At Zamsato, our identity takes wing 🐦 in the form of the elegant and rare African Skimmer, the bird that proudly graces our logo. This sleek, black-and-white beauty with a fiery orange bill isn’t just a symbol — it’s an invitation 🌿 to explore Zambia’s wild places through the eyes of its most fascinating residents: birds 🦜.
Zambia is a birder’s paradise 🌍, boasting over 750 species of birds, from wetland giants to forest jewels and dry woodland endemics. In this article, we spotlight Zambia’s most sought-after birds 🐦 and where to find them — including the stunning African Skimmer itself, one of the most intriguing skimmers around.
THE AFRICAN SKIMMER: OUR SPIRIT IN FLIGHT 🕊️
With its unique feeding technique — flying just inches above the water with its lower mandible slicing through the surface — the African Skimmer is one of the continent’s most spectacular river birds 🌊. They nest in colonies on exposed sandbanks during the dry season, when water levels are low and fishing is easiest 🎣.
Where to See It:
Zambezi River (Livingstone & Lower Zambezi) 🌅: Best spotted from July to October during boat cruises at dawn or dusk, where the sight of skimmers can be breathtaking.
Liuwa Plain 🌾: For seasoned adventurers, this remote park offers rare Skimmer sightings along its waterways.
ZAMBIA’S MOST SOUGHT-AFTER BIRDS 🦜
Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex)
Few birds stir the imagination like the prehistoric-looking Shoebill 🦤. Towering, solitary, and eerily silent, it is one of Africa’s most iconic and mysterious birds.
Found in: Bangweulu Wetlands 🌿 — canoe safaris 🚣 between May and July offer the highest chances.
Zambian Barbet (Lybius chaplini)
Zambia’s only endemic bird 🐦, the Chaplin’s Barbet (Zambian Barbet), is a fruit-loving species with a localized range.
Found in: Miombo woodland areas west of the line of rail between Kabwe and Kalomo.
Taita Falcon (Falco fasciinucha)
One of Africa’s rarest raptors 🦅, fast, fierce, and highly localized.
Found in: Batoka Gorge near Victoria Falls 🌊 — best seen early morning 🌄.
Black-cheeked Lovebird (Agapornis nigrigensis)
Endangered, vibrant small parrot 🦜; green body, black cheeks, strong pair bonds.
Found in: Southern Kafue NP to Zambezi River in Mopane and thorntree woodlands 🌳.
BEYOND THE ICONS: MORE BIRDING HAVENS TO EXPLORE 🌿
Zambia’s avian riches extend well beyond the star species. The country offers diverse habitats and a wealth of birding treasures 🐦✨.
Kasanka National Park – Largest fruit bat migration 🦇 plus forest birds and wetland species.
Mwinilunga (Northwest Zambia) – Rare bird paradise 🌄. Expect Angola Lark, Grimwood’s Longclaw, and more.
Mutinondo Wilderness – Miombo woodland 🌳 for Anchieta’s Sunbird, Pale-billed Hornbill and others.
South Luangwa & Lower Zambezi National Parks – Iconic parks with 400+ bird species 🐦. Highlights: Lilian’s Lovebird, Pel’s Fishing Owl, kingfishers, bee-eaters, raptors 🦅.
Tailored Birding Safaris with Zamsato 🌅
Chasing lifers like the Shoebill or photographing the Skimmer in golden light? We’ll craft the perfect birding adventure for you 🌍. From canoe safaris 🚣 in Bangweulu to boat cruises on the Zambezi 🌊 — let’s go!
Let the African Skimmer guide your journey 🐦.
Contact us today to plan a birding safari that soars above expectations 🌟. It’s time to dive into the world of skimmers and more.
