturbance to a minimum.

NOTE**: Sighting of the Shoebill is not always guaranteed because the bird is rather shy and sometimes simply prefers hiding in the reed in the Bangweulu swamps. But every effort will be done to ensure that you see the shy SHOEBILL bird!

Other bird species you migt sight.

At the same time we will also be on the lookout for other specialties that might include Eurasian Bittern, Great Snipe, Pallid Harrier, Spur-winged Lapwing, Pink-Backed Pelican, Great White Pelican, and many more.

Comment: The surrounding floodplains support Denham’s Bustard, Collared Pratincoles, Grey Crowned Cranes, Swamp Flycatcher, Rosy-throated Longclaw and Sooty Chat, to name but a few. The floodplain’s periphery advances and retreats by as much as 45 km between the peaks of the dry season and the wet season and therefore no tour to this water wonderland is ever the same as any other.

Dinner

Once back at the camp, there is a nice dining area overlooking the edge of the floodplain where we will enjoy some refreshments and some snacks while enjoying some of the best wetland birding on offer in Zambia. Around the camp Copper Sunbird and Blue-Breasted Bee-Eater are common and often seen.

19:30 pm: Evening relaxation. You will update your bird sighting log book with new species you have seen today.

21:00 pm: Retire to bed to sleep.

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Notes: There might be a slight variation of the sequence in which activities are done and time slots of the above cited activities.
Day 13 Back To Kasanka National Park And Proceed To Kapishya Hotsprings
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Back To Kasanka National Park And Proceed To Kapishya Hotsprings

Narration (Information tip): Immediatetly landing in Kasanka National Park, we will head straight to Kaphishya hotsprings.

Do more birding activities:

Depending on weather conditions, you will explore the area around Kapishya Hotsprings. We will do a mixture of footing, using vehicle travel to reach to the most rich birding areas of Kapishya Hotsprings.

Midday: Take delicious lunch at Kapishya Hotsprings and thereafter head to Mutinondo Wilderness. Depending on what time you will arrive at Mutinondo Wilderness, the Tour Nature Leader will guide you on the sequence of events to be done there.

19:30 pm: Evening relaxation and update your bird sighting log book with new species you have seen today.

21:00 pm: Retire to bed.

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Notes: There might be a slight variation of the sequence in which activities are done and time slots of the above cited activities.
Day 14 Full Day’S Activities Around Mutinondo Wilderness
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Full Day’S Activities Around Mutinondo Wilderness

Narration (information tip): Mutinondo is a rare gem of true wilderness in Zambia. It is listed as an Important Bird Area, with 362 species on the list as of 2017. It is renowned as the best site in the world for several specials including the Long-toed Flufftail (Sarothrura lugens) and the Bar-winged Weaver (Ploceus angolensis).

Summary of activities of the day:

06:30 am - Wake up call and take bath.

07:00 am - Take your sumptous breakafast

07:30 am: Start early morning birdwatching around Mutinondo Wilderness and a bit afar field. The Tour Nature Leader will guide you accordingly as to which far off areas you will visit.

Bird search: We will be searching for Bocage’s Akalat, Anchieta’s Sunbird, Bar-winged, Whyte’s Barbet, Weaver and Grey-Olive Greenbu.

Return to Lodge: Thereafter, we will return to the lodge for an evening of rest and update your bird log book.

19:00 pm: Take your sumptuous dinner.

21:30 pm: Retire to bed and sleep.
Day 15 Return Trip To Lusaka: Stay At Any Lodge/Camp In Lusaka For A Farewell Dinner
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Return Trip To Lusaka: Stay At Any Lodge/Camp In Lusaka For A Farewell Dinner

**Take your morning breakfast:

Return journey back: We’ll board our vehicles and head back to Lusaka.

We will reach Lusaka towards the evenings.

Farewell Dinner

A special dinner will be arranged for you and team members at the lodge/campsite where you will spend the eveining in Lusaka. This will be to celebrate the successful ending of 15 day birdwatching excursion tour. You will make new friends here and establish new networks with like-minded individuals with bird conservation at heart.

Vote of thank you by any birder participant!

21:30 pm: Retire to bed to sleep.
Day 16 Transferred To The Lusaka International Airport
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Transferred To The Lusaka International Airport

Guess what? Everything that goes up, must eventually come down. After 15 days of exciting birdwatching excursion, the incredible Shoebill Stork tour will finally come to an end.

70:30 am: Take your bath and your well-deserved last breakfast.on this trip

Narration (information tip!): Depending on the time of your flight or your next destination: You will be transferred to the Lusaka International Airport for your flight back home with sweet memories of Zambia’s best birding expedition.

------END OF Zambia: Incredible Shoebill Stork & other bird species watching in Bangweulu wetlands & Lochinvar for 16 days-------

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16 days tour

Zambia: Incredible Shoebill Stork & Other Bird Species Watch

This tour includes:

Not included:

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Itinerary of your trip Zambia: Incredible Shoebill Stork & Other Bird Species Watch

You Arrive In Livingstone, The Tourist Capital Of Zambia

Still Staying At Maramba River Lodge (Or At Any Other Tourism Compliant Lodge) In Livingstone

Depart From Livingstone For Choma - Enroute To Masuku Lodge (Nkanga Conservation Area)

Full Day Of Bird-Watching Around Masuku Lodge In The Nkanga Conservation Area

Travel To Lochinvar National Park For Exceptional Bird-Watching Excursion; A Natural Paradise For Birders!

Travel To Fringilla Farm Lodge, A Safe Vulture Zone And Birdwatching Hotspot In Chisamba

Depart For Forest Inn Lodge In Mkushi District

Full Day Of Bird-Watching Around Forest Inn Forests

Depart From Forest Inn To Kasanka National Park

Full Day Bird-Watching In Kasanka National Park.

Transferred By Chartered Plane To Shoebill Island Camp In The Bangweulu Wetlands.

Full Days Activities At Shoebill Island

Back To Kasanka National Park And Proceed To Kapishya Hotsprings

Full Day’S Activities Around Mutinondo Wilderness

Return Trip To Lusaka: Stay At Any Lodge/Camp In Lusaka For A Farewell Dinner

Transferred To The Lusaka International Airport

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