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The Sandscapes Birding Tour - Namibia Full Itinerary
With its vast open spaces, low population, clear air, and numerous national parks and reserves, Namibia is a prime location for bird-watching. The vistas are excellent and photographic opportunities abound. Namibia has about 620 native bird species, so there should be plenty to keep even the most avid bird-watcher busy. By way of introduction, here are descriptions of some of Namibia's best-known birding sites: At the coast, Walvis Bay and Sandwich Harbour lagoons are not only among the most important wetlands on the coast of Africa, but also provide dry season refuges for up to 80% of Southern Africa's population of Flamingos, as well as support for about 70% of the world's population of the rare Chestnut-banded Plovers. Also along the coast, there are breeding colonies of the vulnerable Jackass Penguins as well as species such as Pelicans, Cormorants, Sandpipers, Stints, Plovers and the rare Caspian and Damara Terns. Etosha National Park, home to so many animal species, is also a prime location for bird-watching. Some of the largest and most conspicuous birds include Ostriches and the huge Kori Bustards, which, weighing up to nearly 15 kilograms, live mostly on the ground. Yellow-billed Hornbills are frequently seen and as can be expected, raptors are common; there are approximately 35 species, including the Lappet-faced and Hooded Vultures. In years of good rain, the huge salt pan becomes a temporary lagoon and thousands of Flamingos and White Pelicans fly in to breed. The Waterberg Plateau National Park is home to the northernmost breeding colony of Cape Vultures in Southern Africa. These birds have been given special protection under a conservation and research project of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Once common and widespread throughout the subcontinent, Cape Vultures are now an endangered species. Unlike other vultures which nest in trees, the Cape Vulture builds its nests on cliff faces. Ross's Louries, Coucals, Babblers, Bee Eaters, Yellow-breasted Hyliotas, Rufous-bellied Herons, White-crowned Plovers, Pel's Fishing Owls and Wattled Cranes...Whatever your fancy, big or small, wet or dry, Namibia offers a wonderful birding experience - and all in a country of sunshine (more than 300 sunny days, on average), open spaces, stunning vistas, and fiendly welcomes. Don't miss it!
The Birding ItineraryThis is a self-drive tour, for which a driver and/or guide can be arranged, if necessary. DAYS 1 & 2: Windhoek - Upon arrival, we will meet you at the airport and will give you your travel portfolio. In addition, you will take possession of your hire vehicle. As Windhoek is the capital city of Namibia and offers a lot that is of cultural and historical interest, we recommend that you should spend one full day at leisure in the city. Because of its situation and the fact that it is the site of the country’s major airport, many visitors begin and end their Namibian holiday in Windhoek. Accommodation: Olive Grove Guest House or Hotel Heinitzburg Birds: You can spot pelicans (in season), waders, and waterfowl - also a pair of African Fish Eagles - at Avis Dam, which is within the city limits, while at Daan Viljoen Game Reserve, only fifteen minutes drive from the city, the birds include Bradfield's Swift, as well as those that take advantage of the standing water, such as Black Storks, Purple Rollers, and Greyhooded Kingfishers. General activities: General tour of the city; historical walking tour; township tour; craft centres; places of particular historical interest, such as those connected with the German period, the South African period, and the independence period; browsing in the bookshops and general shopping; relaxing with a coffee or a beer at a cafe in or just off Independence Avenue, absorbing the ambience of Namibia. DAY 3: Waterberg Plateau Park - Driving north from Windhoek, you pass through central Namibia's expansive bush-dotted grasslands that provide grazing for herds of cattle as well as for a wide variety of antelopes and other wild creatures. Motorists often see troops of baboons, small antelopes, and warthogs along the roadsides. Soon after leaving Windhoek, you can stop at the northern and southern edges of Okahandja to visit the large open-air curio markets, featuring original carvings, as well as more commonplace ones.
Accommodation: Waterberg Wilderness Lodge Birds: The most northernmost breeding colony of Cape Vultures, and the only one in Namibia; the only breeding site in Namibia for Booted Eagles; also Peregrine Falcons, Rosyfaced Lovebirds, Swifts, Hartlaub's and Coqui Francolins, Monteiro's Hornbills, and Rockrunners. General activities: Game viewing, walks and hikes, climbing to the top of the sandstone Waterberg escarpment to enjoy the magnificent view.
DAYS 4 & 5: Etosha National Park (east) - Today you drive north through Otjiwarongo and the old-established mining town of Tsumeb to your accommodation at Mushara Lodge, which is conveniently situated just outside the eastern (Namutoni) gate of Etosha National Park, a major destination for a holiday in Namibia. Along the way, you might like to stop at Otjikoto Lake, a large, water-filled sinkhole that is a visible reminder of the huge underground aquifer that honeycombs this part of Namibia. Accommodation: Mushara Lodge Alternative accommodation: To be closer to the birds, you might like to stay in Namutoni Camp itself, where there are bungalows, rooms, a restaurant, and a shop. However, the accommodation, while clean and comfortable, is not as good as it is in the private lodges outside the park boundaries. Birds: With its relatively high rainfall, this eastern part of Etosha National Park is rich in bird life, such as vultures, ostriches, Blue and Crowned Cranes, and Redcrested Korhaans, as well as many others. During the wetter months, Fischer's Pan, just north of Namutoni Camp in Etosha, has numerous ducks, flamingos, and storks. General activities: Game and bird-watching drives in Etosha. DAYS 7 & 8: Etosha National Park (west) and vicinity - Today you drive on the main road through the park, perhaps visiting Halali and Okaukejo camps along the way. You exit the park at the Andersson Gate, from where it is only a short distance to your destination. Accommodation: Ongava Lodge Alternative accommodation: To be closer to the birds, you might like to stay in Okaukejo Camp itself, where there are bungalows, rooms, a restaurant, and a shop. However, the accommodation, while clean and comfortable, is not as good as it is in the private lodges outside the park boundaries. Birds: Amongst the many birds to be seen in the western parts of Etosha are large raptors such as various vultures, Martial and Tawny Eagles, as well as smaller raptors such as Lanner and Rednecked Falcons, and Gabar Goshawks. Ostriches, Whitequilled Korhaans, and Pale Chanting Goshawks are widespread, as well as lark and courser species. In the evening, large flocks of Namaqua and Doublebanded Sandgrouses drink at Okaukejo waterhole. General activities: Game and bird-watching drives in Etosha as well as in Ongava's own reserve; guided walks with an armed guide to track white rhino; night game drives. DAY 9: Twyfelfontein - Drive to Twyfelfontein, observing how the terrain becomes drier and more barren as you travel westwards and approach the desert proper. Between Khorixas and Twyfelfontein, stop at the Petrified Forest to marvel at the fossilised remains of huge trees that were deposited here by prehistoric floods. Continue to Twyfelfontein, which has some of the most renowned rock paintings and engravings in Southern Africa. Nearby, there are interesting rock formations and awe-inspiring evidence of prehistoric volcanic action in the Organ Pipes and Burnt Mountain. Accommodation: Mowani Mountain Camp Birds: Although this is a dry and apparently barren region of Namibia, it is surprisingly rich in bird life, including a number of Namibia's endemic species, such as Ruppell's Korhaan, the Violet Woodhoopoe, Hartlaub's Francolin, the Herero Chat, the White-tailed Shrike, and Monteiro's Hornbill. In addition, the rivers of this northern part of Namibia, although ephemeral, support corridors of mature riparian vegetation that are home to two further endemics, Ruppell's Parrot and the Bare-cheeked Babbler. General activities: Viewing rock art and unusual geological phenomena; walking and hiking; enjoying the impressive views across the the Aba-Huab Valley; possibly sighting wild animals, apart from birds, that have adapted to the harsh environment, such as giraffes and springboks - and, most renowned of all, the desert-dwelling elephants.
DAY 10: Erongo Mountains - Today you drive southwards past the Brandberg, internationally well known for its galleries of rock art, and then turn eastwards towards the pleasant little town of Omaruru. Near the town, you reach your destination, which is set amongst the impressive granite peaks and huge, jumbled rocks of the Erongo Mountains. Accommodation: Erongo Wilderness Lodge Birds: Erongo Wilderness Lodge has an abundance of bird life. From raptors to the tiniest of sunbirds, there is excellent bird-watching here. The nests of two breeding pairs of Black (Verreaux) Eagles can be seen on cliff faces, with sightings of this magnificent bird occurring nearly every day. The lodge dining room and bar overlook a small valley where over 48 different species have been sighted. These include both Namibian and South African endemics such as the Redbilled Francolin, Hartlaub's Francolin, Ruppell's Parrot, Rosyfaced Lovebird, Monteiro's Hornbill, Carp's Black Tit, Damara Rockrunner, Whitetailed Shrike, Violet-eared Waxbill, and the Redheaded Finch. General activities: Viewing rock paintings; game drives, walking and hiking.
DAYS 11, 12, & 13: The coast (Walvis Bay) - Today you drive to Walvis Bay through Omarauru, Karibib, and Usakos, after which you have good views of the Spitzkoppe to the north as the road traverses the gravel plains past Rossing uranium mine and Rossing Mountain. Although Swakopmund is the premier tourist resort on the coast, we recommend that you should stay at Walvis Bay because of the superior birding opportunities that it offers. Swakopmund is close, being less than 40 kms away from Walvis Bay by means of a pleasant coastal drive. Accommodation: Lagoon Lodge Birds: Walvis Bay is one of the best locations in Southern Africa for Greater and Lesser Flamingos, Chestnutbanded Plovers, Black Terns, European Oystercatchers, and Rednecked Phalaropes. There are usually large numbers of waders and terns in the lagoon. Along the coast between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, huge numbers of Cape Cormorants breed on a platform just off-shore, while Crowned Cormorants and Hartlaub's Gulls are common sights. Within specified localities, birds such as Damara Terns, Blacknecked Grebes, and Gray's Larks can easily be seen. General activities: We suggest that you should spend at least three nights at the coast because of the many sights and activities that can be enjoyed there. Set between dry desert and fertile ocean, with its German-era buildings and unusual misty climate, Swakopmund is well worth an extensive visit. Stroll along the pleasant beachfront, relax at the chic Mole beach, visit the art galleries, and enjoy the good restaurants, most of which specialise in seafood. The coast and its adjacent hinterland also offer a host of other sights and activities, such as
Click here for a more comprehensive description of activities at the coast. Also click here for details of scenic flights from Swakopmund. Walvis Bay and Swakopmund major destinations for a holiday in Namibia! Half-day and day flights from Swakopmund Click on the link for details of scenic flights from Swakopmund. These flights cover most of the coast between Luderitz and the central Skeleton Coast, as well as parts of the adjacent interior, including flights over the Namib Desert.
DAYS 14, 15 & 16: Namib-Naukluft Park - Your drive today takes you eastwards into the Namib Desert, first across great plains and then into the rugged defiles of the Kuiseb Canyon. Emerging from the canyon, you enter the pro-Namib, a semi-fertile strip between the escarpment and the desert proper. Here there are wide vistas of golden grass against red soil, fringed by the craggy background of the escarpment mountains. Your destination is close to both the famous red dunes of Sossusvlei, the highest in Namibia and reputed to be amongst the highest in the world, and the Naukluft Mountains. Situated on the eastern edge of the Namib-Naukluft Park within the semi-desert transition zone, the Naukluft Mountains have numerous perennial springs that well up from large underground water reservoirs, providing small 'oases' of clear rock pools and sparkling streams that contrast refreshingly with the rugged ravines and cliffs. We suggest that you should spend three nights and two full days here, so that you can enjoy an excursion to Sesriem and Sossusvlei - one of Namibia's premier tourist sites - as well as at least one full day walking and bird-spotting in the Naukluft Mountains. Accommodation: Zebra River Lodge Birds: In the mountains there are birds that are at the southern limits of many Damaraland species, such as Whitetailed Shrikes, Herero Chats, Ruppell's Korhaans, Rockrunners, and Monteiro's Hornbills, while there are also birds that are at the northern limits of Karoo species such as Karoo Robins and Cinnamonbreasted Warblers. The cliffs have breeding sites of Black Eagles, Jackal Buzzards, Peregrine and Lanner Falcons, and Rock Kestrels, amongst others. West of the mountains, the gravel plains of the desert support Ostriches, Secretary Birds, Greater Kestrels, Ludwig's Bustards, and Ruppell's Korhaans, amongst others. General activities: Visit the Sossusvlei dunes, which are at their best at sunrise; ramble on the dunes, enjoying the vistas and looking out for the creatures that inhabit this harsh environment; walk and hike in the Naukluft Mountains, enjoying the rugged splendour of the scenery and relaxing by clear pools and sparkling streams.
DAY 17: The Kalahari - Today you drive north-eastwards towards the town of Mariental and then eastwards to enter the world of the Kalahari, with its waves of red dunes under golden grass. Accommodation: Bagatelle Kalahari Ranch Birds: One of the most remarkable sights in the Kalahari and adjacent areas is the nests of the weaver birds in the camelthorn trees and in other acacias. These little birds live in huge communal nests with diametres of up to two metres. Throughout the day, the nest is alive with the busy movements of hundreds of the colony's inhabitants. In addition, as always, there are the ubiquitous Ostriches and a variety of raptors. General activities: Nature drives during the early mornings and late afternoons to view the diversified animal and bird life, as well as the unique dune topography and vegetation; traditional sundowners on a red Kalahari sand dune while watching the sunset; visiting the sheep and cattle farming operations to learn about what is required to keep the ranch going as a viable concern; viewing the cheetahs in their enclosure.. DAY 18: Central Namibia/Kalahari - Today you have a relatively short drive northwards through ranch land to your destination. Accommodation: Kiripotib Guest Farm Birds: Similar to those at Bagatelle Game Ranch General activities: Now, towards the end of your Namibian experience, you can relax by the pool while reflectively enjoying the view over the savannah; take hikes, walks, and a game drive with sundowners; learn about farming in this delicate environment with its variable rainfall; observe the weaving process, from sorting the raw wool all the way through to viewing (and perhaps buying some of) the excellent products.
DAY 19 (OPTIONAL): Windhoek - Before leaving for home, you might like to spend one last day and night in Windhoek. Alternatively, Kiripotib Guest Farm is within easy reach of Windhoek International Airport, and you can drive straight there, if you prefer to do so. Accommodation: Hotel Heinitzburg or the Olive Grove Guest House Optional THREE- OR FOUR-DAY EXTENSION TO THE BIRDING ITINERARY - the South Route DAY I: Aus - From Zebra River Lodge, drive southwards along the escarpment region, which separates the higher terrain of the interior from the Namib Desert. There are many fine vistas of golden-flaxen plains and distant grey-blue mountains. Your overnight stay is near the small town of Aus, reputedly so called because in the days of wagon transport it was the staging point ('Out') for the rugged and dangerous trip to the coast across the sands of the desert. Activities: Relax, enjoy the fine views, loosen up with an evening walk, and use it as your own staging post for the rest of your journey! [OPTIONAL EXTRA DAY]: Luderitz - drive from Aus to Luderitz through the colourful and wide vistas of the southern Namib. Luderitz is a unique fishing port with many well preserved German-era buildings, situated on a rocky, island-guarded bay between the desert sands and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Explore the environs, viewing flamingos, visiting historical Diaz Point, and perhaps taking a yacht cruise to get a close-up look at whales, dolphins, and penguins. If there is time while returning to Aus in the evening, stop off at a roadside hide to view the famous wild horses of the Namib while taking in the silence and spaciousness of the desert. Accommodation: Klein Aus Vista Lodge (as for the previous day) DAYS II and III: Fish River Canyon - Today you drive across the vastness of what Namibians simply call 'The South', with its low population density and huge ranches. As you approach the Fish River Canyon, the terrain becomes more broken and wild, providing dramatic evidence of the geological upheavals that gave birth to this great rift in the Earth, reputedly the second largest in the world - superseded only by the Grand Canyon in the USA, of course! Accommodation: Canon Lodge Activities: Viewing the canyon in all of its different moods and prospects (unfortunately there won't be time to undertake the famous hike through the canyon); a short guided drive to a viewpoint, followed by a hike back to the lodge for breakfast; flights over the canyon; experience the splendour of the canyon landscape on horseback; sundowner drives.
Fly-in Safari Extensions to the Birding Tour
Namibia is a big country with great distances between destinations. Why not reduce travel time and give yourself more time to relax and enjoy the sights by flying between some of your destinations? In addition, why not extend your itinerary by including one or more of the following fly-in safaris that will take you to remote and spectacular parts of Namibia, some of which are not accessible by road? |
