Birding Bliss at Dzalanyama

If you’re a birder who loves a good adventure, then Dzalanyama Forest Reserve should be high on your list. Just an hour and a half’s drive from Lilongwe, this vast sweep of miombo woodland feels like another world. No traffic noise, no phone signal – just birdsong, fresh air, and the excitement of wondering what rare species might appear next.

And the best part? Land & Lake Safaris run the only lodge inside the reserve – so when you stay at Dzalanyama Forest Lodge, you’re right in the thick of it. Roll out of bed at dawn, grab your binoculars and you’re already birding before breakfast. Our guides know these forests inside out, and they’ll make sure you don’t miss the woodland’s best-kept secrets.

Why Dzalanyama is Special for Birders

Dzalanyama is one of Malawi’s top Important Bird Areas, home to more than 290 species. It’s especially famous for its miombo woodland specialists – birds you won’t easily find outside this habitat.

Here are just a few of the stars you can look forward to:

Colourful sunbirds like the Lesser Seedcracker are found in the dambos (credit: Bassel Abi Jummaa)

Schalow’s Turaco – spot a flash of crimson gliding through the canopy (credit: Charismatic Planet)

Little Spotted & Stierling’s Woodpeckers – rare treats for anyone who loves woodpeckers

White-tailed Blue Flycatcher – an insect-chasing gem of the forest understorey (credit Ian Davies)

Spotted Creeper – master of camouflage, blending perfectly with bark (credit: Per Holmen))

Olive-headed Weaver – hard to find elsewhere, but here it’s right at home (credit Alan Bedford-Shaw)

The Black-eared Seedeater – listen out for its pretty song of whistles and trills

If you’re lucky, you’ll tick off several of these beautiful birds in a single morning. And if you’re patient, our guides will help you tune into the calls and be in the right place at the right time.

When to Visit

Birding here is good year-round, but if you want the maximum action, plan your trip for:

• November to April – breeding season, when the forest comes alive with migrants, song, and fresh plumage

• September to October – just before the rains, when birds are active and easier to spot in the thinner undergrowth

  
  

And no matter when you come, the golden rule is: head out early! Dawn walks are magical in Dzalanyama, with the forest waking up all around you.

Staying at Dzalanyama Forest Lodge

Our lodge is small, cosy and right inside the forest. You can choose from chalets on stilts, comfy rooms in the main house, or pitch up at our campsite. The evenings are as special as the mornings – picture yourself relaxing on the veranda with a cool drink, listening to nightjars calling while our chef whips up dinner.

View from the chalet

By staying with us, you get:

• Guided walks with expert birding guides

• Easy access to the best trails and dambos

• Home-cooked meals and a welcoming base after long days of birding

• The peace of being totally offline – just you, the forest, and the birds

Come Bird With Us

Dzalanyama isn’t just about ticking birds off your list – it’s about slowing down, soaking up the magic of the miombo and letting nature surprise you. Whether you’re chasing the elusive Spotted Creeper, hoping to see Schalow’s Turaco in full display, or simply enjoying a dawn chorus like no other, this forest will leave you spellbound.

So pack your binoculars, bring your sense of adventure, and let Land & Lake Safaris show you the best of Dzalanyama from the comfort of our forest lodge.