Carmine Bee-Eater Nesting Colonies

About this spectacle

Stand on the Zambezi's sandy banks as hundreds — sometimes thousands — of carmine bee-eaters wheel and dart overhead in a blizzard of scarlet and turquoise. The birds excavate horizontal burrows directly into the steep riverbank walls, and the colony hums with a constant chattering chorus of liquid calls. At dawn the activity reaches fever pitch: incoming and outgoing birds cross in mid-air, catching insects with audible snaps of their bills, while others perch in glowing clusters on exposed roots and branches. The contrast of vivid plumage against the ochre earth cliffs and the brown river is visually arresting. Boat access along the Zambezi brings visitors close without disturbing the colony, and the clean African light at first light renders every feather sharp and luminous. The sheer density of birds in motion — a continuous swirl of colour and sound — makes this one of the continent's most theatrically spectacular avian events.

When to go

May — Nov, peak Aug — Nov

Getting there

Nearest airport: LVI. Nearest city: Livingstone.

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