South Africa / Zambia/Namibia / Botswana / Zimbabwe
Southern Africa Birding Safari: From Zimbabwe to Zambia & Beyond
Program No. 21528RJ
Add the birds of Southern Africa to your birding life list as you explore the diverse habitats of four countries with experts, spotting unique wildlife and learning about local culture.
Participant Reviews
Based on 44 Reviews
SHOWING
This trip knocked it out of the park with all 4 active participants rating it a 15 out of 10! The main contributors to our assessment were: the outstanding leadership and guiding of our leader Khule Ndlovu - he is the best!, wonderful and unexpectedly fantastic accommodations (especially Chobe Game Lodge and Khulu Bush Camp - each with exceptional food, service and free laundry (big smile)), the BIRDS - we saw 235 different species (and did not even see many storks), fantastic safari drives and boat excursions (including sunrise adventures and sunset gin & tonics in the bush), the ANIMALS -lions, giraffes, impala, rhino, zebra, wildebeests, crocs, hippos and more - on a regular basis (lots of time to watch them frolic!), Victoria Falls (it is indeed a world class natural wonder), and the insights on South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe culture - perfect balance of cultural experiences and history/current state shared. Our guide Khule was also very sensitive to this being a Level 1 excursion, with limited walking tours at Victoria Falls being no more than a mile or two, working to accommodate everyone. Best trip ever. Highly recommend.
— Review left February 22, 2026
This was an excellent program. Everything went smoothly and the accommodations were great.
Our guide Sam was exceptionally well qualified, very tuned in to our needs and wants and took excellent care of our family throughout the program. The whole experience exceeded my expectations.
— Review left December 6, 2025
If you are a birder, this is an incredible trip for you. We saw nearly 250 species of birds of which nearly all were new to us. In addition to birding, you also have many opportunities to experience the large mammals in these various national parks. It is a great opportunity to also learn about the culture, customs and foods of the people in South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. We highly recommend this trip!
— Review left November 30, 2025
Great introduction to the birds of Southern Africa! In addition to a couple hundred bird species we encountered wildlife ranging from large mammals to oddly engaging insects, gained insights into the history and peoples of Southern Africa, and enjoyed delicious food in comfortable surroundings. Bring your open mind brace yourself for a thoroughly satisfying experience.
— Review left November 30, 2025
This program exceeded every expectation. The combination of breathtaking wildlife, rich cultural insight, and expert leadership made this journey unforgettable. Our group leader, Chris, was extraordinary — deeply knowledgeable, gifted at spotting wildlife, and able to weave history, ecology, and humor into every moment. He transformed a group of strangers into a caring community and made birdwatching come alive in a way that changed how I experience nature.
Khulu Bush Lodge was a standout highlight, offering close and awe-inspiring encounters with elephants and exceptional hospitality. The warmth of the staff and the beauty of the setting created a sense of comfort and wonder I will never forget.
This trip expanded my perspective, deepened my appreciation for the natural world, and inspired me to continue learning. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
— Review left November 23, 2025
5 stars for the Southern Africa Birding Safari! This trip was everything that I could possibly have dreamed of! Great safari and river trips with a world class leader! Bonus that 2 of the lodges did laundry for free - so you don't need to pack as much clothing. Great weather, beautiful scenery, and learning about the African culture made this a complete package for me! If you are a birder, you need to go on this trip!
— Review left November 22, 2025
The experience the adventure, was well planned out. Our guide Sam was fantastic. Sam's knowledge of transitioning from one country to another was most appreciated. The program overall was exactly as described and yet left room for new experiences. Well done Road Scholar, you don't want to lose an asset like Sam.
— Review left November 13, 2025
The Southern Africa Birding Safari: From Zimbabwe to Zambia & Beyond was an absolutely amazing experience! It fulfilled a dream of mine to go to Africa and see Southern African birds and animals in their native habitat. Our group leader Sam Mushandu was amazing and so knowledgeable! The excursions and lectures that were part of this trip were fantastic, from game drives, both daytime and at night, to walking safaris, seeing Victoria Falls from two different countries, and everything else that we did. The accommodations and food were first class all the way. We had an amazing group leader and a wonderful group of participants. This was my first Road Scholar trip, but it will not be my last. In my opinion, it was perfect!
— Review left March 16, 2025
This program provided a wonderful mix of birds and animals! We saw it all, with the help of our fantastic guide. Accomodations were excellent and contributed greatly to the experience. Highly recommended!
— Review left February 21, 2025
Our first experience with Road Scholar was amazing. Our leader was more than terrific -- knowledgeable, friendly, patient, approachable, and firm but fair. He made a tremendous effort to ensure that everyone maximized their experiences. The program was extremely well arranged and the logistics were done to near perfection.
— Review left February 20, 2025
This birding safari is unique among Road Scholar African safaris because it prioritizes finding and identifying the abundant species of birds that are present – we saw over 220 species ranging from extremely cooperative to skulking. This requires an experienced safari guide with a deep knowledge of bird identification by sight and sound, distribution, and habits. And it only begins to describe the qualities of Sam Mushandu who was incredibly well organized, presented excellent lectures on African and natural history, and delivered all program elements with enthusiasm and professionalism from our first encounter through our last. Sam inspired confidence because you were convinced that he has seen it all and is prepared for anything. He claims that his mother told him, “You have the patience of a dead man.” A phone call to Sam in the middle of the night early in the trip resulted in a 3 am doctor’s visit to our room, rapid tests for Covid-19, flu etc. – all negative – and antibiotics and prescription medications that lead to a speedy recovery – a trip-saving experience. Early morning, late afternoon and night game drives in open-air 4x4 vehicles produced a wealth of bird and wildlife encounters. Imagine a close encounter with an irritated elephant kicking sand, a male lion walking near the vehicle, and after dark: the eye shine of a thousand Cape Buffalo grazing in a vlei (a shallow, seasonal wetland in Southern Africa that is often marshy and covered in reeds) or the comical bouncing eye shine of a hopping Springhare. I benefited from purchasing – and studying – the excellent SASOL bird guide and trying to spot all the creatures. Birding by boat was especially productive. On our last day in Livingstone the afternoon consisted of a variety of optional activities, none of which appealed to us prior to the trip. However, the helicopter flight over and around Victoria Falls that we finally decided to try, with another couple, produced cherished memories.
— Review left February 8, 2025
I strongly recommend the Birding in South Africa program. All levels of experience is accommodated and
you experience interaction with so many animals. This trip is wonderful!
— Review left December 8, 2024
This trip is well planned and organized. Our tour Leader is an excellent person, guide and very knowledgeable. He has done a very good job. Hotels, food and Hospitality were top notch.
Only one suggestion I would give is that one of the days we had to repeat the process of exiting out of Namibia and enter Botswana just for the game drive and repeat all over to get to Namibia. Instead of that we could have stayed back in Botswana for one night and could have done the game drive that evening and again in the morning on the way to Chobe Savanna lodge from Victoria falls. May be it would have cost a little extra for the lodge in Botswana we all would have paid that extra.
Except that one rest were all excellent experience. Once again Roadscholar proved you don't go wrong in choosing them as your dream vacation provider. Thank you Roadscholar and Explore.
— Review left December 3, 2024
Don't miss this spectacular Road Scholar adventure! For me, it was a "once in a lifetime experience"!
— Review left December 1, 2024
We had an amazing trip, personally adding over 220 species of birds to our life list. More importantly, we experienced a deeper dive into the culture and people of Zimbabwe and the region than we expected. We will never forget the connections with the folks at the market or the teachers at the school. Our leader took us through so many border crossings and always knew where we needed to go next. We loved this trip.
— Review left November 11, 2024
This was the best trip we have ever been on. I can't imaging a better guide than Chris, better accommodations than luxurious bush camps with fabulous food and African animals and birds that you can view from your private deck, or better transportation--plane rides between African countries, many boat and jeep rides in the bush, comfortable van rides. Great lectures and several visits to see local markets and a school that were eye-opening. The other guests were wonderful. I miss all of it!
— Review left November 9, 2024
I loved every minute of this trip! To me, what made it so special was having the opportunity to meet new people, fellow travelers as well as all of our African hosts. Our guide, Sam, was so knowledgeable about Zimbabwe (a beautiful country), as well as local wildlife, birds, and local history. His well-paced lectures were interesting and informative. Organized to the minute, Sam
kept us moving seamlessly and at a comfortable pace. Now back home, I can still hear his voice, calling out the names of birds we saw. I can now recognize all the birds we saw in my guidebooks.
— Review left March 13, 2024
This was an excellent trip with a phenomenal guide.
I saw & learned so much!
— Review left February 26, 2024
What a wonderful experience! Sam Mushandu, our program leader, is highly capable - organized, knowledgeable, personable - all the qualities of a great leader. We learned so much about the birds, other wildlife, the people, and the countries we visited. It was one of our top trips ever.
— Review left February 5, 2024
This was a delightful trip! Our leader, Sam, could not have been better - knowledgeable (about not only birds and wildlife but also the history of the region), experienced, enthusiastic, organized, and with a wonderful sense of humor. He made sure we were all well-informed, happy, and safe. The program activities provided little free time, but you could always opt out for a morning or afternoon. Most of the birding was done in safari vehicles or by boat, so while there was little walking, it took some strength and balance to get into and out of those vehicles (but you will have plenty of help if you need it). We saw well over 200 species of birds, as well as elephants, lions, hippos, wildebeest, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and other species. Highly recommended!
— Review left February 4, 2024
Excellent program! Excellent guide (Sam Mushandu), hundreds of birds including 207 Life Birds, excellent accommodations and food, lots of educational information that filled in the gaps. An immersive experience: the birds and animals, the climate and landscape, the people and way of life, the challenges. I learned so much by being in Africa. I didn't want it to end.
— Review left February 4, 2024
This was an outstanding trip in every way. We signed up mainly for birding, which was great (well over 200 species we'd never seen before), but also enjoyed seeing so much wildlife and learning so much about the history and culture of the five countries. The map shows fairly limited geography (mostly around the Victoria Falls area) but such great diversity of habitats, so we saw and learned much more than if we'd traveled longer distances.
— Review left December 23, 2023
The program provided a wonderful combination of observing 200 plus species of new birds as well as amazing views of large groups of mammals in their native habitats via safari vehicles and pontoon boats.
— Review left December 13, 2023
Excellent trip with a lot of variety. Not too strenuous.
— Review left December 8, 2023
12-7-2023
My trip to South Africa Birding Safari was excellent.
Mr. Honest, was a first class Tour Guide. He is professional, knowledgeable, respectful, friendly, intelligent, completely dedicated to being a tour guide. An outstanding guide and person.
He oversaw all the details during our trip.
I also praise the drivers who were in our tour. They knew the way. Were very helpful at all times.
The trip itself was amazing. We saw, and the tour guide Mr Honest, could name all kind of birds. His knowledge was outstanding. Our bird walks were inclusive to pointing out insects, etc. Every day we travelled in Safari cars, boats, which enable the group to notice all kind of birds, whether in their nests, or flying, or on the trees. And mamals such as lions, elephants, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, warhogs, hipos, crocodiles, dogs, baboons, monkeys, and so many other small animals. The Zambezi river is a beautiful river, whichever time you see it, early morning or late afternoon. The different countries and towns and people are a marvel. Friendly. It was great to visit the Livingstone Museum, The Victoria Falls. Each hotel offered wonderful accommodations, great foods, the staff (managers, food preparers, housekeepers, etc.) were professional and friendly. I was extremely pleased with the whole tour. Thank you to the individual professionals who gave special presentations on different subject. It helped to understand all the aspects of the subject matter. Very interesting classes. The trip was absolutely amazing, fun and beautiful. Enjoyed the whole tour. Many thanks to all who made it possible. Will not be forgotten.
— Review left December 8, 2023
An experience of a lifetime. Many opportunities to observe wildlife at close range, great small boat trips on rivers, excellent leadership. Be prepared for difficulty in seeing land birds, but water birds were easily seen. Saw more than 200 species, many of them new to me. Experiencing Africa away from the large cities was an excellent opportunity. Be prepared for very hot days, but the nights cooled down.
— Review left November 4, 2023
We went on the Southern Africa Birding Safari: South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe & Botswana trip. Our bird guide was top notch and helped us to discover almost 300 birds. The accommodations were even better than described. The information presented helped us come away with an entirely different view of the southern African continent - truly a gem!
— Review left February 28, 2023
A fabulous trip with a superlative guide! I couldn't have asked for a better experience, only for a longer one. It was all wonderful! SO MANY BIRDS!!
— Review left December 3, 2022
This program is suitable for a wide range of participant's previous knowledge of birding from the experienced birder to those with an interest in birds but no previous birding. Large African mammal sightings are an unintended addition to the program. Accommodations are very comfortable despite sometimes remote locations.
— Review left November 11, 2022
Great Trip. Not too pushed with multiple night stays at different locations and with surprisingly comfortable lodgings. Enjoyable, largely relaxed birding along with some interesting historical and cultural presentations.
— Review left May 13, 2020
Great trip for birders. the guide is well informed and a great problem solver.
— Review left February 8, 2020
This was an amazing trip! Although billed as a birding safari, I learned so much from our incredible guide, from the local communities we visited, from the beautiful national parks, and from the people who served us along the way. While the trip is rigorous, every moment opens new horizons. Go!! Your heart will be enriched.
— Review left February 8, 2020
My wife and I took this trip in late November/ early December. The rains had fortunately begun a couple of weeks earlier. It did not rain excessively during the trip, just a few showers. Ponchos were provided in the big covered open jeeps used to drive the dirt roads through the national parks etc. Pleasantly surprised by the lack of mosquitos.
The accommodations were quite nice, though WiFi was slow to none at the bush camps. But then you will be pretty busy so not a lot of time to browse. FYI If you begin at the Eastgate Hotel in Johannesburg, there was a surprising amount of birds in the immediate vicinity of the hotel that I did not see anywhere else during the trip.
The focus was birds and there was a whole new world of them The lead guide Sam Mushandu was very good. He ran a tight ship and was very knowledgeable about the ecosystem in general, as well as the birds. Here is a url you can post in your browser window for a Flickr album of some of the birds we saw: https://www.flickr.com/photos/123247913@N05/albums/72157712233999661 The open vehicles provide great views, though if you are a photographer you need to speak up to get closer shots. You cannot get down from the vehicles during the drives and must make do from inside. Thus, there was not a lot of physical activity other that climbing up into and down from the Safari vehicles..
The animals were everywhere and at times quite close. In our case, a lioness walked alongside the safari vehicle as close as six feet away and then crossed over in front of us. Here is a url for a google+ album of some of the animals we saw: https://photos.app.goo.gl/28TV1mmwCwApQQwp8.
The outside activities were more engaging that I expected. The actual trip area outside South Africa is quite compact, so there was not a lot of long road trips to get to the venues.
— Review left December 30, 2019
Just back home from an exciting tour of Southern Africa. The main focus of the trip was Birding, but we saw SO much more! Sam Mushandu was one of the best guides we have ever had on ANY tour! He controlled the group well and added so many more interesting facets. There were just a few non-birders in our group and most of them were happy to look at the birds, too. But when one complained that the birding was too intense, Sam gently corrected them by reminding them that the title of the program was "Birding in South Africa," and that birding would be our main focus. That said, our group worked well together. We saw so many animals, as well as SO MANY Birds!! I highly recommend this tour for any bird watcher!
— Review left November 15, 2019
I found this an amazing trip. It had it all: wildlife; bush tours and cruises with knowledgeable, warm, and helpful guides; wonderful camps; waterfalls; history; local culture; a compatible group of people. Oh, and I added a few birds (lots) to my list.
— Review left April 1, 2019
The best birding trip, well paced, Sam and the other guides very personable, experienced and knowledgeable, a joy for photographers, and accommodations and food well above my expectations. We also saw many animals that satisfied the non-birding partners. The educational programs were interesting and worthwhile.
— Review left March 28, 2019
The program itinerary was just as described in the promotional materials as well as the itinerary we received prior to departure. We saw parts of 4 countries, met many wonderful people at each lodge and saw hundreds of birds....many, many new to us. The visit to Lesedi School was very valuable to us. We are sponsoring 3 children from the same family so they can continue attendance at a high quality rural school,
— Review left March 11, 2019
This is a highly recommended program with memorable accommodations in National Parks and excellent guides resulting in the seeing of large numbers of birds and animals.
— Review left February 24, 2019
Life long dream of visiting Africa and seeing it's people and wildlife fulfilled in a busy two week period! Lots of boat and safari vehicle trips allowed us to see wildlife in safety and comfort.
— Review left February 24, 2019
We just returned from this trip. We highly recommend it, even if you are not an avid birder, which most in our group weren’t. Sam is a fantastic guide, not only as a bird expert, but also for all other wildlife and the history and cultures of the various countries you are traveling in. Plus he has a great personality. We saw approximately 240 species of birds, stayed in fantastic lodges (which provided free laundry!), saw Victoria Falls with good water flow, great sunsets, watched lions, painted dogs, and a Nile crocodile in action, and traveled with a fine group of people. What more could you want? Food was good too.
— Review left February 23, 2019
This program lived up to all of my expectations and more. It was my first predominantly birding program and I will go for more. The birders on this program were prompt, excited, sharing, and all joined in. Once again we had an outstanding guide, who will probably go down as the best guide ever, Sam Mushandu. Sam was our leader, our champion, our educator, our encourager, and overwhelmingly positive in his manner.s and attitude. What a wonderful sense of humor. Thank you, Sam. Thank you all of our fellow travelers, whom I am hopeful to go on another trip. And thank you Road Scholar for another excellent tour.
— Review left February 13, 2019
What an excellent experience! Our group consisted of people new to birding, some very experienced birders, and everyone in between. Every day was action-packed, and everyone in our group got along well. Sam, our tour guide, was the absolute best! His enthusiasm, extensive knowledge, and great sense of humor made us look forward to each day’s adventures. To see so many new birds, to experience so much wildlife in their natural habitats, and to interact with local people—this trip exceeded my expectations.
— Review left February 8, 2019
This was a trip of a lifetime! Great food, excellent housing, extremely competent guides! The birds and mammals were abundant and diverse. The wildlife drives and boat trips made it easy to see and enjoy a lot of what southern Africa has to offer. The people at every stop were friendly and helpful. But the person that made everything work was Sam Mushandu. His leadership, knowledge, passion, and good humor made for a wonderful experience. My wife, Libby, and I will always have great memories of Africa, and it's people and wildlife due largely to Sam and the other people involved with this program! We strongly recommend this program as a can't miss Road Scholar event!
— Review left February 8, 2019
This was the trip of a lifetime! Very well organized, excellent guide, worth the price.
— Review left January 14, 2019