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.
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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