The Zambezi Region (formerly Caprivi Strip) is an excellent bird-watching destination, with more than 450 species recorded. It supports many birds not found elsewhere in Namibia. Most of the Okavango Delta specials can be seen here, including slaty egret, racket-tailed roller and wattled crane. From November to April, permanent water in the region makes it a popular stopover for many migrants from Eurasia and elsewhere in Africa. A variety of waders is abundant throughout the year.
Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
- African hobby
- African pygmy goose
- Bat hawk
- Bearded scrub robin
- Bradfield’s hornbill
- Brown firefinch
- Chirping cisticola
- Collared palm-thrush
- Coppery-tailed coucal
- Green-backed honeyguide
- Hartlaub’s babbler
- Lesser jacana
- Little bittern
- Pearl-breasted swallow
- Pel’s fishing-owl
- Racket-tailed roller
- Red-chested flufftail
- Rufous-bellied heron
- Slaty egret
- Southern carmine bee-eater
- Swamp boubou
- Three-banded courser
- Wattled crane
- Western banded snake eagle
- White-fronted plover
- White-headed lapwing
- Winding cisticola
Best Time for Bird Watching
The Zambezi Region can be visited throughout the year. However, bird watching is best during the Wet season (November to April) when migratory birds are present. The roads become very marshy in places and driving around can be challenging at this time. General wildlife viewing is best in the cooler, dry months from May to September.