Namibia is a brilliant birding destination and this 4 day birding tour has been created especially for the birder who is short on time but focused on finding as many of the Namibian near-endemics (along with the one true endemic) as possible in a short time. Namibia has a bird list of almost 700 species, with one true endemic and 15 near-endemics, along with many other spectacular species. This tour starts and ends in Windhoek but can be customized according to your target list. Lets go birding!
Itinerary
Our first stop will be at Daan Viljoen Game Reserve, a reserve on the western side of Windhoek that provides excellent dry-country birding. From here we make our way down the escarpment and across the spectacular plains of the Namib Desert.
We will arrive in Walvis Bay in the late afternoon. After settling into our perfectly situated accommodation for the evening we will get together for some afternoon birdwatching. We will spend the late afternoon at the famous Walvis Bay lagoon, which hosts several wonderful birdspecies.
After an early breakfast this morning at our lodge we will focus on finding Dune Lark, Namibia’s only true endemic and a great bird to have on any serious birder’s list.
From here we will make our way north to Damaraland, driving past one of Namibia's most recognizable landmarks in the distance, the Spitzkoppe.
The plains of Damaraland are home to many special bird species. This region is also home to an assortment of scientifically important desert-adapted wildlife such as African Elephant, Black Rhinoceros and Lion, which somehow survive and thrive in this near-barren landscape. If we are lucky we might see some of these special animals.
We should arrive at our lodge situated on the Huab River by late afternoon. It is close to the Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain. Our accommodation for tonight is a beautiful lodge, with stunning views. We will check in and have some time in our rooms. We will then get together to update our lists and enjoy a fantastic dinner.
After coffee and an early breakfast we will use the morning to explore the Huab River and surrounding Mopane woodland, home to several of the Namibian near endemics and other important species.