Five Southern African nations—Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—have partnered to launch the Great Kavango Zambezi Birding Route, the region’s first cross-border avitourism initiative.

Unveiled at ITB Berlin last month, the route connects 12 key birding hubs and migration corridors along the Kavango, Zambezi, Chobe, Kwando, and Kafue river systems, covering a conservation area larger than France and Germany combined.

A press expedition ahead of the launch recorded 215 bird species, including 43 new sightings for international experts.

Notable species such as the Blue-cheeked Bee-eater showcase the route’s biodiversity. Travelers can explore over 650 bird species across distinct ecosystems, from Botswana’s Okavango Delta wetlands to Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park woodlands.

The initiative has already engaged more than 100 operators, lodges, and tourism stakeholders as ambassadors.

A dedicated Trade Hub at UncoverKavangoZambezi.com provides itineraries, co-branding tools, and guide resources for advisors, enabling cross-border itineraries that support local economies and conservation efforts.

To ensure quality experiences, 69 local birding guides completed a 12-day certification program in partnership with regional conservation groups, including BirdLife South Africa and the Namibia Nature Foundation.

Officials emphasize that Africa has immense potential in avitourism, combining rich biodiversity, large-scale ecosystems, and cross-border collaboration.

“This route positions Kavango Zambezi alongside established avitourism destinations like Costa Rica and Ecuador, but with the unique advantage of cross-border scale,” said Nyambe Nyambe, Executive Director of the Kavango Zambezi TFCA Secretariat.

The project highlights how African nations can leverage natural heritage for sustainable tourism, job creation, and regional integration, positioning the continent as a leading destination for global birding enthusiasts.