Although birding can be excellent year-round, some areas and seasons allow for some special sightings....

Mhara River Camp (which is tucked away on the inland Chitake Escarpment in Mana Pools), is a paradise for serious birders. Its private concession boasts a mix of riverine vegetation, dense forest, and spring-fed pans, creating ideal conditions for both resident and migratory species.

Each summer, the elusive African Pitta returns to this region, lighting up the forest floor with its vivid colours; a bucket-list sighting for any birder. The surrounding habitat is also rich with cuckoos, rollers, bee-eaters, and more.

Other Rare Birds you might find:
•             African Pitta (regularly sighted!)
•             Narina Trogon
•             Broad-billed & European Rollers
•             Southern Carmine & European Bee-eaters
•             Böhm’s Spinetail
•             Black-throated Wattle-eye
•             Klaas’s, Emerald, Black & Diederik Cuckoos
•             Red-backed Shrike

Best Time: Late December to late February.

What to Expect: Walks through dense forest, expert guiding, and up-close views of canopy dwellers.
 
Nantwich Lodge in Hwange National Park - with sweeping views over Hwange’s mopane woodlands and dam, Nantwich combines safari and birding with ease. Raptors rule the skies, and colourful migrants arrive in droves during the wet season.

Birds you might find:
•             Black Headed Heron
•             African Hawk Eagle
•             Secretarybird
•             Kori Bustard
•             Lilac-breasted Roller
•             Steppe Eagle
•             African Paradise Flycatcher

Best Time: December to March
What to Expect: Raptor sightings, waterhole birding from camp, and scenic drives across varied terrain.
 
Bumbusi Wilderness Camp in Hwange National Park, where birding meets Archaeology.  Set near an ancient heritage site surrounded by jackalberry and mahogany trees, Bumbusi offers rare birdlife in a remote, historic setting. Ideal for those who love to explore on foot.

Other Rare Birds you might find:
•             Little Bee Eater
•             Green Pigeon
•             Swainsons Spurfowl
•             Arnot’s Chat
•             Verreaux’s Eagle
•             Green-capped Eremomela
•             White-breasted Cuckooshrike

Best Time: January to March
 What to Expect: Walking safaris, historical ruins, and off-the-beaten-track birding.

Victoria Falls’ largest and first purpose-built spa, is scheduled to open in October. This development is to be named Victoria Falls Safari Spa. The spa will be nestled along a north-facing ridge in indigenous woodland in a tranquil setting on the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate. It will be built in harmony with its surrounds, under canvas, reminiscent of African safari tents and filled with ethnic fabrics and artefacts. 

It will include a 280 square metre central area featuring manicure and pedicure stations, private relaxation rooms, a café serving healthy dishes, a hair salon and change rooms, including one that is wheelchair-friendly, as well as three outlying separate secluded treatment rooms (one double and two singles). 

Victoria Falls’ first destination spa will be ideal for wellness weekends, Monday to Thursday breaks, couples’ and wedding packages where bridal parties can book it exclusively. 

From October, make sure you experience a new natural wonder by booking a spot of well-deserved pampering at the Victoria Falls Safari Spa!

Bushlife Safaris, based in Mana Pools, have launched new safari packages for 2020 which include a high season Stay 7 Pay 6 and May/June Offer which gives you the flexibility to tailor-make safari itineraries using different combinations of Vundu Camp, Little Vundu, Ruwesi Canoe Trail and Chitake Mobile Camp. 

The new and easy to use safari packages are fully inclusive, range from 3 to 7 nights, feature air charters and also a selection of privately guided options. Contact us for more information.
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• 2019 Safari Awards: Bushlife Safaris have won two Safari Awards this year - Best Walking Safari and Best Value Safari Property in Zimbabwe.
• New and exclusive-use game drive roads and walking trails have revealed 3 never seen before pans in the recently declared private Vundu concession located along the Zambezi River within Mana Pools National Park. Stunning and game-rich 6 km Zambezi River frontage
• New family chalet: the old family unit has been completely rebuilt, and there is now a new tented chalet under thatched with 2 spacious en suite bedrooms and large private lounge
• New activity: river cruises in the new motorboat; game viewing and fishing on pontoon allowing for excellent close-up photographic opportunities
• 3 new vehicles: Last year Bushlife Safaris took delivery of 3 additional customised Toyota Land Cruisers, guaranteed window seat, 3 rows of 2 seats with convenient middle storage compartment for binos and cameras, drink holder
• New viewing platform overlooking pan in private Vundu concession