Birding at Hornbill
Southern Kafue is a twitcher’s paradise — woodlands, open Kalahari sand plains, lagoons, and seasonal wetlands all combine to make the region one of Zambia’s most rewarding birding destinations.
The Star of the Show
The rare, endemic Black-cheeked Lovebird is the highlight here. This colourful parrot has an extremely restricted global range, stretching only from the Machile area near Kazungula in the southwest to Hornbill Lodge in the northeast. Your chances of spotting them (in season) are unusually high, making this one of the best places in the world to see them.
A Prolific Birdlife
Beyond the lovebird, the variety is endless. The Nanzhila area is well known for specials like Secretary Birds, several vulture species, Yellow-throated Sandgrouse returning from East Africa, and Kalahari favourites such as the Violet-eared Waxbill and Meves’ Starling.
Life Along the Water
The Nanzhila stream and its pools attract species that are a dream for birders: the elusive African Finfoot, Half-collared Kingfisher, Lesser Jacana, and even the stately Wattled Crane. Add in the haunting calls of the Pel’s Fishing-Owl and the ever-present fish eagles, and the water becomes as lively as the skies.
Southern Kafue’s Edge
In total, over 500 bird species have been recorded in this part of Kafue National Park. With fewer visitors compared to other safari destinations, birders can enjoy quiet, uninterrupted days in the bush — ticking lifers off their list while soaking up the wilderness.