Republic of Namibia
Namibia is a country in Southern Africa. Its western border is the Atlantic Ocean. It shares land borders with Zambia and Angola to the north, Botswana to the east and South Africa to the south and east. Although it does not border Zimbabwe, less than 200 metres (660 feet) of the Botswanan right bank of the Zambezi River separates the two countries. Being situated between the Namib and the Kalahari deserts, Namibia has the least rainfall of any country in sub-Saharan Africa. The Namibian landscape consists generally of five geographical areas, each with characteristic abiotic conditions and vegetation, with some variation within and overlap between them: the Central Plateau, the Namib, the Great Escarpment, the Bushveld, and the Kalahari Desert.
The Central Plateau runs from north to south, bordered by the Skeleton Coast to the northwest, the Namib Desert and its coastal plains to the southwest, the Orange River to the south, and the Kalahari Desert to the east. The Central Plateau is home to the highest point in Namibia at Königstein with an elevation c.2,600 m (c.8,500 ft).
The Namib is a broad expanse of hyper-arid gravel plains and dunes that stretches along Namibia’s entire coastline. It varies between 100 and 200 kilometres (60 and 120 miles) in width. Areas within the Namib include the Skeleton Coast and the Kaokoveld in the north and the extensive Namib Sand Sea along the central coast.
Fish River Canyon ©Chris Lotz
The Great Escarpment swiftly rises to over 2,000 metres (7,000 ft). Average temperatures and temperature extremes increase further inland from the cold Atlantic waters, while the lingering coastal fogs slowly diminish. Although the area is rocky with poorly developed soils, it is significantly more productive than the Namib Desert. As summer winds are forced over the Escarpment, moisture is precipitated.
The Bushveld is found in northeastern Namibia along the Angolan border and in the Caprivi Strip. The area receives a significantly greater amount of precipitation than the rest of the country, averaging around 400 mm (16 in) per year. The area is generally flat and the soils sandy, limiting their ability to retain water and support agriculture.
The Kalahari Desert, an arid region that extends into South Africa and Botswana, is popularly known as a desert, but has a variety of localised environments, including some verdant and technically non-desert areas. The Succulent Karoo is home to over 5,000 species of plants, nearly half of them endemic; approximately 10 percent of the world’s succulents are found in the Karoo. The reason behind this high productivity and endemism may be the relatively stable nature of precipitation.
Namibia’s Coastal Desert is one of the oldest deserts in the world. Its sand dunes, created by the strong onshore winds, are the highest in the world. Because of the location of the shoreline, at the point where the Atlantic’s cold water reaches Africa’s hot climate, often extremely dense fog forms along the coast. Near the coast there are areas where the dune-hummocks are vegetated. Namibia has rich coastal and marine resources that remain largely unexploited. The Caprivi Strip extends east from the northeastern corner of the country.
At c.825,000 km2 (330,000 square miles) it is the world’s thirty-fourth largest country, with a population of just over three million people (2024), making Namibia one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. Namibia’s capital Windhoek is the largest city with around half a million inhabitants. The next largest being Rundu and Walvis Bay. It is a stable parliamentary democracy. Agriculture, tourism and the mining industry – including mining for gem diamonds, uranium, gold, silver and base metals – form the basis of its economy, while the manufacturing sector is comparatively small.
Birding Namibia
With its combination of superb scenery, accessible endemic birds, abundant game, and excellent infrastructure, Namibia has a great deal to offer traveling birders. Much of the southern and western parts of the country are covered by the spectacular Namib desert – stark stony plains in the north and south, with sand sea in-between. Running roughly down the centre of the country is the Namibian escarpment, cloaked largely with arid woodland and hosting many of the country’s specials.
In the far north, beyond the famous game reserve of Etosha, lies the relatively low-lying plain of Ovamboland, where much of the country’s small population lives. The northern border with Angola is delineated by the Cunene River, which provides several bird specials. East of Ovamboland, a peculiar finger of land along of the Kavango and Zambezi Rivers forms the Caprivi Strip, and offers tropical birding quite unlike that of the rest of the country.
Spitzkoppe where I saw Herero Chat – Fatbirder
Although the country possesses just one true endemic (Dune Lark, a Namib special); a further host of near-endemics extend only marginally into inaccessible Angola, are most easily found in Namibia. These include Gray’s Lark, Rüppell’s Korhaan and Herero Chat in the Namib desert, and escarpment specials such as White-tailed Shrike, Violet Woodhoopoe, Rockrunner, Bare-cheeked Babbler, Rüppell’s Parrot, Carp’s Black Tit and Hartlaub’s Francolin.
The Cunene River basin in far northern Ovamboland is possibly the best place in the world to find the romantically-named Cinderella Waxbill, and in the southern African region Grey Kestrel and Rufous-tailed Palm Thrush are found only here. Heading eastwards, the moist Caprivi strip offers easy access to Okavango specials such as Slaty Egret, as well as superb woodland birding including Sharp-tailed Starling.
But don’t neglect the coast with abundant waders and shorebirds, pelicans and herons not to mention Damara Tern and Cape Fur Seals at Walvis Bay Wetlands. Here too are African Black Oystercatcher, Hartlaub’s Gull, South African Shelduck, Cape Cormorant, Cape Gannet, White-fronted Plover, Chestnut-banded Plover & Terek Sandpiper, to name but a few.
This page is sponsored by LeafLove Safaris
This page is sponsored by Birding Ecotours
Top Sites
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Erongo Mountains
InformationSatellite ViewLocated in central Namibia, this is one of Namibia's top birding spots. The area is particularly good to see species such as Hartlaub's Francolin, Rockrunner, Short-toed Rock Thrush and Freckled Nightjar, Bearded, Bennett's, Golden-tailed and Cardinal Woodpeckers. -
Hardap
InformationSatellite ViewThe Hardap dam and Recreational Resort offers a rich diversity of bird life. A number of species reach their northern limit to their range here at Hardap. Birds include: Ostrich, White Pelican, Reed Cormorant, Darter, Goliath and Purple Heron, Little and Dwarf Bittern, African Black Duck, African Fish Eagle, Pygmy Falcon, Ludwig's Bustard, Namaqua Dove, Rosy-faced Lovebird, Pied and Giant Kingfisher, Olive, Groundscraper and Short-toed Thrush, Cape and Karoo and Kalahari Robin, Cinnamon-breasted warbler, Fairy Flycatcher, Dusky, Marico and Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Pin-tailed Whydah. -
Impalila Island
InformationSatellite ViewThe Island is located at the confluence of the Zambezi and Chobe Rivers. A combination of floodplain, open grassland, mopane and riverine woodland as well as papyrus-lined waterways make this a birdwatching paradise. Birds such as Pel's Fishing Owl, Rock Pratincole, African Finfoot, White-backed Night Heron, Brown Firefinch, Coppery Sunbird, Chirping Cisticola, Redfaced Cisticola, Coppery-tailed Coucal are easily found and regularly seen. -
Kaudom
InformationSatellite ViewThe Kaudom, which can only be attempted in 4x4 vehicles, is known as one of few remaining parks in Africa where the bush wilderness has not been disturbed by human intervention. Elephant, lion and hyena still rule here! The park is unfenced, enabling the animals to follow their natural migration routes. As there are no shops/service stations you have to carry all fuel and supplies for the duration of your safari. Species occurring in the area include Bradfield's Hornbill, Cinnamon-breasted Tit, Black-faced Babbler, Sharp-tailed Starling, and Yellow-throated Sandgrouse. The area has a particularly high diversity of raptors. Noteworthy residents include Dickinson's Kestrel, Western Banded Snake Eagle, Bateleur Eagle, Red-necked Falcon, Martial Eagle. Summer visitors include Steppe Eagle, Lesser-spotted Eagle, Western Red-footed Kestrel. -
Okonjima
InformationSatellite ViewWest of the Waterberg Plateau, the vast plains are occasionally broken by the remnants of the Etjo sandstone, which once covered large areas of northern Namibia. Nestled amongst one of these relics – the Omboroko Mountains – lies Okonjima; home of the Africat Foundation. At Okonjima you will see the Africat Foundation at work, learn more about leopard and cheetah, and have excellent photographic opportunities. This is also a very good birding spot. Birds include: Monteiro's Hornbill, Hartlaub's Francolin, Rock-runner, White–tailed Shrike, Namaqua, Burchell's and Double-banded Sandgrouse. -
Spitzkoppe
InformationSatellite ViewThe Spitzkoppe is a large granite inselberg that rises 600 meters above the surrounding plains. Its resemblance to the famous Swiss mountain earned it the name of the Matterhorn of Africa. Birds include: African Black or Verreaux's Eagle, Augur Buzzard, Hartlaub's Francolin, Ludwig's Bustard, Ruppell's Korhaan, Ruppell's Parrot, Rosy-faced Lovebird, Bradfield's Swift, Monteiro's Hornbill, Stark's Lark, Gray's Lark, Long-billed Lark, Carp's Black Tit, Bare-cheeked Babbler, Herero Chat, Rock-runner, White-tailed Shrike, Dusky Sunbird. -
Walvis Bay Wetlands
InformationSatellite ViewThe Walvis Bay wetlands form the most extensive shallow coastal wetland in southern Africa. The lagoon supports a great number of resident wetland birds as well as numerous palearctic and intra-African species. Birds include: African Black Oystercatcher, Damara Tern, Hartlaub's Gull, South African Shelduck, Cape Cormorant, Cape Gannet, White-fronted Plover, Chestnut-banded Plover, Terek Sandpiper, Grey and Red-necked Phalarope.
Contributors
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Chris Lotz
Associated Article | info@birdingecotours.com
Birding Spectacular Namibia -
Neil MacLeod
Top Sites | neil@birdwatching.com.na
SafariWise -
Claire Spottiswoode & Callan Cohen
University of Cape Town - Introduction | claire@birding-africa.com
Birding Africa
Number of Species
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Number of bird species: 688
(As at March 2024) -
Number of bird species:
National Bird: African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer
Endemics
Number of endemics: 1
Dune Lark Certhilauda erythrochlamys
Checklist
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Avibase - The World Bird Database
PDF ChecklistThis checklist includes all bird species found in Namibia , based on the best information available at this time. It is based on a wide variety of sources that I collated over many years. I am pleased to offer these checklists as a service to birdwatchers -
Wikipedia
ChecklistThis is a list of the bird species recorded in Namibia. The avifauna of Namibia included a total of 685 confirmed species as of July 2023, of which 1 is endemic, and four have been introduced by humans.
Useful Reading
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A Photographic Guide to Birds of Namibia
| By Ian Sinclair & Jackie Sinclair | New Holland Publishers | 2002 | Paperback | 144 pages, 280 colour photos, colour distribution maps | Out of Print | ISBN: 9781868727643 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Birding in Namibia
| (An Illustrated Guide to Selected Sites) | By Eckart Damasius & Christine Marais | Gamsberg Macmillan | 1999 | Hardback | 204 pages, colour illustrations, b/w illustrations | Out of Print | ISBN: 9789991601908 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Newman's Birds of Southern Africa
| By Kenneth B Newman, Faansie Peacock & vanessa Newman | Random House Struik | 2010 | Paperback | 536 pages, plates with colour illustrations; colour photos, colour distribution maps | ISBN: 9781770078765 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Roberts Bird Guide
| By Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies & Ingrid Weiersbye | Jacana Publishers | 2018 | Edition 2 | Flexibound | 570 pages, plates with colour illustrations; colour photos, colour distribution maps | ISBN: 9781920602017 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Sasol Birds of Southern Africa (4th Edition)
| By Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey, Warwick Tarboton, Peter G Ryan, Norman Arlott & Peter Hayman | Random House South Africa | 2020 | Edition 5 | Paperback | 482 pages, plates with colour illustrations; colour distribution maps | ISBN: 9781775846680 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Southern African Birdfinder
| [Where to find 1400 bird species in southern Africa and Madagascar] | By Callan Cohen, Claire Spottiswoode & Jonathan Rossouw | New Holland Publishers | 2006 | Paperback | 456 pages, 80 col photos, 100 maps, pull-out route map | ISBN: 9781868727254 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Struik Pocket Guide: Birds of Namibia
| By Ian Sinclair & Joris Komen | Random House Struik | 2017 | Paperback | 144 pages, 360 colour photos, colour distribution maps | ISBN: 9781775845225 Buy this book from NHBS.com
Museums & Universities
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Namibia National Museum
WebsiteNamibia, with its wide variety of habitats, ranging from extreme desert to thorn tree savannah to subtropical riverine and swamp habitats, understandably has a lot to offer in the way of birds, and, with a well developed network of roads, most of the region is easily accessible. Setting down at Windhoek international airport in the morning, one is instantly transported into birding holiday mode by a swirling cloud of Bradfield`s Swifts, feverishly hawking the insects attracted by the airport`s bright lights during the past night. Bradfield`s Swift is one of the many species of birds found only in the south-western arid region of Africa.
Organisations
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African Bird Club
WebsiteNational Park, from the flamingo-thronged, coastal lagoons of the cold Atlantic Ocean to the land-locked papyrus swamps of the Okavango River, Namibia offers excellent birding in an amazing variety of bird-rich habitats. With sixteen near-endemics and a host of specials that are difficult to see elsewhere, a visit to Namibia is an essential part of the southern African birding experience -
Namibia Bird Club
Facebook PageA club for those who love birds!Further information can be found under the 'Notes' tab.Admins: Claire Kolberg and Holger Kolberg -
Namibia Bird Club
WebsiteThe Namibia Bird Club (formerly the Ornithological Working Group of the Namibia Scientific Society) is a membership-based society established in 1962 to fill a void in knowledge and interest surrounding birds of Namibia. We are involved in numerous bird related activities and projects and publish a journal, Lanioturdus, and a newsletter, Bird Call. We also arrange birding outings on a regular basis…
Reserves
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*IBAs
WebpageSatellite ViewThere are 19 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) designated by BirdLife International in Namibia which total 108,400 km2 equivalent to about 13% of the land area. 17 of the sites are important for species of global conservation concern.. -
GR Daan Viljoen
InformationSatellite ViewDaan Viljoen is a place that nature and wildlife lovers can explore, by means of self-guide, in safety on short game drive, walks and hikes. The 6.5 km game route requires a 4 x 4 vehicle. The 3 km Wag ‘n Bietjie Trail, leading down to The Stengel Dam, is an easy walk for adults. The more energetic Rooibos Trail takes hikers along The Augeigas Dam to the eastern highlands. The Park has no large predators, but it is home to baboons, blue wildebeest, springbok, kudu, oryx, Hartmann mountain zebra, giraffe, eland and black-backed jackal. Smaller species include dassies, porcupines and yellow mongooses. -
GR Moremi
InformationSatellite Viewt is home to nearly 500 species of bird (from water birds to forest dwellers), and a vast array of other species of wildlife including Cape buffalo, Angolan giraffe, black rhinoceros, Southwest African lion, elephant, hippopotamus, zebra, South African cheetah, hyena, jackal, impala, and red lechwe. Cape wild dogs inhabit this reserve... -
GR Ongava
WebsiteSatellite ViewWelcome to the Ongava Game Reserve Website. Move your cursor over the map on the left to take a virtual journey through the reserve. -
NP Bwabwata IBA
InformationSatellite ViewBwabwata is a national park located in north east Namibia. The park was established in 2007 and has a size of 6,274 square kilometres (2,422 sq mi). It was created from Caprivi Game Park and Mahango Game Reserve. The Mahango Area and Kavango River in western Bwabwata are listed as an internationally Important Bird Area supporting globally threatened species and is an avian diversity hotspot. Species include black-winged pratincole, slaty egret, wattled crane, African skimmer, African pygmy-goose, coppery-tailed coucal, white-backed night heron, rufous-bellied heron, Allen's gallinule, Dickinson's kestrel, black-faced babbler, swamp boubou, collared palm thrush, Meves's starling, southern ground hornbill, barred owlet, Bennett's woodpecker, wood owl, various warblers and cisticolas. -
NP Dorob
InformationSatellite ViewSome 75 species of birds flock to this coast, with nearly 1.6 million birds recorded on the coast. -
NP Etosha
WebsiteSatellite ViewThe summers are ideal for birding in Etosha National Park. While game viewing benefits from dry conditions, the summer rains turn some of the vast pans into seasonal lakes and attract migratory and wetland species. Etosha is home to 340 bird species, about a third of which are migratory. The avian residents of the park make up an eclectic mix that ranges from flamingos to the colourful lilac-breasted roller and eagles soaring high above… -
NP Khaudum
InformationSatellite ViewKhaudum National Park is an isolated Nature Reserve situated in the Kalahari Desert to the west of the Caprivi Strip in the northeast of Namibia. It is a very remote and inaccessible reserve, but is home to some magnificent animals, such as the lion and hyena. The park has a campsite for visitors. -
NP Mudumu
InformationSatellite ViewMudumu has a large African elephant population. Other animals include African buffalo, lion, leopard, spotted hyena, cheetah, African wild dog, hippopotamus, Nile crocodile, sitatunga, meerkat, red lechwe, sable antelope, Common eland, giraffe, impala, plains zebra, blue wildebeest and spotted-necked otter... -
NP Namib Naukluft
InformationSatellite ViewThe following mammals are likely to be seen: steenbok, springbok, oryx, kudu, mountain zebra, dassie rat, chacma baboon, rock dassie, klipspringer. Up to 200 bird species have been recorded in the area… -
NP Nkasa Rupara
InformationSatellite ViewNkasa Rupara National Park contains Namibia’s most extensive wetlands, marshes and seasonally inundated areas. Ecosystem types are similar to the Okavango Delta wetlands and habitats. Periodic flooding drives the park’s ecosystem. Caprivi floodplains dominate. -
NP Skeleton Coast
InformationSatellite ViewSkeleton Coast National Park is a national park located in northwest Namibia, and has the most inaccessible shores, dotted with shipwrecks. -
NP Waterberg Plateau
InformationSatellite ViewTowering some 200m above the surrounding landscape, the plateau with its sheer cliffs and fascinating rock formations is the habitat and breeding ground of several game species… -
NR NamibRand
WebsiteSatellite ViewThe NamibRand Nature Reserve, located in southern Namibia, is a private nature reserve established to help protect and conserve the unique ecology and wildlife of the south-west Namib Desert. Conserving the pro-Namib, the area along the eastern edge of the Namib Desert, is critically important in order to facilitate seasonal migratory wildlife routes and to protect biodiversity. It is probably the largest private nature reserve in Southern Africa, extending over an area of 172,200 ha. The Reserve shares a 100km border with the Namib-Naukluft National Park in the west and is bordered in the east by the imposing Nubib Mountains. Virtually all facets of the Namib Desert are represented on the Reserve – sand and gravel plains and stretches of savanna alternate with mountain ranges and vegetated dune belt… -
WHS Okavango IBA
InformationSatellite ViewThe Okavango Delta (or Okavango Grassland) (formerly spelled "Okovango" or "Okovanggo") in Botswana is a very large, swampy inland delta formed where the Okavango River reaches a tectonic trough in the central part of the endorheic basin of the Kalahari. The delta also includes over 400 species of birds, including African fish eagle, Pel's fishing owl, crested crane, lilac-breasted roller, hammerkop, South African ostrich, and sacred ibis.
Guides & Tour Operators
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Birding Ecotours
Tour OperatorThis truly marvelous birding adventure samples three countries and spectacular, diverse scenery - the coastal Namib Desert (inhabited by desirable, localized endemics) and Namib Escarpment (a whole suite of birds occurring ONLY in Namibia and southern Angola), Etosha National Park, Caprivi Strip and adjacent panhandle of the Okavango Delta. Please contact us for more tours that are run in Namibia. -
Leaflove Safari
Tour Operator(Guide: Albert Voigts von Schütz) Opting for local birding services and guides is consistently the best choice. As Namibians ourselves and operating under the banner of Leaflove Safari, we ensure a seamless logistical experience for your birding trip. A comprehensive experience in Namibia includes its awe-inspiring sights and natural history highlights and, of course, its diverse birdlife. Count on our expertise to discover rare birds, maximize your birdwatching opportunities, and capture those perfect moments with a little patience. -
Nature Travel Birding
Tour OperatorNature Travel Birding is the dedicated birding part of the Nature Travel Group; specializing in private and small group birding trips in Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Ethiopia, Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda, Madagascar, India, Thailand, Equador, Peru, Spain and the rest of Europe... -
Rockjumper Birding Tours
Tour OperatorWith sixteen near-endemics and numerous other special species, Namibia is an essential destination for any serious birder. The country also lays claim to the world’s oldest desert, highest sand dunes and one of Africa’s most famous wildlife reserves – Etosha National Park. We offer both set-departures and customized private tours to Namibia.
Trip Reports
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2006 [10 October] - Bo Beolens
PDF ReportThis leg was a truly marvellous 2-week multi-nation birding safari. The adventure first sampled one of the richest birding regions in Africa, the Victoria Falls/Caprivi/Okavango region. This is one of the greatest bird (both water birds and woodland species) and mammal havens on earth. The itinerary then took us westwards into increasingly dryer habitats and eventually into the very heart of the Namib Desert with its beautiful, rugged mountains, gravel plains, camelthorn-lined dry riverbeds, dunes and more. The stunning, scenically diverse Namib Desert (which extends into southern Angola) is inhabited by a host of endemic bird species. Finally, this leg ended on the Namib Coast. Here, Namibia’s only true endemic (Dune Lark) displays above sparsely vegetated red sand dunes, the diminutive, endangered Damara Tern reaches its highest densities anywhere, the beautiful Chestnut-banded Plover runs over the sand, and an amazing spectacle of flamingos, pelicans, waders and grebes work the Walvis Bay Lagoon… -
2015 [02 February] - Robert Falkner
PDF ReportAll in all a very productive and in many respects lucky trip with Robert, having seen 252 species and of those 102 were lifers adding to his already long list and target of seeing half the world’s bird species. -
2015 [03 March] - Justin Nicolau
PDF ReportFrom the outset, photography was our goal, and so it was expected that the total number of species seen would be lower than on previous trips to these destinations. -
2015 [11 November] - Geoff Crane
PDF ReportWe had great views of Laughing Dove, Bradfield’s Swift, Rock Martin, Red-eyed Bulbul, Pririt Batis, White-browed Sparrow-weaver, Grey-backed Cameroptera, House Sparrow, Pin-tailed Whydah, Red-eyed Bulbul, Black-faced Waxbill and Blue Waxbills, Chestnut-vented Titbabbler, Marico Flycatcher, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Namaqua Dove, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater and Mountain Wheatear during the course of the afternoon. Not bad birding for a hot afternoon in Windhoek! -
2015 [11 November] - Jason Boyce
PDF ReportA truly mouthwatering itinerary lay before us, one with great diversity and stark contrast. Birding was to be both rewarding and simply extraordinary from day one in Walvis Bay, Namibia, right through to the final day’s birding in Livingstone and Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe. -
2016 [03 March] - Terry Stevenson - Namibia & Botswana
ReportBeginning in Windhoek, we went to the local waterworks (sewage farm) and saw a variety of ducks, including our first South African Shelducks and the only Southern Pochards of the tour. We also enjoyed Long-tailed Cormorant, African Darter, Black Crake, African Swamphen and African Jacana at the pool areas, African Reed-Warblers and Southern Red Bishops in the reed beds, and Pearl-spotted Owlet, White-backed Mousebird, and Burnt-neck Eremomela in the acacia woodland. We then finished our first day at the local swift roost, where there were at least 100 of the near-endemic Bradfield's Swifts amongst the more widespread Alpine, African Palm-, and Little swifts. -
2016 [07 July] - Chris Lotz - Northwestern Specials
PDF Report...The Kunene River Lodge was of course already a famous place for finding another primarily Angolan species that barely makes it across the border into Namibia, Cinderella Waxbill (thanks alsoto the lodge owner, Peter Morgan, for keeping track of the whereabouts of this otherwise very tough-to-pin-down special on a month-by-month basis). Rufous-tailed Palm Thrush (whichoccurs from the Namibia/Angola border northwards to Gabon) also very barely gets into the southern African listing region here at Kunene and is nicely easy to locate, even within thelodge grounds. Grey Kestrel is another major target... -
2016 [07 July] - Simon Gawn
PDF Report...All in all a very productive and in many aspects lucky trip with Simon and Rahat, having seen 207 species during an exceptionally dry winter. Twenty six of those were lifers added to Simon’s already large list, missing out only on three possible lifers. ... -
2016 [08 August] - Dayne Braine
PDF ReportThis tailor made tour to Angola on the request from Intercontact Germany, commenced in Luanda, Angola and ended in Windhoek Namibia. -
2016 [10 October] - Cuan Rush - Namibia, Okavango and Victoria Falls V
PDF ReportOn the avian side of things, we had good numbers of Estralids namely, Blue, Black-faced and stunning Violet-eared Waxbills, Green-winged Pytilia, Acacia Pied Barbet, Mountain Wheatear, Shorttoed Rock Thrush, Groundscraper Thrush, ScarletchestedSunbird, Cinnamon-breasted and Goldenbreasted Buntings, Monteiro’s Hornbill, Ashy Tit, Pririt Batis, Brubru, Lesser Kestrel and a pair of Verreaux’s Eagle. -
2016 [11 November] - Jason Boyce
PDF ReportTraversing the great country of Namibia, experiencing its brilliant diversity, and enjoying the contrasting habitats make for an enjoyable birding adventure. The open gravel plains of the west gradually become dry but well-wooded plains to the north, while the Caprivi Strip offers mature woodland and exciting wetlands.... -
2017 [03 March] - Birding Ecotours
PDF Report...Enroute we enjoyed Pale Chanting Goshawk, Brown Snake Eagle, Namaqua Sandgrouse, Ring-necked Dove, Marico Flycatcher, Black-chested Prinia, Great Sparrow, Chat Flycatcher, SabotaLark, Alpine Swift, Common Swift, Karoo Long-billed Lark, Grey-backed Sparrow-Lark, Speckled Pigeon, Peregrine Falcon... -
2017 [07 July] - Wayne Jones
PDF ReportItstarted with a tree full of waxbills –Blue, Violet-eared, Black-faced and Common. Our list soon included Green-winged Pytilia, Red-headed Finch, Scaly-feathered Weaver, Chestnut-vented Warbler, Scarlet-chested and Marico Sunbirds, Black-chested Prinia, Yellow-bellied Eremomela, Acacia Pied Barbet, Pririt Batis, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Brown-crowned Tchagra, Bearded and Cardinal Woodpecker, Lark-like Bunting, White-backed Mousebirdand a Pearl-spotted Owlet. -
2017 [09 September] - Pieter & Nicola Vrey
Report...It was the Heritage day long weekend and we decided to take an extra two days' leave and try pick up some lifers in central Namibia. It wasn't easy getting accommodation in the Erongo region with the two best situated places (Mara camp and Erongo Wilderness lodge) both fully booked ... -
2017 [10 October] - Terry Stevenson
Report...The following day we drove south-west in our specially adapted 4X4 Toyota Landcruiser - the onboard refrigerator kept our picnic lunches and drinks cold. Although largely a travel day as we headed to the Namib Naukluft Desert, we found many new birds along the way, and even a surprise large body of water at Guisis. Just some of the special birds we saw today included Cape Shoveler, Maccoa Duck, Lappet-faced Vulture, Pale Chanting-Goshawk, Namaqua Sandgrouse, Pearl-spotted Owlet, Common Scimitarbill, Monteiro's and Damara Red-billed hornbills, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, Crimson-breasted Gonolek, Kalahari Scrub-Robin, Short-toed Rock-Thrush, Pale-winged Starling, Violet-eared Waxbill and Yellow Canary. Mammals included our first Cape Ground Squirrels, Rock Hyrax, Warthog, and Gemsbok.... -
2017 [12 December] - Terry Stevenson
Report...Well, any of these apprehensions were soon put aside, as we found all the south-west African endemics, and the most 'special birds' of the Okavango Delta - including Slaty Egret, Wattled Crane, African Skimmer, and no less than 3 Pel's Fishing-Owls. The mammals were great too, with some fabulous encounters with Elephants, Lion, Leopard and a record 17 Black Rhino... -
2017 [12 December] - Wian van Zyl
PDF ReportA trip that started in Zambia covered a wide variety of habitats in Namibia and crossed a little into Botswana’s Okavango Panhandle, where the water life is incomparable. We had a great time birding with a small group of only six clients. The scenery, roads, food, and everything in between left us with great memories and stories to go with the amazing birding that took place over the next 18 days -
2018 [08 August] - Daniel Keith Danckwerts - Namibia , Botswana & Zambia
PDF ReportOur epic overland adventure through Namibia, Botswana and Zambia began on the outskirts of the bustling city of Windhoek... -
2018 [09 September] - Dominic Rollinson
PDF ReportThis 21-day trip of Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia was a customized trip for Susan and Aileen from the Republic of Ireland, which started in Walvis Bay, Namibia, on 20 August 2018 and ended in Livingstone, Zambia, on 9 September 2018. -
2018 [09 September] – Jason Boyce
PDF ReportNamibia has become an incredible birding and general ecotourism destination in the last five-odd years. This was a private tour across this brilliant country, starting in the glorious Victoria Falls and Livingstone. -
2018 [11 November] - Jason Boyce
PDF ReportThis was a Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia birding adventure to remember. Starting in the iconic and well-known Walvis Bay we would thereafter traverse the diversity of Namibia: the escarpment, then north to the Kunene River, through Etosha National Park, and finally into the Caprivi Strip. -
2019 [01 January] - Nature Travel
PDF ReportWe just finished a very successful customised Namibia and Okavango Birding trip where the main focus was on finding the near endemic birds and key mammals. -
2019 [03 March] - Geoff Upton
PDF ReportWe both came back from this trip saying it was one of the most enjoyable and successful we’ve done: Namibia has varied and beautiful landscapes, great weather, excellent hospitality, and a feeling of ease and safety everywhere we went. The birding was outstanding, and the number and variety of animals we saw was way beyond expectation. -
2019 [04 April] - Pieter Vrey
PDF ReportI met Arden back in 2014 on a trip to Manu National Park in Peru and we remained in occasional contact since then. In 2018 he contacted me for advice on a trip to southern Africa. When he confirmed his plans for Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe in Jan 2019, he invited me along for the central and northern sections of Namibia as I mentioned previously that these would be new areas for me. -
2019 [09 September] - Dominic Rollinson - Namibia & Okavango
PDF ReportWe saw 296 species (and an additional four species were heard only) on this 12-day tour, including such highlights as African Pygmy Goose, Hartlaub’s Spurfowl, Rüppell's Korhaan, Cape Gannet, White-backed Night Heron, Bank, Crowned, and Cape Cormorants, Ayres’s Hawk-Eagle, Wattled and Blue Cranes, Burchell’s and Double-banded Coursers, Rock Pratincole, African Skimmer, Burchell’s Sandgrouse, Coppery-tailed Coucal, Racket-tailed Roller, Violet Wood Hoopoe, Damara Red-billed, Bradfield’s, and Monteiro’s Hornbills, Pygmy and Red-necked Falcons, Rüppell's Parrot, Carp’s Tit, Gray’s, Dune, Stark’s, Karoo Long-billed, and Pink-billed Larks, Mosque Swallow, Rockrunner, Bare-cheeked Babbler, Orange River White-eye, and many others. -
2019 [11 November] - Birding Ecotours - Dominic Rollinson
PDF ReportOur Namibia, Botswana and Victoria Falls set-departure tour is always a popular one. We cover a large distance from west to east, which means we get to enjoy a broad range of habitats; consequently, this tour usually yields a high bird list. Besides the large numbers of special birds the tour also normally boasts good numbers of large and charismatic mammals and some of the smaller, lesser-known species too. -
2022 [07 July] - Greg Smith
PDF ReportRosy-faced Lovebirds were raucously playing on the roof and eaves of the lodge. African Red-eyed Bulbul and Crimson-breasted Shrike made it clear we were not in the American Southwest. We were warned not to walk alone outside the cottage at night. That’s right. This is still very large cat country, though they are not abundant in these parts. This morning was clear and beautiful, with just a little bit of chill in the air... -
2022 [08 August] - Dominic Rollinson - Birding Ecotours
PDF ReportNamibia is a must-visit African country, with the world’s oldest desert containing spectacular red sand and the highest dunes in the world, rugged desert mountains along the bird-rich Namibian Escarpment and the vast Etosha National Park, one of the world’s greatest wildlife destinations. Namibia also has a large variety of near-endemic birds which are shared only with neighbouring southern Angola (along with one true endemic, Dune Lark). -
2022 [10 October] - Bob Meinke
PDF ReportAfter checking in and enjoying some refreshments we did a short familiarization walk around the lodge grounds. Here we encountered several Rock Hyrax (Dassies) and a few species of birds including Southern Masked Weaver, Rosy-faced Lovebird, Familiar Chat, Short-toed Rock Thrush, Crimson-breasted Shrike (Gonolek), Pririt Batis and Common Scimitarbill were amongst other species seen. During dinner a briefing of the following days’ activities were discussed before retiring for the night... -
2022 [11 November] - Dominic Rollinson - Namibia, Botswana and Victoria Falls
PDF ReportThis 18-day birding and wildlife safari covered a vast distance and variety of habitats, from the coastal Namib Desert at Walvis Bay, in Namibia, to the subtropics of Victoria Falls, in Zimbabwe and Zambia. -
2023 [09 September] - Bryan Shirley - Botswana-Namibia
PDF ReportWe had an outstanding time in the Okavango Delta and Northern Botswana. The sheer number of mammals was incredible. We had amazing, unforgettable experiences with Lions, Leopards, and lots of other wildlife every time we went out. Of course birds were great as well with good birding right around the camps and on our safari drives. Wended the Botswana portion of the trip with 180 species of birds, 33 mammals, and 3 reptiles/amphibians. -
2023 [11 November] - Albert Voigts von Schütz - Namib-Zambezi
Report...Amongst Monte Christo’s towering winter thorn and camel thorn trees, the vibrant observation of a Violet Wood Hoopoe group proved both delightful and frustrating. While these birds noisily paraded past us, they refused to pose perfectly for photographs... -
2023 [11 November] - Dominic Rollinson
PDF ReportSome of the trip’s many avian highlight species included Hartlaub’s Spurfowl, Cape Gannet, Secretarybird, Western Banded Snake Eagle, Ayres’s Hawk-Eagle, Ludwig’s Bustard, Rüppell's Korhaan, Wattled Crane, Burchell’s Courser, African Skimmer, Burchell’s Sandgrouse, Racket-tailed Roller, Violet Wood Hoopoe, Damara Red-billed, Bradfield’s and 3 | T R I P R E P O R T Complete Namibia – November 2023 www.birdingecotours.com info@birdingecotours.com Monteiro’s Hornbills, Pygmy Falcon, Rüppell's Parrot, Herero Chat, Rockrunner, Whitetailed Shrike, Souza’s Shrike, many near-endemic lark species, Bare-cheeked Babbler, Sharptailed Starling, Arnot’s Chat, Copper Sunbird and Brown Firefinch, amongst many others. -
2023 [11 November] - From Coast to Caprivi
PDF ReportSome of the stand-out species on this tour included Lesser Jacana, African Pygmy Goose, Greater Painted-Snipe, Schalow’s Turaco, Secretarybird, Southern Carmine Bee-eater, White-tailed Shrike, Jackal Buzzard, Southern White-faced Owl, African Finfoot, Pennantwinged Nightjar and Kori Bustard. Some of the near-endemics and regional specials included Hartlaub’s Spurfowl, Carp’s Tit, Rosy-faced Lovebird, Rüppell's Korhaan, Layard’s Warbler, Herero Chat, Bradfield’s Swift, Damara Red-billed and Monteiro’s Hornbills, Pygmy Falcon, Rüppell's Parrot, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Dune, Stark’s, Gray’s, Pinkbilled and Karoo Long-billed Larks, Damara Tern, Rockrunner and many others. -
2024 [01 January] - Wilton Farrelly - Victoria Falls, Botswana and Caprivi Strip (Namibia)
PDF ReportThis is a summary of a trip to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, northern Botswana (Okavango) and two days in the Caprivi Strip, Namibia in January 2024.
Places to Stay
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Hobatere Lodge
AccommodationThe unique location of Hobatere, being the Getaway into the Western Etosha Park, allows for an exclusive wildlife experience but, at the same time, the aim is to increasing the sense of being a conservancy lodge which benefits the local community and conservation. -
Huab Lodge & Bush SPA
AccommodationEnjoy the comforts of the lodge, the relaxed atmosphere and the personal attention as well as the stunning landscape with its impressive variety of animal and plant life. There are more than 200 bird species which have been positively identified, amongst these 10 endemics and several near-endemics such as Bare-cheeked Babbler, Damara Rock-runner, Violet Wood-hoopoe, Carp's Black Tit, R -
Kansimba Game Lodge
AccommodationKansimba Game Lodge is conveniently geographically situated in the heart of Namibia, north-west of Windhoek, the capital. It is within easy drive of all the major attractions, such as the Skeleton Coast, the Etosha Game Park and the Namib Naukluft Park. -
Langholm Hotel
AccommodationThe Langholm Hotel in Walvis Bay has received accolades as a Winner of the HAN Awards for Service Excellence since 2002 and enjoys annual occupancy levels in excess of 90 percent since 2008. This speaks volumes as to the popularity of our hotel. The Langholm Hotel is situated close to the magnificent wetland of the Walvis Bay Lagoon, and at the edge of the Namib Desert. The Langholm Hotel can offer the Eco-tourist a wonderful glimpse into the ecology of the area, as well as great adventure tourism. -
Protea Hotel - Walvis Bay
AccommodationNice clean and well appointed boutique hotel… Fatbirder Recommended [And while you are staying here try a meal at the nearby 'Raft' restaurant and watch cape fur seals, and gulls, pelicans and all from the dining room!] -
Sun Karros Daan Viljoen
AccommodationIndependently located around the Daan Viljoen dam, visitors can now experience all the luxury of a modern day breakaway, in unique, contemporary African chalets. Each one of our 19 chalets are fully equipped with air-conditioned rooms, satellite TV’s and mesmerising patio views, ensuring the visitor an exclusive and luxurious atmosphere...