With more than 410 species recorded, North Luangwa National Park is a bird-watching hot spot. As the wilderness area is set aside for walking only, birding tends to be very rewarding. Colonies of southern carmine bee-eaters nesting in the riverbanks provide an unforgettable experience for even the most reluctant bird-watcher. The offers some species not found further south, including the babbling starling and chestnut-backed sparrow-weaver.
Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
- African broadbill
- African crake
- African pitta
- African skimmer
- Allen’s gallinule
- Babbling starling
- Barred long-tailed cuckoo
- Black-throated wattle-eye
- Cardinal quelea
- Chestnut-backed sparrow-weaver
- Collared palm-thrush
- Dwarf bittern
- Horus swift
- Lilian’s lovebird
- Moustached grass-warbler
- Narina trogon
- Pel’s fishing-owl
- Racket-tailed roller
- Western banded snake eagle
- White-fronted plover
- White-headed black chat
- White-headed lapwing
- Woodland kingfisher
- Yellow-throated longclaw
Best Time for Bird Watching
North Luangwa is considered an excellent birding destination year-round, although the best birding is during the wet summer months (from November to April) when migrants are present. However, most of the park is inaccessible and therefore closed at this time.