Namibia, Botswana & Victoria Falls

Amazing diversity of wildlife awaits us on this special tour to southwestern Africa. The starkly beautiful Namib Desert with its amazing sand dunes and infamous Skeleton Coast and surrounding inselbergs are home to a surprising amount of wildlife – larks, coursers, koorhans, Lanner Falcons and more, as well as the near-endemic Herrero Chat at dramatic Spitzkoppe. Coastal wetlands host thousands of breeding and migratory birds - Greater and Lesser Flamingos, pelicans, herons, waterfowl, thousands of shorebirds including Chestnut-banded Plover, and several gulls and terns including the scarce Damara Tern. The Erongo Mountains are a delightful area, where Rosy-faced Lovebirds, Monteiro’s Hornbills, Rockrunner and Hartlaub’s Francolins grace the rocky environment. We ascend the spectacular Namib Escarpment, which is inhabited by a whole suite of birds occurring only in Namibia and southern Angola. A trip to the north-western corner of Namibia targets Cinderella Waxbill, Rufous-tailed Palm-thrush, Grey Kestrel and other sought-after birds. Etosha National Park is internationally famous for its herbivores and the predators that stalk them, from elephants, rhinoceros, oryx, and kudus to lions and leopards. Here, we can find spectacular Kalahari birds such as Crimson-breasted Shrike, Kori Bustard, Pygmy Falcon and a host of others. The Okavango River supports many riverine species including many kingfishers and Rock Pratincole, and we dip down into world famous Okavanga Delta in Botswana for two days of wonderful wildlife viewing, including the highly sought-after Pel’s Fishing-Owl. Mahango Game Reserve and the Caprivi Strip are exceptionally bird-rich, and spectacular Victoria Falls in Zambia are a fitting finale to this marvelous tour.

Highlights
• Wonderful birds and extraordinary mammals
• Spectacular scenery, from stark deserts and rainforest to marvelous Victoria Falls
• Complete African experience
 

Itinerary

Day 1- Arrival in Walvis Bay
International flights arrive in Walvis Bay. After collecting our luggage and fetching rental vehicle(s), we head straight for our Dune Lark site near the intriguing Namib village of Rooibank. Here we search for Namibia’s only true endemic in a picturesque setting. After finding this species, if time permits, we will explore the huge Walvis Bay Lagoon. This lagoon, a RAMSAR site, is one of Africa’s most important shorebird stopovers, where large numbers of Greater and Lesser Flamingos, Great White Pelican, and extremely localized species such as Damara Tern and Chestnut-banded Plover occur. Overnight Lagoon Lodge, Walvis Bay.

Day 2 - Walvis Bay
We have the option of joining a dolphin, seal, whale and seabird boat trip on the Walvis Bay Lagoon (additional cost), or we continue birding from shore. Southern Right Whales often come close inshore (seasonal) and the highly localized Heaviside’s Dolphin is frequently seen, along with the more common Bottlenose Dolphin. Storm petrels, petrels, shearwaters, skuas, jaegers, gulls, terns and other seabirds are often observed from the boat. We then explore sites closer to Swakopmund, where our main target bird is another localized Namib endemic, the incredibly pale Gray’s Lark. While looking for this species, we should also find the almost pure white desert subspecies of Tractrac Chat, large rafts of Black-necked (Eared) Grebe, and very large numbers of other waterbirds and waders. Overnight Lagoon Lodge, Walvis Bay

Day 3 - Spitzkoppe to Erongo
This morning we leave the coast and head inland. If we missed Gray’s Lark yesterday, we visit other sites for this nomadic species. We may also encounter the rare and declining Burchell’s Courser and many other sandy desert species during our drive before reaching the magnificent Spitzkoppe. The Spitzkoppe, or “Matterhorn of Namibia”, is an impressive desert mountain that rises steeply out of the plains. On the road to this imposing batholith, we look for Stark’s Lark and other strategic species. The main target around the base of the huge boulders is the most difficult of the Namibian/Angolan endemics, Herero Chat, a truly bizarre species that tends to hunt in small groups from low perches onto the ground. Rosy-faced Lovebird, Monteiro’s Hornbill, Bradfield’s Swift, Augur Buzzard, Dusky Sunbird, Karoo Long-billed Lark and many other tantalizing endemics call our attention as we search for the Herero Chat. We will also see more common and widespread species such as Familiar Chat and the attractive Mountain Wheatear. After birding here, we travel to the Erongo Mountains, where we spend two nights. Overnight Erongo Wilderness Lodge.

Day 4 - Erongo Mountains
The charismatic and striking White-tailed Shrike is common at the Erongo Wilderness Lodge. Early morning birding usually generates the equally beautiful Rockrunner (Damara Rockjumper) and Hartlaub’s Francolin. This francolin is quite unusual and is a genuine skulker; the only time it is usually easy to find is at dawn when it calls loudly from atop boulders. While looking for this francolin, we also hope to find the rock-loving Freckled Nightjar. Other spectacular birds of the Erongo Mountains include Violet-eared and Black-cheeked Waxbill, Melba Finch (Green-winged Pytilia) and a plethora of others. Overnight Erongo Wilderness Lodge.

Day 5 - Hobatere
We head northwards further along the Namibian Escarpment to the fine game reserve of Hobatere. Here, Violet Wood-hoopoe, Bare-cheeked Babbler, Ruppell’s Parrot, Giant Eagle Owl and many other sought-after birds occur, along with big mammals such as lion and elephant. Overnight Hobatere Game Reserve.

Day 6 – Ruacan
Today we continue even further northwards to one of the most remote parts of Namibia, Ruacana, where we look for the spectacularly localized Cinderella Waxbill, along with other specialties such as Rufous-tailed Palm-thrush, Grey Kestrel, Bat Hawk and a host of others. We spend two nights at the stunning Kunene River Lodge.

Day 7 - Etosha National Park
We continue birding the Kunene River bordering on Angola. Overnight Kunene River Lodge

Day 9 - Etosha National Park
We drive a remote road between Angola and one of Africa’s great game parks, Etosha, where we expect to find a plethora of Kalahari birds as well as many big mammals. Lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, Gemsbok (Oryx) and other large (and small) mammals are quite possible, and we should find many spectacular birds. Kori Bustard, Northern Black Korhaan, Blue Crane (a South African endemic except for this isolated population in Etosha), Pygmy Falcon, Red-necked Falcon, a fine diversity of other raptors, many owl species, Pink-billed Lark, Chestnut Weaver, Damara Hornbill, Crimson-breasted Shrike (the name says it all!), Sociable Weaver and many other birds inhabit the grassland, savanna, woodland and wetlands of Etosha. We sample the different habitats of Etosha while driving slowly from west to east. Each rest camp has a floodlit waterhole, offering spectacular wildlife viewing at night. Double-banded Sandgrouse (which drink at night), nightjars and Giant Eagle Owl are quite easy to observe at these waterholes. Overnight Namutoni Rest Camp, Etosha National Park

Day 9 - Etosha National Park
A further day of birding and wildlife viewing. Overnight Okuekuejo Rest Camp, Etosha National Park.

Day 10 - Etosha NP to Rundu
After final birding in Etosha, we depart for Rundu, the gateway to one of Africa’s greatest wildlife havens - the Caprivi Strip and Okavango Delta. The well-developed woodland around Rundu hosts such important species as Rufous-bellied Tit, Red-headed Weaver, Green-capped Eremomela, Common Scimitarbill, White-breasted Cuckoo-shrike, Black Cuckoo-shrike, African Golden Oriole, Tinkling Cisticola, and many others. We may even be fortunate enough to find Sousa’s Shrike or Sharp-tailed Starling. Birding the rich wetlands in the area may generate the diminutive Dwarf Bittern, Rufous-bellied Heron, Pygmy Goose, African and Lesser Jacanas, Swamp Boubou and a whole host of other desirable species. Overnight Sarasungu Lodge, Rundu.

Day 11 - Rundu to Popa Falls
Today we continue eastwards into the heart of the Caprivi Strip, finding exciting tropical bird species along the way. We will overnight at Popa Falls, which often hosts Rock Pratincole, Swamp Boubou, Harlaub’s Babbler and a plethora of other species in lush surroundings so different from the Namib! Overnight Popa Falls.

Day 12 - Mahango Game Reserve
We start early and spend most of the day birding the phenomenal Mahango Game Reserve. This tiny reserve hosts over 400 bird species, plus lots of big game including some mammals not easily found in Etosha, such as African Buffalo, Sable Antelope and Roan Antelope - both antelope are very rare globally, but relatively easy to find in Mahango. There is a rich variety of habitats in this reserve, from expansive floodplains to Papyrus swamps to huge baobabs with associated birds, to dry thornveld and so on. In the late afternoon, we head due south into Botswana, where we spend the next two days birding the panhandle of the magnificent Okavango Delta. Birds such as Pel’s Fishing-Owl, White-backed Night Heron, Slaty Egret, Wattled Crane, Southern Carmine Bee-eater, Lizard Buzzard, Western Banded Snake-Eagle, Brown Firefinch, Retz’s Helmetshrike, Chirping Cisticola, Luapula Cisticola, Greater Swamp Warbler, Coppery-tailed Coucal, Southern Brown-throated Weaver, Golden Weaver, Greater Painted Snipe and many others are relatively easy to find in these magnificent swamps. Overnight Xaro Lodge, Shakawe, Botswana.

Day 13 - Shakawe, Okavango Delta
Continued birding in the swamps, both on foot and by boat. Overnight Xaro, Shakawe, Botswana.

Day 14 - Caprivi National Park
Today, we re-enter Namibia and continue eastwards along the Caprivi Strip, birding the fine Caprivi National Park and looking for difficult species such as crakes, rails, Dwarf Bittern, Luapula Cisticola and more around the Kongola River. Overnight Mazambala Island Lodge.

Day 15 - Zambezi River
We travel to one of Africa’s largest rivers, the mighty Zambezi, looking for Ground Hornbill, Racket-tailed Roller, Arnott’s Chat and others en route. The Zambezi is inhabited by a plethora of exciting birds, including African Skimmer, Rock Pratincole, African Finfoot and many others. Woodland birding in the area is equally stunning. Schalow’s Turaco is always a highlight. Shelley’s Sunbird occurs around the lodge. Night drives might generate Bronze-winged and Three-banded Coursers, together with various other night birds. Overnight Island View Lodge near Katima Mulilo.

Day 16 - Zambia and Victoria Falls
Today we enter our third country, Zambia, to bird around the incredible Victoria Falls. Not only is “the smoke that thunders” one of the most spectacular waterfalls on earth, but the birdlife is stunning and exceptionally diverse. We could find Racket-tailed Roller, Southern Ground Hornbill and other hornbill species, African Hobby Falcon, Pennant-winged Nightjar, Schalow’s Turaco, Broad-tailed Paradise Whydah, Grey-headed Parrot, Shaft-tailed Whydah, Copper Sunbird, Stierling’s Wren-warbler, Dusky Lark and many others. A walk across the bridge over the deep gorge below the falls into Zimbabwe, might yield Taita Falcon, one of Africa’s rarest and most difficult-to-locate breeding birds along with Peregrine Falcon and other species. Overnight Natural Mystic Lodge near Livingstone, Zambia.

Day 17 - Victoria Falls
A full day of birding the magnificent woodlands around Victoria Falls. Overnight Natural Mystic Lodge near Livingstone, Zambia.

Day 18 - Departure
Final birding around Victoria Falls before international flight departs from Livingstone.

Featured Birds and Mammals:

• Blue Crane
• White-tailed Shrike
• Pel’s Fishing-Owl
• Slaty Egret
• Dune Lark
• Herero Chat
• Southern Ground Hornbill
• Ruppell's Parrot
• Carmine Bee-Eater
• Many large herbivores (antelope, zebras, elephants and more) and carnivores (lions, leopards, hyenas)

Date: November 2 - 19, 2012

Duration: 18 days

Limit: 12 people

Price: $6,375 USD, $6,375 CAD; single supplement $525 USD, $525 CAD

Tour Starts: Walvis Bay, Namibia

Tour Ends: Livingstone, Zambia

 

What to Expect

• A fairly leisurely pace, with a few walks in rocky terrain
• Luxury and simple, clean lodgings; usually air-conditioned with swimming pools
• Night drives, exciting boat ride on Okavango River
• Good food
• Transport by minibus
• Hot days and cool nights
• Expect 350 - 400 species of birds, 35 - 45 species of mammals
• 3 to 8 participants with one guide
• All meals included
• Optional boat trip from Walvis Bay is additional

We often begin birding early in the morning, usually having breakfast before dawn. There will be a few optional nocturnal outings, to search for owls and nightjars. Days will usually start at first light to catch activity in the morning before the day warms up and activity slows down. Generally, the tour will proceed at a relaxed pace; occasionally, activities will involve some longer walks. In general, we keep to less traveled roads and fairly easy walking trails. Namibia has a typical desert type of climate – hot days and cool nights. Short heavy rainfalls can happen at any time, but humidity is not usually a significant inconvenience. We stay in good quality accommodations, often in excellent birding localities and frequently with a swimming pool. We may rest for a mid-day 'siesta' on some days. We lunch at a local restaurant or take a picnic lunch into the field. Overall November is a pleasant time to visit Southern Africa as temperatures are more moderate. During leisurely dinners we discuss the day's activities and review the day's list of sightings, and make plans for the next day. There will be innumerably splendid photographic opportunities!
 

Previous checklists from our Nambia & Botswana tours:
 
2008 Namibia and Botswana tour (pdf)
2004 Namibia and Botswana tour (pdf)