4 Unforgettable Places to be! A Guide to Bird Watching in Zimbabwe

Bird watching in Zimbabwe is an experience like no other. It lets bird lovers explore a wide range of ecosystems full of amazing birds against the backdrop of stunning African scenery.  The country has everything from the powerful Zambezi River to the wide-open savannas and lush rainforests, making it a great place for both birdwatchers and casual onlookers.

This guide goes deep into the heart of bird watching in the land of the Shona. It reveals the greatest places to go, the most important species to see, and the most important suggestions for an enjoyable birding trip.

Which are the Best Places for Bird Watching in Zimbabwe?

There are many famous parks and reserves in Zimbabwe with birds. Each has a different species with a unique habitat.  Zimbabwe prides itself on its numerous, globally famous parks and reserves that are prime locations for birding. These are the best bird-watching spots in Zimbabwe.

• Mana Pools National Park
• Victoria Falls National Park
• Hwange National Park
• The Eastern Highlands

Mana Pools National Park

This UNESCO World Heritage Site and arguably the crown jewel for bird watching. Its riverine forests, albida woodlands, and oxbow lagoons attract a phenomenal diversity of birds. Key species to spot include:

• The majestic African Skimmer
• The elusive Pel’s Fishing-Owl
• Carmine Bee-eaters (in their thousands during breeding season)
• Collared Palm-Thrush

Victoria Falls National Park

The spray from “The Smoke That Thunders” creates a unique rainforest microenvironment. This is the best place to see the charming Taita Falcon and the Schalow’s Turaco. Victoria Falls is home to African Fish Eagles and numerous waterfowl. It’s among the best bird-watching places in Zimbabwe.

Hwange National Park

While famous for elephants, Hwange’s teak and mopane woodlands are a haven for dry-country specialists. Birders flock here for these three reasons:

• The striking Southern Ground-Hornbill
• The vibrant Crimson-breasted Shrike
• A variety of raptors, including the Bateleur Eagle

Eastern Highlands

The misty mountains of Nyanga, Bvumba, and Chimanimani offer a completely different birding experience. Here, you can find montane endemics and forest specialists like the Swynnerton’s Robin and the Chirinda Apalis.

How Many Bird Species are there in Zimbabwe?

There are more than 675 verified bird species in Zimbabwe. This is a big part of Southern Africa’s total birdlife, and it’s one of the main reasons why bird watching in Zimbabwe is fun.  The country’s different moist montane forests, wetlands, dry savannas and woodlands, sustain a different group of birds.

What is the Best Time for Bird Watching?

The best time to go bird watching in Zimbabwe depends on what you want to see. However, November to April is the best time to watch birds here in Zimbabwe. Here is a guide you should consider when planning your next trip to Hwange or Victoria Falls.

November to April

Birdwatching is best in the summer when it rains.  Migratory birds from Europe and Northern Africa camp in Zimbabwe during these months. The colours of the breeding plumage are at their brightest.  The area is green and full of plants, and there is plenty of food.

May to October

This is the best time for a general safari. The dry season is great for sighting all kinds of animals, and bird watching is still extremely good.  There are no Palaearctic migrants during these months, but it’s easier to see resident birds because they gather around permanent waterholes.  The weather is nice and moderate, with little to no rain.

What is the National Bird of Zimbabwe?

The beautiful African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) is Zimbabwe’s national bird.  The African Fish Eagle has one of the most famous sounds of the African wilderness, especially around rivers and lakes. It has a unique ringing call.

Further, this bird has a dazzling white head, a chestnut body, and strong black wings. It stands for power, freedom, and the country’s bountiful water resources.  You can’t have a complete bird watching in Zimbabwe session without seeing this famous bird of prey.

Which Country in Africa Has the Best Birding?

Uganda takes it home as the top country with the best birding experience in Africa.

Here’s why Uganda is in the lead:

• There are more than 1,080 different kinds of birds here, which is nearly half of all the birds in Africa!
• Easy to sight birds. You can see hundreds of species in a small area, unlike other places in Africa where you have to travel a long way to see them.
• Uganda has a vast range of ecosystems, from tropical rainforests and wetlands to savannahs and mountain ranges. These settings attract a wide number of birds.
• Home to uncommon birds including the Shoebill Stork, Green-breasted Pitta, Great Blue Turaco, and African Green Broadbill.

Other African countries you should consider besides bird watching in Zimbabwe include the following:

Tanzania and Kenya – often lead in sheer species count, with over 1,100 species each, thanks to their vast size and diverse biomes.

South Africa – offers exceptional infrastructure and a high number of endemics, making it very accessible.

Zimbabwe – holds its own as a premier destination due to its:

• High concentration of species in a more compact area
• Spectacular and accessible key sites like Mana Pools and Victoria Falls
• Combination of incredible birdlife with a classic big-game safari experience

What is the Eagle Bird in Shona?

The Shona word for a big eagle is “Gondo.”  However, when talking about the African Fish Eagle, which is important to the culture, the word used is “Hungwe.”  The Hungwe is the national bird and a strong symbol in Shona history and mythology.

It is the totem (mutupo) for several clans and is on the national flag and coat of arms. It stands for the nation’s protective spirit.  It’s a common sight while you explore Zimbabwe’s birdlife.