The Zambezi rapids near to Hillwood are a very popular daytrip – as a lovely spot to play in the water and float down on inflatable inner-tubes. Here is a particularly good place for birdwatchers to search for the rare Forbes plover, which hunts for insects on the bare rocks.

Further north, around the source of the Jimbe River, is the best place to look for the compact weaver and white-spotted flufftails; the shrike flycatcher was found there recently, which was a new discovery for Zambia.

Source of the Zambezi

About 12km south of the entrance road to Nchila is a turn-off (GPS:TUZAMB) to the official source of the Zambezi. A national monument marks the spot where the mighty Zambezi begins its 2,700km journey to the Indian Ocean at an altitude of about 1,500m. There's a copper plaque at the site, unveiled in 1964 to celebrate the Zambia's independence. Though unexceptional, the site has since been declared a national monument and the surrounding dense forest canopy, part of a 36.8ha reserve, is impressive.

The short access road to the source is, in part, the boundary between Zambia and the DRC. Note that in the past US$500 has been demanded here for camera fees – so do agree a price in advance before you take your camera out!