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Venture To Zambia

Blog

Emerald Season - best for Birding

12/12/2022

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The Emerald Season is arguably the most underrated time of the year for  travel in Zambia. From November to April the Luangwa Valley in particular is transformed into a lush wonderland thanks to the seasonal rains. The Luangwa River is at its fullest and the South Luangwa National Park becomes inundated with excess water, which results in some exceptional boating safaris, walks and the occasional drive. It’s a period of rejuvenation for nature, but also a chance to get away from the usual safari season and take advantage of some attractive green season deals - it is also a phenomenal time for birding.

For Twitchers the South Luangwa is held in high esteem, as it is home to over 450 species. During the Emerald Season, there is the bonus of several species of migratory birds such as the Palearctic migrants from Northern Europe and the intra-African migrants. These visitors include the Red chested Cuckoo, Eurasian swallows, swifts, hobbies and several Bee-eaters, as well as birds of prey such as the Steppe eagles and even Steppe buzzards, that come all the way from Russia. In addition there are the Amur Falcons which also come in from the steppes of Russia in their thousands, a flight of over 7 000 kilometres.

One of the most sought after birds to see, on most twitchers' wish list is the delightful African Pitta. This extremely elusive migratory bird arrives in mid to late November and loves to live in the dense thickets making it difficult to spot. Their distinctive call however is what usually alerts to their location and you are often rewarded with a fleeting glimpse and if lucky a photo opportunity. Timing is critical though as the moment the pittas start breeding, they stop ‘calling’.

During the green season, it’s not just the landscape that undergoes a colourful transformation. As it's breeding season, the birdlife also gets an extra burst of colour, with the males proudly showing off their breeding plumage. The Stork Colony up at Nsefu is in full swing during the green season and the yellow billed storks proudly display their crimson breeding plumage as do the Sacred Ibis.

The sky is filled with colours with birds such as the African Ground Hornbill, a variety of Kingfishers, Lilac Breasted Rollers and Lilian’s Lovebirds.

Contact us for some exception Safaris - as there are some great offerings from Robin Pope Safaris.
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    Author

    Janice Campbell has been planning and arranging African Safaris for over 25 years

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​Website by Campbell's African Safari Ventures (Pty) Ltd, T/A Venture To Africa
  • Home
  • Safari Ideas
    • Zambia Safaris >
      • Zambia Circuit
      • Ultimate Zambia
      • Jewels of Zambia
      • Optimal Sightings
      • Luangwa, Lower Zambezi Encounter
      • Zambezi and South Luangwa Explorer
      • Romance of Zambia
      • Land and Water Expedition
    • South Luangwa Safaris >
      • South Luangwa Walking Trail
      • South Luangwa Dream
      • Flatdogs, Chikoko Trail
      • Luangwa Valley Explorer
    • Lower Zambezi Safaris >
      • Lower Zambezi's Chiawa
      • Old Mondoro Adventure
      • Sausage Tree Sojourn
    • Kafue Safaris >
      • Kafue Lodges and Camping
      • Northern Kafue Explorer
  • Accommodation
    • South Luangwa Lodges >
      • North >
        • Nsefu Camp
        • Tena Tena
        • Mwamba Bush Camp
        • Kaingo Camp
        • Tafika Camp
        • Kakuli Camp
        • Luwi Camp
        • Nsolo Camp
        • Mchenja Camp
        • Lion Camp
        • Thornicroft Lodge
        • Chikoko Trails Camps
      • Central >
        • Mfuwe Lodge
        • Chinzombo Camp
        • Luangwa River Camp
        • Flatdogs Camp
        • Kafunta River Lodge
        • Track and Trail River Camp
      • South >
        • Puku Ridge
        • Kuyenda
        • Nkwali Camp
        • Chamilandu
        • Chindeni
        • Bilimungwe
        • Kapamba
        • Zungulila
    • North Luangwa Lodges >
      • Mwaleshi Camp
    • Lower Zambezi Lodges >
      • Anabezi Camp
      • Baines River Camp
      • Chiawa Camp
      • Old Mondoro
      • Sausage Tree Camp
      • Potato Bush Camp
      • Chongwe River Camp
      • Royal Zambezi Lodge
    • Kafue Lodges >
      • Mayukuyuku Bush Camp
      • Musekese Camp
      • Busanga Plains Camp
      • KaingU Safari Lodge
      • Mukambi Safari Loge
      • Shumba Camp
      • Busanga Bush Camp
      • Leopard Lodge
      • Nanzhila Plains Safari Camp
    • Liuwa Plains Lodges >
      • King Lewanika Lodge
    • Luambe Lodges >
      • Luambe Camp
    • Livingstone Lodges >
      • Tongabezi Lodge
      • Sindabezi
      • Thorntree River Lodge
      • Sussi and Chuma Lodge
      • The River Club
      • Toka Leya Camp
      • Royal Livingstone Hotel
      • Victoria Falls Resort
      • Waterberry Zambezi Lodge
      • Stanley Safari Lodge
      • Chundukwa River Lodge
      • Islands of Siankaba
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • Testimonials
  • About Us