NAMIBIA

giant sand dunes, the Skeleton Coast and Etosha

*** Phil lectured about this at the 2004 Bird Fair***

For more Photos click on our special Namibia Report Page.

Namibia is an excellent destination for birdwatching, with a bird list of over 600 species including many endemic to the region. It is still a relatively unknown and sparsely populated country. As well as its abundant birdlife, Namibia boasts fabulous game and wildlife watching. Needless to say, Namibia offers fantastic photographic opportunities, with approachable birds and animals, and unique and outstanding scenery.

A tiny population of Blue Cranes exist in Etosha and we have a 100% success rate in finding them.

Namibia is a politically stable country, having achieved independence from South Africa in 1990. Since then it has become increasingly popular as a birdwatching destination. The infrastructure is first class, with good quality accommodation and transport. One can travel for miles on deserted roads, stopping occasionally to watch Pale Chanting Goshawks, Northern Black Korhaans, Crowned Plovers and various game at the roadside.

We will then drive nortIn Etosha National Park the game watching is unrivaled, without the attendant crowds experienced in East Africa. Having arrived at Windhoek we will recover from our flight with one night in Namibia's capital. However, our time here will be well utilised, getting to know some of the commoner birds as well as searching for some scarce species. The next day we will drive south-west, staying at the Namib Naukluft Lodge near the famous Sossusvlei dunes for two nights. h-west to the coast at Walvis Bay, for a stay of two nights. From here we will visit extensive coastal wetlands on the stunning Skeleton Coast. On day seven we will head north towards Etosha, breaking the journey with two nights at Erongo. The Etosha National Park merits the greatest share of our time, and we shall spend a total of four nights at three tourist camps. On day 13 we will drag ourselves away from this, one of Africa's greatest national parks. We will drive south to the Waterberg Plateau, our base for the final night, where there are opportunities to view game we have not previously encountered, as well as some new local and exciting birds. From Waterberg there is a relatively short drive back to Windhoek, in time for our return flight home.

ITINERARY

THE NAMIB NAUKLUFT DESERT Having arrived at Windhoek on an overnight flight we will transfer straight to the pleasant Palmquell Guesthouse, our base for one night. Many common species are attracted to the gardens around the guesthouse, including Yellow-billed Hornbill, Violet-eared Waxbill and the ubiquitous Grey Lourie.

A visit to a nearby wetland may yield African Darter, Red Bishop, Egyptian Goose and Swallow-tailed Bee-eater. The next day we will head south-west to the edge of the Namib Naukluft Desert and the famous Sossusvlei Dunes, birdwatching en-route.

We will drive into the dunes, the largest and most spectacular in the world, for an experience never to be forgotten. Rising to over 1000 feet above the surrounding plains, the dunes are home to various mammals including Oryx and Springbok. Every species has adapted to survive with the minimum of rainfall; the only source of moisture being night-time mists which roll in from the cold South Atlantic.

Two of the five Bustard species that we can see displaying on this tour. The Black Korhaan left and Kori Bustard right.

Ostrich stride, statesman-like, across the horizon, while the regional endemic Ruppell's Korhaan finds cover in small patches of dry grass.

The Dune Lark ekes out a living in scrub growth between the sand dunes and can be found nowhere else in the world. The following day we will head towards the Atlantic coast.

WALVIS BAY Two nights based in Walvis Bay will give us a great opportunity to explore the Skeleton Coast. Temperatures here can be surprisingly cool due to the influence of the cold Benguela Current, which flows all the way from Antarctica. Walvis Bay is home to thousands of Lesser and Greater Flamingos. Although the birds breed on the Etosha Pan, this is a rare event and until the rains are perfect, the birds must remain at Walvis Bay.

This RAMSAR site holds thousands of waterfowl and waders that feed here, including the rare African Black Oystercatcher and Chestnut-banded Plover.

Numerous Cape Cormorants nest on specially constructed guano platforms, with smaller numbers of Crowned and Bank Cormorants and White Pelicans. Cape Gannets, White-chinned Petrels, Hartlaub's and Kelp Gulls pass by offshore. Cape Fur Seals will be pupping at the time of our visit, and Jackass Penguins can be sometimes be found.

The Damara Tern breeds in the desert here and we can see them taking fish into the harsh Namib Desert. Lichens are one of the few plants adapted to survive on the moisture provided by the coastal fog and we can have a close look at their ecology here.

ERONGO

Departing the coast on day seven we will return inland via the impressive granite outcrop of Spitzkoppe. We hope to find the elusive endemic Gray's Lark and the skulking Herero Chat, which was only discovered in 1931. Both birds can elude birdwatchers, but our knowledge of their habitat requirements means that we rarely fail to locate them.

The pale wheatear-like Tractrac Chat, a cream Stonechat-like bird, can be seen perched on prominent boulders.

Later in the day we will travel north towards Etosha, breaking this long journey with two nights at the Erongo Wilderness Lodge.

Situated in a spectacular and secluded site amongst the granite domes of the Erongo Mountains, we stay at a lodge chosen for its remoteness, beauty and excellent birdwatching. Often greeted by White-tailed Shrikes, we can watch for Verreaux's Eagles and Black-chested Snake-eagles that hunt Rock Dassies here while relaxing on the verandah.

Other species include Pririt Batis, Melba Finch, African Paradise Flycatcher, Southern Pied Babbler, Three-striped Tchagra, Freckled Nightjar, Short-toed Rock-thrush, Mountain Chat, African Hoopoe, Bearded Woodpecker and Kalahari Robin.

ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

The beautiful Blue or Stanley Crane, arguably the most elegant crane in the world, can be found. It is becoming increasingly rare as the population declines, but we have always managed to find them.

Owls are a feature too. We saw African Scops, White-faced Scops, Spotted Eagle Owl, Giant Eagle Owl, Pearl-spotted Owl, Barn Owl and African Marsh Owl on one visit!

After dinner, we shall wait in anticipation at the camp waterholes for the arrival of Elephant, Black Rhino or maybe even Lion. Hundreds of Double-banded Sandgrouse congregate to drink just prior to dusk. As the light fades Rufous-cheeked Nightjars come out to feed on moths which congregate around the floodlights.

The Pink-billed Lark is one of a group of very difficult to find and iidentify families of birds. Being nomadic, our knowledge of their habitat requirements mean that we stand an above average chance of finding them. The African Scops Owl is so small that its camouflage is vital to avoid predators during the day. This also makes it hard to find. These photos were taken on our 2004 tour.

WATERBERG PLATEAU

A good drive south on day 13 will take us to the Waterberg Plateau. This impressive feature dominates the landscape. In Etosha we are restricted to our vehicle. However, here we will take the opportunity to explore the surrounding bushland on foot. Local specialities such as the endemic Ruppell's Parrot, Monteiro's Hornbill, Damara Rockrunner, Crimson-breasted Shrike and Grey-backed Bleating-warbler all occur. This is an excellent place to end our stay and provides a chance to see more game. In the evening insomniacs can search for nocturnal visitors which can include Honey Badger and Lesser Bushbaby. On our last day we will make our way back to the capital, Windhoek, keeping our eyes open for one last bird.

PACE The cooler temperatures and early wildlife activity mean that we must rise early to make the most of the opportunities available. The pattern in Namibia normally involves an early morning watch and a late afternoon excursion, resting and relaxing, or travelling, between these times. Basic fitness is all that is required. Temperatures can be quite high, and we will therefore take things very easy during the heat of the day. Walking will be at a relaxed pace. There will be a little uphill walking in the Waterberg Plateau.

ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD Full-board accommodation is provided in excellent hotels, lodges and camps. We shall spend one night at the Palmquell Guesthouse, Windhoek, two nights at the Namib Naukluft Lodge near Sossusvlei, two nights at the Hotel Langholm, Walvis Bay, one night at Erongo Wilderness Lodge, two nights at Okaukuejo Rest Camp, one night at Halali Rest Camp, two nights at Namutoni Rest Camp and one night at the Waterberg Rest Camp. All accommodations have private facilities en suite, except in Etosha, where some facilities are shared.

PRICE INCLUDES ….. All birdwatching excursions with expert leader and local guide, full-board accommodation, soft drinks at meal times, local transport by mini-bus, park entrance fees, return flight to Windhoek, and flight and airport taxes.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED Cost of travel insurance, payable at the time of booking. Items of a personal nature, alcoholic drinks, laundry, etc.

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS Return flight from both London Heathrow and Manchester to Windhoek (via Frankfurt) using the scheduled services of Air Namibia. Outbound flight departs late afternoon, return flight arrives back mid-day.