Birding Zambia operates two seasonal bushcamps, one in Kakoma and one in Ikelenge. The first is in Nyachisala Forest on the West-Lunga River. Nyachisala is Zambia’s largest evergreen forest and Zambia’s prime location for Vermiculated Fishing Owl, among others. In the Ikelenge area, we operate a seasonal Bushcamp at Mad Man’s Crossing.

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Our tented units comfortably sleep two people each, in either double or twin beds. In addition, foldable beds are available for children. Each unit has an en-suite bathroom (hot bucket shower, handwash basin and toilet) and a veranda with comfortable chairs to enjoy the birdlife. They are equipped with bedding, towels, mosquito spray and solar lights. The dining area is available to all guests.

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Prior booking is essential: info@birdingzambia.com

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Introduction to the area, by Frank Willems:

The northern Mwinilunga & Ikelenge area holds a fascinating mix of habitats and species. Striking elements are the vast ‘watershed plains’ on Kalahari sands. In the wet centres of these sit extensive wetlands and mushitu evergreen swamp forests similar to the Congo forests. Away from the plains, miombo broad-leaved woodlands dominate, with large areas of dry evergreen mavunda forest dominated by Marquesia trees in the north, and Cryptosepalum to the south. The many rivers are lined by broad evergreen swamp forests.

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The avifauna distinctly combines several species sets. First, there is a wealth of species typical for the Zambezian ecoregion, with sought-after species like Bar-winged Weaver, Marsh (or Anchieta’s) Tchagra and Sharp-tailed Starling. In addition, a good number of species are typical for the lowland forests of the Guineo-Congolian belt, such as Vermiculated Fishing Owl, Spot-breasted Ibis, Whitebellied Kingfisher and Afep Pigeon, all having island populations at the extreme edge of distribution here. Others have a distribution typical for mid-altitude edges of this forest belt, such as Bates’s Sunbird, Grey-winged Robin Chat and Spotted Thrush-Babbler. Yet a different set has a distribution centred on the wet grasslands from Gabon to Mwinilunga, such as Black-collared Bulbul. Clear Afromontane elements include African Olive Pigeon, Red-throated Wryneck and Wing-snapping Cisticola. Most important from a birding and conservation perspective are species with limited distribution centred on this region, notably Grimwood’s Longclaw, Bocage’s Weaver, Bannerman’s Sunbird, Dambo Cisticola and Black-and-Rufous Swallow. A long list of other (non-bird) taxa is considered endemic to the area, including a bat, a molerat and multiple species of frogs, reptiles and odonata.

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The Kakoma-Kanyama area was much less well-known than the Ikelenge are. During the recent explorations by myself and others, since 2015, we have already recorded almost all ‘Mwinilunga specials’ here. Vermiculated Fishing Owl and Spot-breasted Ibis were added to the national list, which are still only known from this area, where healthy populations prove to be present. For several other specials, this is the best part of the country.  

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The Ikelenge Pedicle continues to surprise. Our recent explorations have added 5 birds to the Zambian list in just 4 short seasons. All these are from ‘Mad Man’s Crossing’ in the Jimbe area. Seven birds are now in Zambia only known from Jimbe, with a few more that are reliable only here.  

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Both the Kakoma and Jimbe areas also host a wealth of other flora and fauna, many of which are endemic for a relatively small area from eastern Angola into Katanga, such as Katanga Bush Viper. The area seems particularly productive for herpetofauna, damsel- and dragonflies and small mammals. Many recent discoveries have been made by myself and Birding Zambia staff.