Chasing Zimbabwe's rarest wings
Hwange National Park, Khami Ruins, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe · 11 days · From $4,900 per person · Booked direct with Josh Elliott, owner-operator
Overview
Birdsong meets elegance on this luxury journey through Zimbabwe’s most diverse and rewarding birding zones. Feathers & Footprints is designed for lovers of quiet beauty, meaningful sightings, and impeccable comfort. Starting in the granite-studded landscapes of Matobo Hills , where Verreaux’s Eagles , Lanner Falcons , and Gabar Goshawks soar above ancient kopjes, the tour moves northward to Khami’s acacia woodlands and private dams. Here, rare Boulder Chats , African Fish Eagles , Egyptian Geese , and White-faced Whistling Ducks gather in remarkable density. In Hwange National Park , expansive skies host everything from Secretarybirds and Ground Hornbills to Carmine Bee-eaters and Saddle-billed Storks , often alongside big game. Finally, the Zambezi’s lush riverbanks near Victoria Falls bring the whisper of African Skimmers , the call of the Collared Palm Thrush , and the mystery of Pel’s Fishing Owl . Every lodge is hand-selected for style, sustainability, and service. Guided by top bird specialists, you’ll enjoy private drives, walking safaris, and sunset hide sessions, all at a gentle, refined pace. For those who appreciate depth, rarity, and the quiet thrill of birding done well, this is an exquisite migration through wilderness.
Why book direct with ZimTravellers?
Itinerary
A graceful journey through Zimbabwe’s most rewarding birding habitats, from granite peaks to riverside forests. This 11-day itinerary flows through four distinct ecosystems, each offering a rich palette of birdlife and luxury in equal measure. Starting in the dramatic landscapes of Matobo Hills, you’ll observe soaring raptors and rock-loving species amid ancient granite outcrops. At Khami Sanctuary, woodland and dam-edge species create a quiet oasis for rare sightings. Hwange opens up the vast African savannah, while Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River reveal riverine endemics in a lush and peaceful finale. Each location is explored at a refined pace with expert guides, elegant lodges, and memorable moments in nature.
Arrive in Bulawayo and transfer by private vehicle to Matobo Hills. After settling into your chalet, enjoy a light sunset walk where you may spot Mocking Cliff Chats, White-necked Ravens, and hear the calls of nightjars echoing across the granite-strewn hills.
Begin the day scanning the thermals above the hills for Verreaux’s Eagles, Lanner Falcons, and Gabar Goshawks. Afternoon excursions include visits to ancient rock art sites with a chance to see Rock Martins and Striped Pipits en route.
Track white rhinos on foot, accompanied by birding specialists. Likely sightings include Swainson’s Spurfowl, Yellow-bellied Greenbuls, and Southern Black Tits. End the day with sundowners and chef’s exclusive dinner under the stars.
Optional pre-breakfast sunrise hike to a private Matobo viewpoint. After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to Khami Sanctuary for exclusive use of the lodge. In the afternoon take a golden-hour birding walk near the dam—Fish Eagles, Boulder Chats, and Whistling Ducks often appear here.
Enjoy a morning bird walk with Khami’s conservation team. Spot Village Weavers, Burchell’s Coucals, Black-collared Barbets, and perhaps a Martial Eagle overhead. The rest of the day is yours to relax or visit the Khami Ruins on a privately guided tour.
Depart Khami for Hwange National Park. Check into a premium tented camp and embark on a late afternoon concession drive. Look for Secretarybirds, Kori Bustards, and Bateleurs crossing the open savannah under fading sun.
A full-day birding safari into the heart of Hwange. Expect large flocks of Carmine Bee-eaters, Ground Hornbills, Lilac-breasted Rollers, and Saddle-billed Storks, all spotted alongside elephants, buffalo, and other plains game.
Enjoy one last hide session or short morning walk before transferring to a private riverside lodge near Victoria Falls. Settle in with a view and listen for Trumpeter Hornbills, Sunbirds, and Robin-Chats in the canopy as dusk approaches.
Spend the morning on a private game drive or birding walk in Zambezi National Park, where you may spot Pel’s Fishing Owl, African Skimmers, Collared Palm Thrushes, and Schalow’s Turacos. In the late afternoon, set out on an exclusive sunset cruise on the Zambezi River—a serene and scenic experience offering sightings of herons, bee-eaters, and perhaps elephants along the banks.
Embark on a guided walk through the Victoria Falls rainforest. In the misty undergrowth, keep an eye out for African Finfoots, White-browed Robin-Chats, and vibrant Turacos flitting between trees above the thundering gorge.
Begin your day with optional birding from the lodge deck. After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to Victoria Falls Airport for departure, carrying the echoes of birdsong and granite with you into memory.
Matobo Hills · ZimbabweAccommodation in Matobo HillsDetails in your proposalDestination photograph. Accommodation confirmed in your proposal.
Khami · ZimbabweKhami LodgeView the lodge →
Hwange · ZimbabweAccommodation in HwangeDetails in your proposalDestination photograph. Accommodation confirmed in your proposal.Victoria Falls · ZimbabweAccommodation in Victoria FallsDetails in your proposalDestination photograph. Accommodation confirmed in your proposal.25% charge (deposit): 90+ days out.
50% charge: 61 to 90 days.
75% charge: 31 to 60 days.
A 25% deposit confirms your itinerary.
Requested and confirmed within one working day.
Prices per person, based on two travelling together.
Private (max 8 guests).
Operated by ZimTravellers / Matobo Hills Lodge (own operation).
Physical level: Moderate.
What’s included
Practical
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