With more than 400 bird species recorded, Mana Pools National Park is a great birding destination. The range of habitats includes woodland, cliffs and . Waterbirds are well represented along the shore of the Zambezi River and the four pools. Dashing southern carmine bee-eaters nest on the riverbanks from August to October. African skimmer, Pel’s fishing-owl and Lilian’s lovebird are just some of the rare treats to be expected. Migratory birds are present from November to April.
Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
- African fish eagle
- African hawk-eagle
- African openbill
- African skimmer
- Black-throated wattle-eye
- Blue-cheeked bee-eater
- Böhm’s spinetail
- Brown snake eagle
- Crested guineafowl
- Crowned eagle
- Dickinson’s kestrel
- Eastern nicator
- Lilian’s lovebird
- Little bittern
- Livingstone’s flycatcher
- Mottled spinetail
- Pel’s fishing-owl
- Peter’s twinspot
- Plain martin
- Red-billed helmet-shrike
- Red-billed hornbill
- Red-necked falcon
- Rock pratincole
- Rufous-bellied heron
- Sombre greenbul
- Southern carmine bee-eater
- White-backed night heron
- White-headed black chat
- White-headed lapwing
Best Time for Bird Watching
Although good year-round, birding is at its best from November to April when the migratory birds arrive from Europe and northern Africa. This is also the best time to see resident birds nesting. From June to October, when the bush is very dry, is the best time for wildlife viewing.