We travelled from London to Livingstone in Zambia via Johannesburg. There were 22 mostly non-birders in the group. This was our first experience of group travel as we are normally independent travellers, arranging our own itinerary.
The first three nights were spent at the Avani Victoria Falls resort. As well as being located short walk to the falls themselves, the hotel gives good birding opportunities within the grounds and along the Zambezi.
The lake within the grounds supports Pied and Giant Kingfishers, African Openbill and Glossy Ibis. There is also a large Southern Masked Weaver colony. We noticed that the Weavers appeared first thing in the morning and began tending their nests, disappearing during the day.
Walking to the Falls we saw Trumpeter Hornbill, Schalow's Turaco and a single Marico Sunbird. This was to be the only sunbird of our trip as it was the dry season and very little was in flower. The birds were therefore very visible, due to the reduced amount of foliage, and often to be found congregated around the waterholes. 41 species were seen in all, including 12 lifers.
Moving on to the Chobe Safari Lodge in northern Botswana for 7 nights: this is situated on the banks of the Chobe River and just a few minutes' drive to the gates of the National Park.
Away from the central part of the hotel, there is good birding within the grounds near the campsite. The birds are mostly quite confiding and included Blue Waxbill, Black collared Barbet, Tropical Boubou, White-browed Robin Chat, Coppery tailed Coucal and Golden Weaver.
We had several boat trips in our package and took an extra one in a small boat with a guide. The guides are all knowledgeable and the small boat lets you get very close to the birds on an island in the Chobe River. We saw Whiskered Tern, African Skimmer, several species of heron (including Goliath)and egret, African Spoonbill, Brown-hooded and Malachite Kingfisher, Long-toed, Crowned, White headed and Spur-winged Lapwings, Water Thick-knee. African Fish Eagles were in abundance.
Several game drives at different times of day were also included. These were slightly less enjoyable in birding terms as the priority of the drivers and most of the group was to see the big cats. At one time there were 25 vehicles, each carrying up to 10 people, jockeying for position to view three lions. I still managed to see the likes of Kori Bustard, Marabou Stork, the ubiquitous Lilac-breasted Roller, African Marsh Harrier, Martial Eagle and Red-necked Falcon. 3 species of bee eater: Little, White-fronted and Southern Carmine were seen.
104 species were seen in Botswana, including 40 lifers. This would have been considerably more had I been with a birding group. My only previous experience of African birding has been on a few occasions in South Africa so this was a great opportunity to see different birds.
The first three nights were spent at the Avani Victoria Falls resort. As well as being located short walk to the falls themselves, the hotel gives good birding opportunities within the grounds and along the Zambezi.
The lake within the grounds supports Pied and Giant Kingfishers, African Openbill and Glossy Ibis. There is also a large Southern Masked Weaver colony. We noticed that the Weavers appeared first thing in the morning and began tending their nests, disappearing during the day.
Walking to the Falls we saw Trumpeter Hornbill, Schalow's Turaco and a single Marico Sunbird. This was to be the only sunbird of our trip as it was the dry season and very little was in flower. The birds were therefore very visible, due to the reduced amount of foliage, and often to be found congregated around the waterholes. 41 species were seen in all, including 12 lifers.
Moving on to the Chobe Safari Lodge in northern Botswana for 7 nights: this is situated on the banks of the Chobe River and just a few minutes' drive to the gates of the National Park.
Away from the central part of the hotel, there is good birding within the grounds near the campsite. The birds are mostly quite confiding and included Blue Waxbill, Black collared Barbet, Tropical Boubou, White-browed Robin Chat, Coppery tailed Coucal and Golden Weaver.
We had several boat trips in our package and took an extra one in a small boat with a guide. The guides are all knowledgeable and the small boat lets you get very close to the birds on an island in the Chobe River. We saw Whiskered Tern, African Skimmer, several species of heron (including Goliath)and egret, African Spoonbill, Brown-hooded and Malachite Kingfisher, Long-toed, Crowned, White headed and Spur-winged Lapwings, Water Thick-knee. African Fish Eagles were in abundance.
Several game drives at different times of day were also included. These were slightly less enjoyable in birding terms as the priority of the drivers and most of the group was to see the big cats. At one time there were 25 vehicles, each carrying up to 10 people, jockeying for position to view three lions. I still managed to see the likes of Kori Bustard, Marabou Stork, the ubiquitous Lilac-breasted Roller, African Marsh Harrier, Martial Eagle and Red-necked Falcon. 3 species of bee eater: Little, White-fronted and Southern Carmine were seen.
104 species were seen in Botswana, including 40 lifers. This would have been considerably more had I been with a birding group. My only previous experience of African birding has been on a few occasions in South Africa so this was a great opportunity to see different birds.
