Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe have partnered to launch the Great Kavango Zambezi Birding Route, a first-of-its-kind cross-border avitourism initiative aimed at drawing high-spending international birdwatchers to a conservation area larger than France and Germany combined.

Unveiled last month at ITB Berlin, the world’s leading travel trade show, the route connects 12 key birding hubs and migration corridors along the Kavango, Zambezi, Chobe, Kwando and Kafue river systems.

Officials said the corridor gives tour operators and lodge owners a single marketing platform to sell birding experiences across five countries.

“This is a strategic move to diversify tourism beyond traditional safari offerings,” said a tourism ministry spokesperson from Namibia, speaking on behalf of the partnership. “Avitourism attracts repeat visitors with above-average daily spend, and this route positions the region as a year-round destination.”

Travel advisors and tour operators can access suggested itineraries, co-branding tools, marketing assets and guide resources through a dedicated Trade Hub, according to route organizers.

The platform is designed to streamline multi-country bookings and help agents package birding experiences alongside traditional safari offerings.

A pre-launch press expedition recorded 215 bird species across the five nations, including 43 logged for the first time by experienced international birders.

Industry analysts estimate that dedicated birdwatchers contribute upwards of $5 billion annually to global eco-tourism, with growing demand for multi-country itineraries.

The route is now open to operators and independent travelers, with member states planning joint marketing campaigns targeting European and North American birding clubs.