Fledgling Birders - Lochinvar National Park, Zambia

Lochinvar National Park in south-central Zambia once held the world record for the most number of bird species spotted in one day, 428. As fledgling birders, we didn't break any records, but birds we saw a-plenty. And, by the time we left, we could even name a few.

The Kafue Flats

Of the 7 000 square kilometres called the Kafue Flats, 3-5 000 square kilometres is flooded annually, making it one of Africa's most important wetlands.  A geological fault runs through the Flats causing the welling up of hot springs, home to Whydahs and Palm Thrushes. The Kafue Flats has the largest concentration of water birds in Zambia with up to 3 000 Wattled Cranes having been recorded. Waterbirds of practically all of south-central Africa can be found here.

Lochinvar National Park

Part of the Flats is bounded by Lochinvar National Park which is both a Ramsar and World Heritage wetland site. Good gravel roads carry us through the deciduous woodland and savannah of the park. Lechwe Plains Tented Camp is perched on the high floodwater edges of the 300 hectare, Chunga Lagoon. Approaching through the dry and bare winter woodlands, the green banks and watery horizon is like arriving at the sea.