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 are present. However, most of the park is inaccessible and therefore closed at this time.