Wild Namibia: Birds & Wildlife

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Wild Namibia: Birds & Wildlife

per person

Discover Namibia’s most iconic landscapes and birding hotspots on this beautifully paced bird and wildlife tour. From the red dunes of Sossusvlei to the vast salt pans of Etosha and the lush riverbanks of the Caprivi, this itinerary covers an extraordinary range of habitats — each with its own set of birds and mammals.

We begin in Windhoek with a visit to Avis Dam, home to species like Rockrunner, Monteiro’s Hornbill and White-tailed Shrike, before heading south to the dramatic scenery of the Namib Desert. Along the coast, flamingo-filled lagoons and desert specials await around Swakopmund. Inland, the rugged Erongo Mountains and majestic Fish River Canyon offer more endemic-rich terrain, while Etosha National Park delivers some of Africa’s best combined birding and game viewing.

 

We finish in the lush Caprivi Strip and Okonjima Nature Reserve, where birdlife thrives alongside rare mammals such as Leopard and Aardvark. With expert guiding and comfortable lodges throughout, this tour offers the perfect mix of scenery, species, and safari.

Bird count:  

Over 300.

 

Pace:

Slow– this tour was designed to allow enough time at each destination to gain all target bird species, whilst also allowing time to enjoy the wildlife in each location.

 

Difficulty:

Easy– majority of birding and wildlife activates are achieved either on-foot or in the safari vehicle. Please consider the sun, which in the Namib desert gets very hot during the midday sun. 

 

Best time of year:

Birding and game viewing is excellent al year round, but the best time for birding in Namibia coincides with the rainy season, spanning roughly from November to April. This period welcomes numerous migratory species, along with many resident species. Abundant food sources during this time see many species adorned in vibrant breeding plumage. Simultaneously, Namibia’s chilly yet bountiful ocean shores allure significant permanent populations of coastal birds, creating a haven for bird enthusiasts year-round.

 

Sustainability:

Wild Birding designs birding and wildlife holidays that support conservation, empower local communities, and tread lightly. We work exclusively with trusted local guides and conservation-minded lodges, avoid crowded circuits, and keep group sizes small to minimise our impact. We actively encourage guests to take part in citizen science through eBird, and we’ve partnered with Sustainable Travel to offer optional carbon offsetting and direct support for local conservation projects.

Price:

Our tailor-made birding tours are custom-designed for each client, making standard pricing difficult. Costs vary based on factors like accommodation, group size, duration, and specific locations. For a personalised quote that matches your taste and budget, please contact us with your requirements.

As an example, this Wild Namibia: Birds & Wildlife costs £4,300 per person, based on a group of 6 individuals staying in top-end mid-range safari lodges with shared twin rooms.

For our Set Departure Birding Tours, with fixed prices, please click the button below

Our Set Departure Birding Tours

Tour Leader:

Namibia birding tours

Steve Braine, residing in Windhoek, Namibia, alongside his wife Louise, is a dedicated naturalist and birding enthusiast. Their two grown-up sons, Sean and Dane, share their passion for wildlife and photography.

 

Introduced to the wonders of wildlife and natural history at an early age by his father, Steve inherited a profound love for birds and butterflies. Notably, Steve holds a unique distinction in Namibia, being the only person with four butterflies named after him—a testament to his exceptional connection with the local fauna.

 

Over the years, Steve has evolved into one of Namibia’s leading experts in birding and natural history. His journey began with a stint as an exploration geologist, but his passion for nature led him to study nature conservation. Steve spent nine transformative years in Skeleton Coast Park, an experience that laid the foundation for his expertise and deep affection for the Namib Desert.

Previously owners of the remote Hobatere Lodge on the western border of Etosha, Steve and Louise have transitioned into leading ornithological and wildlife tours across Namibia. Steve’s expertise extends beyond borders, guiding tours to Botswana, Angola, South Africa, Zambia, and other captivating destinations. His tours offer a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the rich biodiversity of these regions under the guidance of a seasoned naturalist and birding expert.

Bird Species Highlights

  • Rockrunner
  • Monteiro’s Hornbill
  • White-tailed Shrike
  • White-backed Mousebird
  • Common Scimitarbill
  • Swallow-tailed Bee-eater
  • Acacia Pied Barbet
  • Pririt Batis
  • Crimson-breasted Shrike
  • Cape Penduline Tit
  • Barred Wren-Warbler
  • Yellow-bellied Eremomela
  • Marico Flycatcher
  • Kalahari Scrub Robin
  • Marico Sunbird
  • Black-faced Waxbill
  • Violet-eared Waxbill
  • Green-winged Pytilia
  • Shaft-tailed Whydah
  • Yellow Canary
  • Rüppell’s Korhaan
  • Burchell’s Courser
  • Namaqua Sandgrouse
  • Dune Lark
  • Gemsbok
  • Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra
  • Brown Hyena
  • Greater Flamingo
  • Lesser Flamingo
  • Chestnut-banded Plover
  • Curlew Sandpiper
  • Damara Tern
  • Bar-tailed Godwit
  • Eurasian Oystercatcher
  • Gray’s Lark
  • Tractrac Chat
  • Swallow-tailed Bee-eater
  • Dusky Sunbird
  • Black-chested Prinia
  • Cinnamon-breasted Warbler
  • Black-headed Canary
  • Layard’s Warbler
  • Grey-backed Cisticola
  • Lanner Falcon
  • Verreaux’s Eagle
  • Rosy-faced Lovebird
  • Cape Eagle-Owl
  • Karoo Korhaan
  • Sclater’s Lark
  • Pygmy Falcon
15 Days
Namibia
  • Departure
    Windhoek
  • Included
    Airport Transfers
    Birding Telescope
    Full board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
    Mineral Water
    National Park Fees
    Overnight In Top Safari Lodges
    Professional Bird Guide
    Professional Driver
    Safari Vehicle
    Updated Bird Checklist
    WiFi

Our gallery

A few photos from our previous birding tours in Namibia

Namibia birding tours
Namibia birding tours
Namibia birding tours
Namibia birding tours
1
Arrival in Windhoek – Birding at Avis Dam
Arrive in Windhoek and transfer to Elegant Guesthouse. If time allows, enjoy an introductory birding session at Avis Dam, targeting arid-country specials such as Rockrunner, Monteiro’s Hornbill, and White-tailed Shrike.
2
Drive to the Namib – Birding en route
Head south-west to the Namib Desert, arriving at Elegant Desert Lodge. Birding en route may reveal species such as Rüppell’s Korhaan, Pale-winged Starling, and Sociable Weaver. Settle in and enjoy a short walk around the lodge grounds before sunset.
3
Sossusvlei & Namib Dunes
Explore the towering dunes and vleis of Sossusvlei in the early morning. Expect encounters with dune-adapted species such as Ludwig’s Bustard, Stark’s Lark, and Dune Lark – Namibia’s only true endemic. Afternoon at leisure or birding around Sesriem Canyon.
4
Namib Escarpment Birding
A second full day in the region allows further exploration of the desert-edge habitats. Target Cinnamon-breasted Warbler, Karoo Long-billed Lark, and Layard’s Warbler in the rocky hills, with excellent photographic opportunities throughout.
5
Transfer to Swakopmund – Walvis Bay Lagoon
Drive to the Atlantic coast, arriving in Swakopmund. Stop at Walvis Bay Lagoon for close views of Greater and Lesser Flamingos, Chestnut-banded Plover, and Damara Tern. Overnight at Protea Hotel Pelican Bay overlooking the water.
6
Coastal & Desert Birding
Visit Swakopmund Salt Works and surrounding gravel plains for Gray’s Lark, Tractrac Chat, and other coastal specials. Afternoon options include exploring the mouth of the Swakop River or local wetlands for migrant waders and gulls.
7
Drive to Erongo Mountains – Birding Ai-Aiba
Travel inland to the spectacular Erongo Mountains. Settle in at Ai-Aiba and explore the granite outcrops and mopane woodlands, home to Hartlaub’s Spurfowl, Damara Rockjumper, and Rosy-faced Lovebird.
8
Full Day in Erongo Mountains
A full day to explore this endemic-rich region. Look for Violet Wood-Hoopoe, White-tailed Shrike, Carp’s Tit, and Short-toed Rock Thrush. The landscape also offers excellent bird photography and sightings of rock hyrax, klipspringer, and baboons.
9
Transfer to Etosha National Park – Okaukuejo Camp
Drive north to Etosha National Park, entering through the Andersson Gate and arriving at Okaukuejo Rest Camp. Afternoon game drive for elephant, plains game, and birding around the camp’s famous waterhole at dusk.
10
Full Day in Etosha – Okaukuejo to Mushara
Morning game and birdwatching drive east across Etosha’s vast pans. Look out for Secretarybird, Kori Bustard, Blue Crane, and raptors. Arrive at Mushara Bush Camp for an overnight near the park's eastern edge.
11
Eastern Etosha Birding
Explore the eastern side of Etosha, with stops at Fischer’s Pan and other prime waterholes. Look for Bare-cheeked Babbler, Red-necked Falcon, and Double-banded Courser. Return to Mushara Bush Camp for your second night.
12
Transfer to Hakusembe River Lodge
Head north-east to the Kavango River, arriving at Hakusembe River Lodge near Rundu. Afternoon birding on the riverbanks for species such as African Skimmer, White-backed Night Heron, and the rare Souza’s Shrike.
13
Drive to Caprivi – Houseboat Birding
Continue into the Caprivi Strip and settle into the Caprivi Houseboat Safari Lodge. Enjoy birding from the water with chances to see African Finfoot, Slaty Egret, Pel’s Fishing Owl, and Greater Swamp Warbler in lush riverine habitats.
14
Caprivi Floodplain & Riverine Forests
Spend the day birding around the Zambezi and Kwando river systems. Key species include Coppery-tailed Coucal, Brown Firefinch, White-browed Coucal, and Racket-tailed Roller. Optional boat cruise or walk in the surrounding forest.
15
Return to Windhoek & Departure
After a final morning of relaxed birding, begin the return journey to Windhoek. Depending on flight schedules, a domestic flight or overland transfer will be arranged. Tour ends with drop-off at Windhoek International Airport.