Which bird species do you think is the biggest attraction to visitors of your lodge (please only name one species)?

Pel’s Fishing Owl

What is the name of your lodge, and since when has your lodge been operating?

Pinnon Lodges, we opened in September 2016

How best to travel to your lodge?

Fly into Lusaka and we can arrange transfers or you may wish to hire a car if you have other places you wish to visit, even public transport is an option.

What kind of services – except for accommodation and food – does your lodge offer to visiting birders?

Guided walking safaris (dry season only), minimally invasive lodge design with perfectly placed chalets to spot birds from the verandahs

What makes your lodge special?

We are very small, with a maximum occupancy of 6 meaning we can really tailor your individual experience, very often groups will have the lodge to themselves. Most of our staff have been with us from the beginning and are incredibly knowledgeable about the area and our guests rave about how wonderful the staff are.

What are the 10 – 20 most interesting birds that your lodge offers good chances to see?

• African Finfoot
• African Fish Eagle
• Southern Ground Hornbill,
• Green-backed Heron,
• Giant Kingfisher
• Trumpet Hornbill
• Saddle-billed Stork
• Grey wattled Crane
• African Harrier-hawk
• White-breasted Cormorant
• Jameson’s Firefinch
• Malachite Kingfisher
• Bateleur Eagle
• Brown Snake-eagle
• Mashal Eagle
• Marabou Stork
• Western Banded Snake-eagle
• White-fronted Bee-eater
• Yellow-billed Kite
• Goliath Heron

What is the best time to visit your lodge, and why?

For game sightings July-November. We have excellent bird sightings all year round though obviously which birds are present depends on the season. We can advise on the best time of year to visit if there is a specific bird you would love to see.

Is your lodge involved in conservation efforts?

Yes, we provide intelligence to local anti-poaching rangers, we also collaborate with research organization Panthera and have contributed to Game Rangers International and How Many Elephants and other smaller Zambian or UK charities we feel passionately about.

What other suggestions can you give to birders interested in visiting your lodge?

Bring bird books covering southern and east Africa bird books, good binoculars, a good camera.

Pied Kingfisher

Do you have activities for non-birders?

Game drives, walking safaris (seasonal), night drives, fishing (seasonal), and boat trips are all popular activities. We also have a small pool and firepit by the river for time spent relaxing at the lodge

If any reader of 10,000 Birds is interested in staying at your lodge, how can they best contact you?

Visit our website www.pinnonlodges.com and send us an enquiry using the online form.