Zimbabwe
Best of Birding
18th to 27th January 2018 (13 days)
African Pitta by Hugh Chittenden
Zimbabwe is justly famous as a superb birding destination that leaves one with a lasting impression
of having experienced the real 'wild Africa.' Pristine wilderness areas, spectacular landscapes and
an amazing variety of ecosystems make Zimbabwe a natural history paradise. The diversity of
habitats is astounding and ranges from open grassland and afro-montane evergreen forest to broadleaved Mopani and Miombo woodlands, gallery forest and seasonal wetlands, which together host a
large and impressive variety of birds and game. Our tour to this under-birded African destination
has been specially designed to incorporate all of these diverse habitats, and we can expect some
unrivalled birding experiences!
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The superb Mopani and Miombo woodlands are home to a vast suite of avian specialities such
as the smart Arnott’s Chat, White-breasted Cuckooshrike, spectacular Racket-tailed Roller, localised
Boulder Chat and Southern Hyliota, while we can expect seldom-seen and extremely localised species
like Chirinda Apalis, Roberts’s Warbler, the delightful Swynnerton’s Robin, Bronzy Sunbird, Blackfronted Bushshrike and Cinnamon-breasted Tit in the picturesque Vumba Mountains of the Eastern
Highlands which border Mozambique. Another mouth-watering destination is the Honde Valley
which also borders Mozambique. This valley will put us in direct contact with many bird species more
restricted to the low-lying areas of Mozambique which otherwise, can be very hard to find. These
include Marsh Tchagra, Lesser Seedcracker, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Moustached Grass
Warbler, Green-backed Woodpecker, Black-winged Red Bishop, Short-winged Cisticola, Red-winged
Warbler and some highly localised species such as Scarce Swift and Singing Cisticola.
Our tour then moves onto the extensive, seasonal wetlands and bird-rich Miombo woodland’s
around the capital city of Harare. Here localised specialities include Green-backed Honeybird,
Whyte’s Barbet, African Spotted Creeper, Miombo Rock Thrush and Miombo Double-collared
Sunbird. We descend from the plateau once more into the Lower Zambezi Valley where our primary
target will be the very sought after African Pitta. This under-birded wilderness also holds specials
such as Böhm's Spinetail, Livingstone's Flycatcher, White-breasted Cuckooshrike, Arnott's Chat and
the sought after Big 5.
THE TOUR AT A GLANCE…
BEST OF BIRDING ZIMBABWE
Day 1
Arrival in Harare, Zimbabwe
Day 2
Harare to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins
Day 3
Great Zimbabwe Ruins and surrounds
Day 4
Great Zimbabwe Ruins to the Vumba Mountains (Eastern Highlands)
Day 5
Vumba Mountains (Eastern Highlands)
Day 6
Vumba Mountains (Eastern Highlands) to the Honde Valley
Day 7
Honde Valley
Day 8
Honde Valley to Harare
Day 9
Harare and surrounds
Day 10
Harare to Lower Zambezi Valley
Days 11 & 12
Lower Zambezi Valley and surrounds
Day 13
Lower Zambezi Valley to Harare and final departures
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TOUR MAP
Best of Birding Zimbabwe
Boulder Chat by Hugh Chittenden
Day 1: Arrival in Harare. Upon arrival in Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital city, you will be met by a
Rockjumper representative and transferred to our nearby lodge where we shall overnight. Time
permitting, we shall explore the Harare National Botanical Gardens where Whyte’s Barbet visits the
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fruiting fig trees, Miombo Double-collared, Variable and Copper Sunbirds may all be seen in the
indigenous gardens. We will then settle into our overnight accommodations.
Day 2: Harare to Great Zimbabwe Ruins.
This morning we will be given a bit of a taste
of the capital city’s wet grassland specials
within close proximity to our lodge.
Depending on rainfall and conditions we might
find several rare, secretive and erratic species
like Striped and Spotted Crakes, Streakybreasted Flufftail, Blue Quail and Locust
Finch, which have made these wetlands
famous within the local birding fraternity.
These species are all regular and appear
annually in the grasslands in and around
Harare; however, they will only be present if
there has been regular, recent rain and the
Rosy-throated Longclaw by Cuan Rush
seasonally flooded grasslands are shallowly
inundated with water. Other regular visitors include African and Western Marsh Harriers, African
Crake, Corn Crake, Greater Painted-snipe and African Snipe, Black Coucal, Marsh and Grass Owls,
three species of Longclaw, including the highly sought-after and localised Rosy-throated Longclaw,
Pale-crowned, Wing-snapping and the larger Croaking Cisticola, the parasitic and nomadic Cuckoofinch, Orange-breasted Waxbill and Quailfinch. Other potential specials include Lesser Moorhen,
Black-rumped Buttonquail, the colourful Yellow-mantled Widowbird and the smart Grey-rumped
Swallow overhead.
After fuelling our bodies with a scrumptious breakfast we leave Harare and begin the picturesque
drive south to the historical Great Zimbabwe Ruins. As we meander through Zimbabwe’s interior we
will pass through a variety of habitats, including areas of extensive, moist grasslands. Passing through
these grasslands, we will keep a lookout for Yellow-mantled Widowbird, the impressive Southern
Ground Hornbill, highly endangered and superbly elegant Wattled Crane, Amur and Red-footed
Falcons and Lesser Kestrel hunting in flocks overhead, before reaching our destination.
Amur Falcon by Clayton Burne
The Great Zimbabwe Ruins, near Lake
Mutirikwi and the town of Mashing, is an
ancient, large city ruin in the hilly southeast of the country and is truly spectacular
and a site to behold! Constructed during the
country’s Iron Age (11th to 14th century), it
once served as the capital and royal palace
of the Nzimabgwe monarch of the
Kingdom of Zimbabwe. At its prime, this
ancient city could have housed up to 18,000
people and is now recognised as a World
Heritage Site. The monument’s most
prominent feature is its walls, some of
which tower over five meters high and were
constructed without mortar. Eventually, the
city was abandoned and re-established a
little further west at what is now the city of
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Bulawayo. At our accommodations, we may connect with Mocking Cliff Chat, White-necked Raven
and Miombo Double-collared Sunbird.
Day 3: Great Zimbabwe Ruins and
surrounds. The ruins, nestled within
picturesque granite hills, are
surrounded by lush Miombo forests.
Miombo is the Swahili word for a
type
of
habitat
comprised
predominantly of trees within the
genus Brachystegia. These iconic
trees, with their tall, straight trunks,
branching out only at the end, are
great for birding and contain many of
Zimbabwe’s range-restricted species.
This unique woodland is endemic to a
small band across Southern and
Central Africa from Angola, through
Zambia, across Zimbabwe to Malawi
and Mozambique.
Wattled Cranes by Markus Lilje
Mornings are most productive in this type of habitat and we will spend our first morning working
through this pristine area. Specials that we will be searching for include Green-backed Honeybird,
Cabanis's Bunting, African Golden Oriole, Wood Pipit, Miombo Blue-eared Starling, Miombo Rock
Thrush, African Cuckoo-Hawk and Black-eared Seedeater. Bird parties are regularly formed with
large concentrations of mixed species moving steadily through the trees creating moments of
confusion and awe simultaneously.
These bird parties could contain sought after species such as White-breasted and Grey Cuckooshrikes,
the brood parasitic Thick-billed Cuckoo and it’s brood-specific host - the Retz’s Helmetshrike - while
Brown-backed Honeybird, Cinnamon-breasted Tit, Green-capped Eremomela, Red-faced Crombec,
Southern Hyliota, Stierling's Wren-Warbler, Grey Tit-Flycatcher, Miombo Double-collared Sunbird,
African Emerald Cuckoo and Scaly-throated Honeyguide may also be present. The impressive
Boulder Chat might also be found atop the vast granite outcrops found in the surrounding green
valleys.
Arnott’s Chat by Adam Riley
The afternoon will be spent
exploring the Great Zimbabwe
Ruins and viewing the famous
bird statues thought to be
stylised versions of the African
Fish Eagle. Mocking Cliff
Chats scurry over the ruins and
their calls resonate off the
walls, while you may be
rewarded for keeping an eye on
the sky, where massive Silverycheeked
Hornbill
and
screeching flocks of Greyheaded Parrots may fly
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overhead. After a busy day, we shall return to the comfort of our accommodation for a well-deserved
rest.
Day 4: Great Zimbabwe Ruins to the
Vumba Mountains. After some final
early morning birding and a well-deserved
breakfast, we will make our way to the
picturesque Eastern Highlands of
Zimbabwe. Here we will be based for two
nights at a luxurious and well-run hotel in
the heart of the Vumba Mountains, or
“mountains of the mist,” situated to the
south-east of Mutare. An investigation of
the surroundings may produce Roberts’s
Warbler, Bronzy, Variable and Miombo
Double-collared Sunbirds, Cape RobinChat and Stripe-cheeked Greenbul while
Yellow-bellied Waxbill and Red-chested
Flufftail may also be found near the
various wetlands scattered in the region.
Chirinda Apalis by Adam Riley
Day 5: Vumba Mountains. We have the entire day to explore the lush Afromontane forest that
drapes The Vumba Mountains. Excellent birding can be had right around the hotel grounds and we
shall be on the lookout for a host of specialities that inhabit these verdant forests. Livingstone’s
Turaco, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, African Emerald Cuckoo, White-eared Barbet and African Olive
Pigeon clamber around the forest canopy, while Lemon and Tambourine Doves, Buff-spotted
Flufftail and Barratt’s Warbler inhabit the forest understory.
Mixed species flocks are a feature of these forests and could reveal the presence of Cape Batis, Blackfronted and Olive Bushshrikes, Yellow-streaked and Stripe-cheeked Greenbuls, Yellow-throated
Woodland Warbler, the shy and brilliant Orange Ground Thrush, Bar-throated Apalis, Dark-backed
Weaver, Grey Cuckooshrike, White-tailed Crested and Blue-mantled Crested Flycatchers. The
nearby Vumba Botanical Gardens are also an excellent place to explore.
Swynnerton’s Robin by Adam Riley
Birding here is particularly enjoyable and a
leisurely stroll through this botanical
wonderland could produce many of the
same species as mentioned above and may
also yield several forest edge specialists
like the elusive Red-faced Crimsonwing,
brilliant
Red-throated
and
Green
Twinspots,
Yellow-bellied
Waxbill,
African Firefinch and its host, Dusky
Indigobird as well as an array of exquisite
sunbirds that include Bronzy, Collared,
Variable and Olive Sunbirds. Zimbabwe’s
only two near-endemic birds also occur
here, Roberts’s Warbler and Chirinda
Apalis; both species only occurring here
and in the inaccessible highland areas in
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adjacent Mozambique. Two other avian gems that we will search for today are White-starred and the
extremely localised and stunning Swynnerton’s Robin, which is restricted to a few Afro-montane
forests in south-eastern and eastern Africa.
We’ll also pay special attention to the large raptors in the
region. These include Crowned and Long-crested Eagles,
Augur Buzzard while we may also glimpse erratic Mottled
and Scarce Swifts, the endangered Blue Swallow and
migrant Tree Pipits. Dense foliage and bracken covered
forest edges host Cape Grassbird, Cape Robin-Chat and
Singing Cisticola, while several species of mammal also
occur in this area and include Bushbuck, the diminutive
Blue Duiker, Blue Monkey, the Mutable Sun Squirrel and
the rare Tree Civet, which can only be found here in the
Southern African sub-region.
Day 6: Vumba Mountains to the Honde Valley. En route
to our lodge nestled within the Honde Valley, we will bird
a stretch of Miombo woodland around Christmas Pass, in
search of some species that we might have missed. Brownbacked and Green-backed Honeybirds, Miombo and
Cinnamon-breasted Tits, African Spotted Creeper, Miombo
Rock Thrush, Whyte's Barbet, Red-faced Crombec, WhiteAfrican Spotted Creeper
breasted Cuckoo-Shrike, Orange-winged Pytilia, Blackby Matthew Matthiessen
eared Seedeater and Cabanis’s Bunting are all good
possibilities. Tree Pipit and Collared Flycatcher are rare migrants that are regularly found here and a
watchful eye skyward may reward us with the stunning Augur Buzzard and Mottled Swift.
The Honde Valley adjacent to the Rhodes Inyanga National Park provides us with breathtaking scenic
views while we may be fortunate to encounter Augur Buzzard, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill and even
the critically endangered Blue Swallow as we descend the plateau.
Moustached Grass Warbler by Markus Lilje
Day 7: Honde Valley. The setting of our lodge for
two nights is exquisite - deep within a valley, on the
edge of a small mountain river that can produce its
own hydro-electricity via a network of weirs and
channels if need be. The hills surrounding the lodge
are covered in scenic tea plantations and lush lowaltitude forest that attracts a huge array of species
typical of Zimbabwe's low-lying neighbour Mozambique. We will spend our stay here focusing
on these low-altitude species including Eastern
Bronze-naped Pigeon, Green-backed Woodpecker,
Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Red-winged Warbler,
Pale Batis, Scarce Swift, Collared Palm-Thrush,
Short-winged and Singing Cisticola, Eastern Sawwing and even Eleonora's Falcon. In the damp areas,
we will be searching for the highly localised Marsh
Tchagra, Lesser Seedcracker, Moustached Grass
Warbler and Black-winged Bishop. Other species
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that will happily entertain us during our exploration of this
incredible area include Blue-spotted Wood-Dove, Pallid
Honeyguide, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, the exquisite
Black-fronted Bush-Shrike, the bright Red-throated
Twinspot, Green Twinspot, Yellow-bellied and Grey
Waxbill, Palm-nut Vulture and the impressive Ayres's
Hawk Eagle.
Day 8: Honde Valley to Harare. After some early
morning birding around our lodge and a scrumptious
breakfast with a scenic backdrop, we will make the 5-hour
journey back to the capital city once more, birding at
various points en route if time permits.
Day 9: Harare and surrounds.
The morning’s
expedition will see us head an hour out of Harare to an
immaculate and pristine piece of Miombo Woodland.
This is one of the strongholds of the dainty Spotted
Creeper and good views should be had whilst it
characteristically clambers upwards from the base of these
Bronzy Sunbird by Adam Riley
tall, straight trees. Good numbers of the localised and
hard to find Wood Pipit are resident, and the rare migratory Collared Flycatcher also regularly puts
in an appearance along with all the previous Miombo specialists. Copper, Variable and Western
Violet-backed Sunbirds, Green Sandpiper, Shelley's and Coqui Francolin, as well as the Boulder
Chat, will be highly sought after finds. Retreating to comfort in the heat of the day will become
ritualistic, and this day will be no exception. As the heat subsides, our birding will continue in the
surrounds of Harare.
Day 10: Harare to the Lower Zambezi Valley. Our next destination requires us to transfer to a
4X4 vehicle as we head north toward the rugged and largely unexplored region of the Lower Zambezi
Valley. Arriving at our camp around lunch time, we’ll make ourselves at home, before exploring the
truly spectacular wilderness area nestled along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. This
beautiful region teems with a wide variety of birds and mammals and harbours some of Africa’s most
wonderful species. Here, lured by one of the very best opportunities anywhere in its entire range, we
will go in search of one of Africa’s rarest and
most highly-desired birds, the stunning
African Pitta! While in this region we will
focus most of our efforts on finding this very
special and elusive species and many other
highly desired and difficult African birds
including Lilian’s Lovebird, Thick-billed
Cuckoo, Eastern Nicator and the exquisite
Livingstone’s Flycatcher.
Livingstone’s Flycatcher by Hugh Chittenden
While in this region we will be accompanied
by an armed ranger at all times because this
area is well known for its potentially
dangerous mammals, especially elephant,
buffalo and leopard, which roam the area
freely. The area is extremely rich in bird life
RBL Zimbabwe - Best of Birding Itinerary
and harbours many specialities. In the
Mopani, Acacia, Baobab and riparian
woodlands that dominate the area we will be
on the lookout for Crowned Eagle, Western
Banded Snake Eagle, the crepuscular and
easily over-looked Bat Hawk, Dickinson’s
Kestrel, Lizard Buzzard, Cape and Meyer’s
Parrots, noisy flocks of Lillian’s Lovebird,
Flappet Lark, Bohm’s and Mottled Spinetails
overhead, Southern Ground Hornbill, Broadtailed Paradise Whydah, Cut-throat Finch,
Purple and Village Indigobirds, the rare
Zambezi Indigobird, dazzling Copper and
Purple-banded
Sunbirds,
Racket-tailed
Roller, Retz’s Helmetshrike and possibly its
host, the rare and elusive Thick-billed
Cuckoo.
9
Lillian’s Lovebird by Phil Perry
Days 11 & 12: Lower Zambezi Valley. The next couple of days shall be spent birding in the
surrounding woodland, focussing on areas of dense thickets with deep leaf litter along the dry
riverbeds that criss-cross the region. This is the ideal habitat of the African Pitta and its favoured
breeding grounds. Finding this special bird will involve very early morning departures, in order to
reach their traditional display grounds at dawn when the pittas are most vocal.
The pitta’s display is a privilege to watch as the brilliantly coloured male launches himself from a
horizontal branch whilst uttering its single liquid call note, only to parachute back down to its original
spot in a splendid flash of colour in the dark understory of the forest; an experience never to be
forgotten!
In these riparian thickets we will also search for Crested Guineafowl, the sought-after Livingstone’s
Flycatcher, gorgeous Narina Trogon, African Broadbill, Eastern Nicator, Bearded Scrub Robin,
Collared Palm Thrush, vociferous but secretive Thrush Nightingale, immaculate Red-throated
Twinspot, Jameson’s and Red-billed Firefinches and Orange-winged Pytilia. We may be lucky and
bump into more Pittas during their day’s foraging but we’d be fortunate to do so as they are shy and
Pennant-winged Nightjar by Hugh Chittenden
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rather scarce and are only readily located when calling in the early morning and sometimes in the late
afternoon. In saying this, the lodge kitchen roof has even had an individual displaying from it!
Owls are common in the vicinity of our camp and we will search for several species in the evening.
If our luck holds we may glimpse African Wood Owl, African Barred Owlet and African Scops Owl
and, if luck is truly on our side, a majestic male Pennant-winged Nightjar in full nuptials. We will
then settle to an excellent farewell dinner with the group before a final night’s rest on this spectacular
tour.
Day 13: Zambezi Valley to Harare and final departures. Our final morning will afford us a further
opportunity to enjoy the amazing display of the African Pitta as well as many more beautiful birds
we may have missed during the trip. We’ll then return to Harare where we will connect with our
international flights home, or set off for out Victoria Fall’s Extension.
FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS:
Tour dates, prices, single supplement rates, approximate flight costs and spaces available for this
tour are displayed on our website. Please see under IMPORTANT NOTES below.
This includes:
 All meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 13;
 All lodgings;
 Ground transportation;
 Reserve entrance fees;
 Extra activities as mentioned in the itinerary; and
 All guiding services (including tips for local guides and services).
The tour fee does not include:
 Visa fees;
 ANY flights (see above);
 Any drinks;
 Special gratuities; and
 Telephone calls, laundry and other items of a personal nature.
Single Supplement:
The single supplement cost for this tour will be charged if you wish to have single accommodation. If
RBT cannot provide you with a rooming partner for these nights although you choose to share, the
single supplement will become applicable. We will make all reasonable efforts to ensure that a rooming
partner is found if you do wish to share.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
a) Due to constantly fluctuating exchange rates, we quote our tours in 4 currencies. The tour
price is however fixed only in the currency printed in bold, and the actual cost in the other
currencies listed will be adjusted according to prevailing exchange rates at the time of final
invoicing (usually 4 months before the tour.) The same applies to approximate flight and single
supplement rates, which are also quoted in the respective fixed currency.
b) Rates are based upon group tariffs; if the tour does not have sufficient registration a small
party supplement will have to be charged.
c) Furthermore, these costs are subject to unforeseen increases in tour related costs and may
have to be adjusted as a result.
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d) Lastly, we may be forced to change or alter the itinerary and / or the designated Rockjumper
leader at short or no notice due to unforeseen circumstances; please be aware that we will
attempt to adhere as close to the original program as possible.
Tipping:
As noted above, gratuities (drivers, hotel staff, restaurants etc.) are included on this tour. However,
this does NOT include your Rockjumper leader. If, therefore, you feel that he has given you excellent
service, it is entirely appropriate to tip him.
Special Notes:
 It is important for the comfort of your fellow travellers that you do not over-pack. Kindly stick
to 20kg (44lb) for check-in luggage and 8kg (+-18kg) for hand luggage.
 Fitness: This tour does not require a high level of fitness, but participants should be in good
general health as most of the birding will be done on foot, and may require walking for several
hours at a time. Should you have any physical limitations, please notify us in advance of
departure.
 Accommodation throughout the trip varies from comfortable to extremely comfortable and
luxurious. On the African Pitta Extension, however, the accommodation is rather basic.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DETAILS:
This tour does not include ANY airfares. The tour will begin at Harare International Airport, Harare
in the mid to late afternoon of day 1, and conclude at Harare International Airport, Harare on the
morning of day 13.
The above information in respect of arrivals and departures is a guide only. Precise arrival
and departure information will be sent to you in your Tour Confirmation package once the tour has
been officially confirmed. If you wish to arrive early and/or depart late and would like assistance in
this regard, kindly contact the Rockjumper office.
FLIGHT DETAILS:
Harare International Airport, Harare (IATA: HRE) is the main port of entry for international flights
for this tour, and is best reached via Johannesburg on South African Airways. We have the capacity
to advise you on the best route according to your preferences, but your local travel agent will best be
able to book these flights for you. If you would like further assistance kindly contact the Rockjumper
office. However, please DO NOT book your international flights until you have consulted the
Rockjumper office for confirmation on the status of the tour.
Rockjumper Birding Ltd
Labourdonnais Village
Mapou
Mauritius
Tel (USA & Canada) toll free: 1-888-990-5552
Email: [email protected]
Alternative email: [email protected]
Website: www.rockjumperbirding.com