Carmine Bee-eater Safari with Cawston Encounters
A small-group Carmine Bee-eater program near Bulawayo with two nights at Cawston's tented camp, a guided colony visit, vulture hide and optional ranch birding.
About this tour
Join resident professional guide and birder Sean Nicolle for Cawston Encounters' Carmine Spectacular near Bulawayo. The program centres on a guided field trip to the Carmine Bee-eater breeding grounds, with time to watch and photograph the colony while following the guide's directions around the birds.
Accommodation covers two nights in the ranch's tented camp, together with all meals and soft drinks. The program also provides a visit to the vulture-viewing hide and optional birding on the property. Cawston's checklist exceeds 300 species across woodland, river-edge, scrub, rocky and waterhole habitats, so the stay can add a wider range of southern African birds to the main bee-eater experience.
Groups are limited to four people. The current price is USD 550 per person, with airport transfers available for an additional USD 100 per person. The confirmed 2026 departure dates are 6-8 November, 27-29 November and 4-6 December. Availability for a selected departure is reconfirmed after inquiry.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Zimbabwe.
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Guided Carmine Bee-eater field trip
Travel with Sean Nicolle from Cawston to the Carmine Bee-eater breeding grounds for the program's main field session. Spend time watching and photographing the colony under the guide's direction, with the pace shaped by current bird activity and site conditions.
Locations & map
- Cawston Encounters - Matabeleland North Zimbabwe (Base for the two-night stay, vulture hide and optional ranch birding.)
Availability & pricing
Availability is confirmed after your inquiry.
Included
- Two-night tented-camp stay - Accommodation at Cawston Encounters.
- All meals and soft drinks - Included during the program.
- Guided Carmine Bee-eater field trip - Led by resident professional guide and birder Sean Nicolle.
- Vulture hide visit - Access to Cawston's dedicated vulture-viewing hide.
- Optional birding at Cawston - Scheduled around the main field trip and current conditions.
Not included
- Airport transfer - Available for an additional USD 100 per person.
Transport & stays
- Guided vehicle transfer to the Carmine Bee-eater s Included as part of the field program. | Meet: Cawston Encounters. | Pickup: Airport transfer can be arranged for an additional USD 100 per person.
Accommodations
- Cawston tented safari camp
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
How large is the group?
The program is limited to four guests.
What does the package include?
The listed package includes two nights at Cawston, all meals and soft drinks, the guided Carmine Bee-eater field trip, a vulture hide visit and optional ranch birding.
Are airport transfers included?
No. Airport transfers are available as an optional extra at USD 100 per person.
Are Carmine Bee-eaters guaranteed?
No. The program is timed around the seasonal colony, but wild bird activity and access depend on current conditions.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.