KAZA launches first cross-border birding route
Five nations – Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe – are marketing their shared conservation estate as a single tourism destination. The Great Kavango Zambezi Birding Route, launched in February 2026 and presented jointly at ITB Berlin 2026 this week, is the first tangible product of that ambition: a cross-border avitourism experience spanning over 650 bird species across the world's largest trans frontier conservation area. The route links 12 key birding areas across the Kavango Zambezi Trans Frontier Conservation Area, following the Kavango, Zambezi, Chobe, Kwando and Kafue river systems.
The route is supported by over 100 Birding Route Ambassadors – operators, guides, lodges and tourism stakeholders – and 69 guides who have completed intensive 12-day certification programmes with partners including BirdWatch Zambia, BirdLife Zimbabwe, BirdLife South Africa, BirdLife Botswana and the Namibia Nature Foundation. A hosted press expedition recorded 215 species, including 43 first records by experienced international birders, signalling strong appeal to serious birders. Tourism operators can access the route and assets related to the new unified brand identity 'Rivers of Life' – co-branding tools, professional marketing assets in five languages, suggested itineraries, video content, and guide certification resources – through the dedicated Trade Hub at UncoverKavangoZambezi.com. Registration is free.
Source: Kavango Zambezi
