15 day Namibia Bird Watching Safari (lodges)

Quality lodges/hotels

Even though predominantly an arid country, Namibia is a fantastic place for keen bird watchers. During the wetter months of February, March and April, migrants from Europe and North Africa visit us with just over 600 bird species seen. Namibia is also home to a number of endemic species such as the Dune Lark and Hartlaub’s Francolin, a must to see when in Namibia!

Day 1: Overnight direct flight from London Gatwick to Windhoek International Airport

Day 2: Windhoek
The group will be met by their guide at the Hosea Kutako Airport and travel the 45 kilometers to the city centre. Depending on arrival time, the afternoon will be spent at the bird sanctuary close to the Goreangab Dam situated about 15 minute’s drive from the hotel. Possible bird species to be seen: Rosy Faced Lovebird, Pygmy Falcon, Black Shouldered Kite, Black-breasted Snake Eagle, Squacco Heron, Maccoa Duck, Hottentot Teal, Black Crake, Monteir’s Hornbill, Violet-eared and Black-cheeked Waxbills, Pin-tailed and Long-tailed Wydah’s, a variety of Sparrows, Swifts and Martins. Accommodation: Hotel Safari - bed & breakfast

Day 3: Namib Desert
After breakfast we head south through acacia savannah, which changes to desert shrub on approaching the desert. The route goes through mountains, open plains, granite outcrops and desert landscapes. Sociable and Redbilled Buffalo Weavers, Pale Chanting Goshawk, Mountain Chat, Rock Kestrel …. To name but a few. Accommodation: Solitaire Country Lodge - breakfast and picnic lunch

Days 4 & 5: Walvis Bay/Swakopmund
Travel west through desert gravel plains, via the stunning Kuiseb Canyon and Moonlandscape to Walvis Bay situated on the Skeleton Coast. A full day is set aside to spend bird watching at the lagoon (a RAMSAR site listed as a National Heritage – over 200 000 birds), Paaltjies, bird sanctuary and well as the Guano Platform. A special early morning excursion will be to Rooibank to look for the Dune Lark, one of Namibia’s endemics. A variety of Petrels, Skuas, Lesser and Greater Flamingoes, Pelicans, Sandpipers, Knots, Plovers and lots more. Accommodation: Hansa Hotel, Swakopmund - bed & breakfast

Day 6: Swakopmund / Skeleton Coast
Travel north along the coast to Swakopmund where at least half a day will be spent at the salt works where many birds can be seen. Free time in Swakopmund to enjoy this quaint German style coastal town which offers interesting places such as the Marine Aquarium, Crystal Gallery, Karakulia Weavers as well as downtown curio markets and shops. Accommodation: Hansa Hotel - bed & breakfast

Day 7: Spitzkoppe / Erongo Mountains
Head inland to one of Namibia’s most recognisable landmarks, the Spitzkoppe granite outcrops, its shape inspiring the nickname, the “Matterhorn of Africa”. The highlight here would be to find another of Namibia’s endemics, the Herero Chat. From here, the group travels via Karibib to the Omaruru area, over savannah grasslands and granite hills. Two nights, a full day are set aside to drive along the farm roads looking for birds as well as bird watching at the lodge. Birds likely to be seen include Ostrich, Abdim’s Stork, Whitebacked and Lappetfaced Vultures, Tawny, Booted and Snake Eagles, Sandgrouse, Helmeted Guineafowl, Hornbills and a variety of Larks as well as Korhaans and Bustards. Accommodation: Erongo Wilderness Lodge - picnic lunch at Spitzkoppe, breakfasts and dinners

Days 8 & 9: Hobatere Private Reserve
This reserve is situated on the western edge of the Etosha National Park and apart from the many game species to be found here, a variety of birds ranging from Hornbills and Sparrows, to raptors and nocturnal birds can be found here. Accommodation: Hobatere Lodgen - breakfast & dinner

Days 10 & 11: Kunene River
From Hobatere, the group moves north to the Kunene River that forms the border between Namibia and Angola. Bird watching will be done from the lodge as well as driving along the Kunene River, an area where sub-tropical birds can be seen. Possible sightings: Goliath and Grey Heron, Grey Kestrel, Cinderella Waxbill, Rosy-faced Lovebird and Ruppel’s Parrot, Rufoustailed Palmthrush, Senegal Coucal, Kingfishers, Bee-eaters and many more. Accommodation: Kunene River Lodge huts - breakfast & dinner

Days 12 & 13: Etosha National Park
Head east today through Owamboland via Oshakati to enter Etosha at the northern gate close to the Andoni Plains from where we head south to Namutoni. A full day is spent here on game drives and bird watching at numerous waterholes, Fischers Pan as well as at the camp waterhole. Birds to be found in this area include the Melba Finch, African Hoopoe, Giant Eagle Owl, South Africa Shelduck, Blue Crane and many more. Accommodation: Fort Namutoni bungalows/rooms - breakfast & dinner

DayS 14 & 15: Waterberg Plateau
Exit Etosha at the eastern gate and head south to Otjiwarongo and the Waterberg Plateau Park, a superb area for endemic as well as migratory birds. A full day is spent on walking in the area as well as driving along the farm roads look for birds such as Doves and Pigeons, Grey Lourie, Kalahari Robin, Booted Eagle, a variety of Swifts and Swallows, Hornbills, Francolins and so on. Accommodation: Bernabe de la Bat bungalows - breakfast and dinner

Day 16: Windhoek
Depart after breakfast, on to Windhoek and transfer to the airport where the safari will end (breakfast). Overnight direct flight from Windhoek International Airport to London Gatwick

The cost for the above is in the region of £4329.00 per person(guided based on two passengers)

Includes: Economy Class flights with Air Namibia , Accomodation, meals and transfers as above Please note that the above excludes airport taxes. We can gladly cost this itinerary to include upgrades on your flights. Discounts apply on guided tour for 3 - 10 passengers Subject to availabilty at the time of booking. Cost is dependant on the time of year that you wish to travel.