Our trip will commence at the mighty Zambezi River and the thundering Victoria Falls, one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World, where the wide Zambezi plummets over 300ft into the Batoka Gorge.

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This region is diverse, and includes the Falls, Kazungula, Victoria Falls National Park, Mosi-ou-Tunya National Park. Zambezi National Park to the south of the Falls and many other habitats. The region offers a variety of birding habitats and opportunities including the rainforest next to the Falls itself, the Zambezi river, the gorges below the Falls, the miombo woodland surrounds and the National Park. Most of this area has large populations of African Elephant, African Buffalo, Lion and Hippopotamus, so great care must be taken when walking. Over 470 species of birds are possible in the area, with many being sought-after specials.

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Kazungula occupies the most westerly corner of the country and overs the river, wetlands, floodplains, acacia and open woodland. Zambia lies just across the river, with Botswana positioned to the west and the Caprivi Strip to the north.  On the floodplains the following specials can be expected: Slaty Egret, Long-toed Lapwing, Senegal Coucal and Coppery-tailed Coucal, Swamp Nightjar, Hartlaub’s Babbler, Greater Swamp-Warbler, Luapula and Chirping Cisticolas, Plain-backed Pipit, Southern Brown-throated Weaver and Swamp Boubou. Shelley’s Sunbird is also a possibility together with Basra Reed-Warbler. Other species include Bradfield’s Hornbill, Broad-tailed Paradise-Whydah, Orange-winged Pytilia, Shaft-tailed Whydah, Red-necked Falcon, Olive-tree Warbler in the woodlands of the area, Denham’s Bustard in the National Park, along with occasional and rare Red-headed Quelea between the Falls and Kazungula.

The Victoria Falls region offers White-breasted Cuckooshrike, Brown Firefinch, Schalow’s Turaco, Olive Woodpecker, Northern Grey-headed Sparrow, Collared Palm-Thrush, Lesser Jacana, Baillon's Crake and many others. The gorges are very popular for adventure-type safaris and activities and this has threatened the Taita Falcon, though Peregrine Falcons are more tolerant of disturbance. There are also many other raptors to be seen in the area, including the summer migrants. African Black Swifts are common in the gorges and even possible Mottled Swift. Naturally every birder knows to check out the local sewage works and the ponds at Victoria Falls are no exception. Ross’s Turaco has been reported from the river, as well as Western Banded Snake-eagle and Lesser Sand Plover.

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Other target species include: Augur Buzzard, Bat Hawk, African Skimmer, Rock Pratincole, Half-collared Kingfisher, African Finfoot, White-backed Night-Heron, Rufous-bellied Heron, Grey-headed Parrot, White-crowned Lapwing, Long-toed Lapwing, Racket-tailed Roller, Red-necked Falcon,  Broad-tailed Paradise-Whydah, Mottled Spinetail, Böhm's Spinetail, Lesser Jacana, White-breasted Cuckooshrike, Senegal Coucal, Coppery-tailed Coucal, White-browed Coucal, Grey Tit-Flycatcher, and many others.