12/10/2026
Every year, they fly thousands of kilometres to get here. 🐦
The southern carmine bee-eater spends the middle of the year in the savannahs of central and East Africa. Then, as August arrives, flocks in their thousands head south to Zambia, returning to the same riverbanks year after year.
Why? As the dry season drops the water levels, the Luangwa and Lower Zambezi rivers reveal steep sandbanks that are perfect for nesting. Each pair digs a tunnel up to two metres deep into the bank to raise their chicks.
By December, breeding is done and they’re off again - first south towards South Africa, then back north to equatorial Africa, completing a remarkable three-stage journey across the continent.
For World Migratory Bird Day, we’re celebrating one of Africa’s great travellers. See the colonies for yourself at Kaingo in South Luangwa - right now is the time.
And we’ll plan the whole safari around it - flights, transfers and every camp along the way - so all you have to do is enjoy it.
Contact [email protected] to start planning.
