Lion resting under a euphorbia in Southern Kafue National Park.
Tucked away in the heart of Zambia, Kafue National Park is a vast, untamed wilderness that remains one of Africa's best-kept secrets. Stretching over 22,400 square kilometers, it is Zambia’s largest and oldest national park, offering an incredible diversity of habitats and species. For bird watchers, Kafue is a paradise brimming with over 500 recorded bird species—ranging from the common to the rare, the flamboyant to the cryptic. Whether you're a seasoned birder or a curious traveler with a pair of binoculars, birding in Kafue is an unforgettable experience.
Lion resting under a euphorbia in Southern Kafue National Park.
What makes Kafue so exceptional for birding is its extraordinary variety of habitats. From vast floodplains and lush riverine forests to miombo woodlands and open savannah, each environment supports a unique avifaunal community. The Kafue River meanders through the park, feeding the surrounding ecosystems and creating a lifeline for both birds and other wildlife.
The Busanga Plains in the northwestern sector are a birder's dream. This seasonal floodplain is known for dramatic landscapes and rare bird sightings. During the dry season, as the water recedes, nutrient-rich soils attract thousands of birds. Wattled Cranes, Slaty Egrets, and the rare Rosy-throated Longclaw are just some of the highlights here. In contrast, the miombo woodlands host different species such as the Miombo Pied Barbet, Black-eared Seedeater, and Racket-tailed Roller.
Lion resting under a euphorbia in Southern Kafue National Park.
Kafue’s birdlife is a rich tapestry encompassing everything from majestic raptors to dazzling sunbirds, offering birders a treasure trove of unforgettable sightings. Along quiet stretches of the Kafue River, one may be lucky enough to spot the elusive African Finfoot, while the riverine forests often conceal the roosting forms of the charismatic Pel’s Fishing Owl. Zambia’s only true endemic bird, Chaplin’s Barbet, can be found perched in fig trees across the central and southern parts of the park, its distinctive call echoing through the canopy.
Across the grasslands, Southern Ground Hornbills, with their turkey-sized bodies and vivid red facial skin, forage in small groups, adding a touch of drama to the scene. The skies above Kafue are patrolled by powerful raptors like Martial Eagles, Bateleurs, and African Hawk Eagles, while various vultures circle in search of carrion. Along the park’s rivers and lagoons, waterbirds such as African Jacanas, African Skimmers, and the striking Saddle-billed Storks gather in abundance, completing the rich avian mosaic that makes birding in Kafue so exhilarating.
Lion resting under a euphorbia in Southern Kafue National Park.
While Kafue is a year-round destination, the optimal time for birding is during the wet season from November to April. This is when migratory birds from Europe and northern Africa arrive, boosting the number of species in the park. The bush is lush, birds are breeding, and their plumage is at its most vibrant. However, the dry season (May to October) offers better access to certain areas like the Busanga Plains, where bird concentrations can be astonishing as water sources dwindle.