The Kavango Zambezi Trans Frontier Conservation Area (TFCA) Secretariat recently hosted three exclusive familiarisation trips across Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
From 20 to 28 March, international travel writers and international tour operators explored the stunning landscapes of the Kavango Zambezi. The world’s largest TFCA has now been encapsulated in the new “Rivers of Life” tourism destination brand, launched at the Kavango Zambezi Heads of State Summit in Livingstone, Zambia, in 2024.
Co-organised with Ethos Marketing and in collaboration with Kavango Zambezi Partner States, these familiarisation trips highlighted the region’s unique selling points for the international travel trade. Participating writers and content creators gained firsthand experience of the landscape’s attractions, ambiance and experiences, enabling them to craft authentic narratives about the destination.
Participants visited iconic sites and hidden gems across the region, including Victoria Falls, Luengue Luiana National Park, Bwabwata National Park, Nkasa Rupara National Park, Hwange National Park, Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta, Kafue National Park, Sioma Ngwezi National Park, Tsodilo Hills, and the Makgadikgadi Pans.
The Great Kavango Zambezi Birding Route formed the centrepiece of the itinerary, positioning the region as one of Africa’s premier birdwatching destinations with over 650 recorded species. The trip’s timing coincided with optimal bird migration periods, showcasing the area’s exceptional avian diversity.
Activities extended beyond birdwatching to include nature walks and mokoro (dugout canoe) safari experiences along the region’s rivers. Participants observed a variety of birdlife in their natural habitats alongside hippos and crocodiles, combining relaxation with adventure during traditionally off-peak tourism periods.
Local communities also enriched the experience by sharing cultural traditions through music, dance, storytelling and crafts passed down through generations.
The trips culminated in an engagement event in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, at the end of March, bringing together 20 National Tourism Organisation leaders from the five Partner States with the participants. The group included four specialist bird writers and photographers alongside 11 international tour operators from luxury and adventure market segments based in the UK, US and Europe.
“As tour operators, we are always looking for unique experiences to sell,” said Christine du Plessis, director for Nomad Africa Tours and Safaris. “We are glad to have been immersed in this breathtaking landscape and its unique offerings, including wellness tourism.”
Ethos Marketing Founder Amanda England highlighted these trips as cornerstones of the “Rivers of Life” tourism marketing and branding strategy. “Previously, marketing focused on individual protected areas like Victoria Falls. These familiarisation trips help bridge this gap, equipping international agents to promote the destination as a cohesive experience.”
Dr. Nyambe Nyambe, Kavango Zambezi Secretariat Executive Director, noted the strategic importance of birding tourism: “Birdwatchers typically stay longer, visit during off-peak seasons and venture into lesser-known areas.”
“This aligns perfectly with Partner States’ sustainable tourism objectives to benefit local communities and reinforce conservation efforts through strategic partnerships. It also distributes benefits more widely across the landscape.”
The initiative, along with other tourism development projects in Kavango Zambezi, is supported by the Federal Republic of Germany through KfW. For more information, visit www.uncoverkavangozambezi.com, launching soon.
