07-25 NOVEMBER 2023
Herero Chat (photo © Rob Beynon).
Overview
This 18-day private birding, photographic and wildlife safari covered the best of Namibia, from the best vistas of the Namib Desert, to exploring the Namib Escarpment and Etosha National Park, as well as visiting the incredibly bird-diverse tropical corner of the Caprivi Strip and its big rivers, to the adjacent Namibian side of the panhandle of the Okavango Delta. Owing to this habitat diversity, we recorded an impressive 376 bird species, most seen and even photographed well. Of course, it was not only about the quantity of species seen but also the quality, with a great many Namibian near-endemics and regional specials encountered.
Some of the stand-out species on this tour included Lesser Jacana, African Pygmy Goose, Greater Painted-Snipe, Schalow’s Turaco, Secretarybird, Southern Carmine Bee-eater, White-tailed Shrike, Jackal Buzzard, Southern White-faced Owl, African Finfoot, Pennant-winged Nightjar and Kori Bustard. Some of the near-endemics and regional specials included Hartlaub’s Spurfowl, Carp’s Tit, Rosy-faced Lovebird, Rüppell’s Korhaan, Layard’s Warbler, Herero Chat, Bradfield’s Swift, Damara Red-billed and Monteiro’s Hornbills, Pygmy Falcon, Rüppell’s Parrot, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Dune, Stark’s, Gray’s, Pink-billed and Karoo Long-billed Larks, Damara Tern, Rockrunner and many others.
African Finfoot (photo © Rob Beynon).
We also saw charismatic and fascinating wildlife such as Lion, African Elephant, Black Rhino, African Buffalo, Hippopotamus, Sable Antelope, Kirk’s (Damara) Dik-dik, Spotted Hyena, Leopard, Brown Hyena, Giraffe, Namaqua Rock Mouse, Klipspringer, Cape Fur Seal and (Hartmann’s) Mountain Zebra.
Detailed Report
Day 1, 7th November 2023. Arrival and Windhoek birding
After an uneventful arrival at Hosea Kutako International we took a leisurely drive to the capital city, having a light lunch in the tranquil gardens of a café in Klein Windhoek. We then checked in at River Crossing Lodge with a bit of down time. The late afternoon was spent birding at the nearby Avis Dam, a mosaic of arid scrub, open water and associated shoreline. It was a great way to kick off our Namibia birding journey with exciting species such as Rockrunner, White-backed Mousebird, Cape Penduline Tit, Marico Flycatcher, Kalahari Scrub Robin, Black-throated Canary, Bradfield’s Swift, Great Sparrow, Long-billed Crombec, Chestnut-vented Warbler, Rosy-faced Lovebird, Ashy Tit, Blue Waxbill, African Hoopoe and Greater Striped Swallow.
Water-associated species were plentiful too with incredible numbers of Maccoa Duck in particular, as well as South African Shelduck, Cape, Blue-billed and Red-billed Teal, Blacksmith Lapwing and Reed Cormorant amongst others. A late afternoon sundowner was enjoyed back at River Crossing Lodge looking back out towards picturesque Windhoek with twittering flocks of Little Swift overhead. Some interesting mammals today included Chacma Baboon and Yellow Mongoose.
Short-toed Rock-Thrush (photo © Rob Beynon).
Days 2, 8th November 2023. Windhoek to Sossusvlei
A productive pre-breakfast walk was enjoyed in the acacia-dominated rolling hills around the lodge. Some star birds included Acacia Pied Barbet, Pririt Batis, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Cape Penduline Tit, Barred Wren-Warbler, Marico Sunbird, stunning Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Black-faced and Violet-eared Waxbills, Green-winged Pytilia and endearing Rosy-faced Lovebirds.
After breakfast we headed via Rehoboth and Solitaire into the Namib-Naukluft National Park and Sossusvlei. Some last excitement leaving River Crossing Lodge was seeing a covey of Red-billed Spurfowl and Red-headed Finch. The drive was incredibly scenic and several birding stops were made along the way for species such as Alpine Swift, Crowned Lapwing, Pale Chanting Goshawk, Red-crested Korhaan, Purple Roller, Pygmy Falcon, Namaqua Sandgrouse, Chat Flycatcher and Rock Kestrel. Our route also took us via the absolutely stunning Spreetshoogte Pass, where we also did a bit of birding. Here we recorded our first Lark-like Bunting, Cape Bunting and Mountain Wheatear. One could also not miss the countless, massive Sociable Weaver nests along the way. Lunch was enjoyed at the quirky Solitaire General Dealer with Cape Sparrow, Familiar Chat, and Cape Crow for company.
After checking into the Namib-Naukluft Park and settling into Sossus Dune Lodge we had a welcome brief break before we undertook a late afternoon drive. Conditions were fairly hot and windy but some species seen included Rüppell’s Korhaan, Speckled Pigeon, Pale-winged Starling, Scaly-feathered Weaver, Sociable Weaver, Cape Crow and Mountain Wheatear. Some mammals encountered today included the likes of Ground Squirrel, Black-backed Jackal, Gemsbok and Springbok.
Springbok in the harsh gravel plains of the Namib (photo © Rob Beynon).
Day 03, 9th November 2023. Sossusvlei area
We left Sossus Dune Lodge before sunrise with a packed breakfast to maximise the cooler and still early morning conditions, when the Namib is at its best and most revealing. Owing to the dry conditions, birding was fairly quiet initially, but we did see Common Ostrich and a flock of Stark’s Lark. A walk in some low vegetated dunes had us searching for Namibia’s only true endemic, Dune Lark. After some focused searching (and tracking) we eventually located one individual which showed very well. Conditions warmed up fast, so we had to maximise the remaining cooler morning conditions.
Namibia’s endemic Dune Lark (photo © Rob Beynon).
Patches of acacia trees along ancient watercourses held the most species diversity in the immediate area, and in these we located Dusky Sunbird, Willow Warbler, White-backed Mousebird, Acacia Pied Barbet, Namaqua Dove, the stunning Swallow-tailed Bee-eater and Yellow-bellied Eremomela. Mammals seen during the morning again included the likes of Gemsbok (Southern Oryx), Springbok and Black-backed Jackal.
A very satisfying morning was had exploring the Namib, with lunch back at Sossus Dune Lodge. Over lunch we were entertained by White-throated Canary and endearing Rock Hyrax.
A late afternoon drive was again undertaken in the park. It was amazing to marvel at the Namib Sand Sea vistas as the light gradually softened. We again had good views of Rüppell’s Korhaan and Stark’s Lark,as well as recording our first Lappet-faced Vulture. New mammals were Scrub Hare and over dinner we enjoyed amazing views of mythical Brown Hyena that came in to drink at the small waterhole at Sossus Dune Lodge. What a way to end an amazing day!
Brown Hyena and Pygmy Falcon (photos © Rob Beynon).
Days 4, 10th November 2023. Sossusvlei to Walvis Bay
We left Sossus Dune Lodge fairly early for the drive to the coast and Walvis Bay. Our route again took us through Solitaire and then through the other-worldly Kuiseb Canyon before descending onto the vast gravel plains closer to the coast. On the drive out to Sesriem Campsite we had Pygmy Falcon, Sociable Weaver, Pale-winged Starling, and Mountain Wheatear as well as really close views of mating Rock Martins. On another productive stretch before Solitaire we enjoyed Bokmakierie, several Rüppell’s Korhaan, Ashy Tit, Pygmy Falcon, Southern Fiscal and Layard’s Warbler. A quick leg stretch at Solitaire was just as exciting with Yellow Mongoose, White-backed Vulture and Greater Kestrel. Other notable roadside sightings included Karoo Chat, numerous Common Ostrich and Namaqua Sandgrouse on a drive that included a varied array of landscapes. Good numbers of Gemsbok were again seen.
Arriving in Walvis Bay in the early afternoon gave us the rest of the day to explore the promenade and lagoon itself for some amazing concentrations of shorebirds – tens of thousands of migrant waders. On a leisurely walk right from Lagoon Lodge we were entertained by the spectacle of hundreds of Greater and Lesser Flamingo, as well as Chestnut-banded Plover, White-fronted Plover, Whimbrel, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew Sandpiper, Red Knot, Sanderling, Little Stint, Caspian Tern and Hartlaub’s Gull. We also took a short drive to the Walvis Bay Salt Pans where we enjoyed the antics of Great White Pelicans fishing, Damara Tern, Common Terns, African Spoonbill, more Chestnut-banded Plovers, Grey Plover as well as vast numbers of Cape Teal and Pied Avocet. It was a very relaxing birding afternoon indeed!
Day 5, 11th November 2023. Walvis Bay-Swakopmund area
Our first site this morning was the Swakopmund Salt Works where we again enjoyed great views of species seen around Walvis Bay such as dense concentrations of Greater and Lesser Flamingo, Chestnut-banded Plover, Common Greenshank, Ruddy Turnstone, Curlew Sandpipers, Kelp Gull and Damara Tern. One large tern roost in particular afforded us excellent scope views of Common, Caspian, Sandwich and Greater Crested. There were also huge numbers of Cape Cormorant at this locality. We also spent some time birding in the gravel plains to the north of Swakopmund and with some effort we managed to find the almost pure-white desert form of Tractrac Chat as well as Gray’s Lark, a very pale Namib Desert near-endemic.
We so enjoyed the birding along the Walvis Bay promenade and salt works the previous afternoon that we decided to bird this area again, since one gets such close-up views of birds and amazing photographic opportunities right from the vehicle. Countless shorebirds included Grey Plover, Common Ringed Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit, Sanderling and Curlew Sandpipers. It was hard not to get overwhelmed by the numbers!
Caspian Tern (photo © Rob Beynon).
Day 6, 12th November 2023. The Namib Escarpment via Spitzkoppe
It was again decided to leave Walvis Bay pre-dawn in order to get to Spitzkoppe nice and early and maximise on the bird activity before conditions got too hot.
Our route took us inland and northward, and as dawn broke on the new day, we were greeted with spectacular mountains and vast open grassy plains. The Spitzkoppe is a huge inselberg that rises abruptly from the desert plain and was quite noticeable from afar. On the final access road we noted Karoo Chat, Sabota Lark, Black-chested Prinia, and Karoo Long-billed Lark, the latter enjoyed through the scope by Jane whilst myself and Rob had to quickly deal with a flat tyre. Thanks for the help, Rob! Whilst enjoying our packed breakfast in the foothills of the imposing Spitzkoppe themselves we heard the lovely call of the enigmatic and bizarre Herero Chat, we later located a pair that showed beautifully. After this we enjoyed a variety of other great bird species, including chattery flocks of Rosy-faced Lovebird, Monteiro’s Hornbill, the stunning White-tailed Shrike, Pririt Batis, Chestnut-vented Warbler, Namaqua Dove, Acacia Pied Barbet, Helmeted Guineafowl, very obliging Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, Rock Kestrel, Marico Flycatcher, Grey Go-away-bird, Double-banded Sandgrouse, Kalahari Scrub Robin, and ever-present Mountain Wheatears.
White-tailed Shrike (photo © Rob Beynon).
From Spitzkoppe we headed onto the equally captivating Erongo Massif and arrived at Ai-Aiba in time for a light, refreshing lunch. Some down time was welcome again to escape the midday heat. Late afternoon saw us out on our introductory foray of Erongo’s birds around the lodge. Common Scimitarbill, Rock Kestrel, Rosy-faced Lovebird, Pririt Batis and White-crowned Shrike were just some of the sightings. Rock Hyrax is common here too. At sunset we were back at the lodge waterhole, where hundreds of Double-banded Sandgrouse came in to drink and socialise. Several Freckled Nightjars were later seen too. An undeniable trip highlight so far was seeing a female Leopard coming in to drink at the waterhole, as was finding our first Kirk’s (Damara) Dik-diks. A very special day overall!
Day 7, 13th November 2023. Birding the Erongo Mountains
Today we had the full day to continue birding the mountains of central Namibia. We kicked off a pre-breakfast birding walk around Ai-Aiba where we found White-tailed Shrike, African Hawk-Eagle, Common Scimitarbill, Rock Kestrel, Rosy-faced Lovebird, Pririt Batis, Ashy Tit, Long-billed Crombec, Grey-backed Camaroptera, Pale-winged Starlings, Dusky Sunbird, Black-faced Waxbill, Cape Bunting and Great Sparrow.
A wonderful breakfast was enjoyed back at the lodge, followed by some down time, which was very welcome after the long and full days on this itinerary to date. Ai Aiba was a perfect locality to rest and recharge a bit. Another late afternoon walk was undertaken, where we photographed species such as Monteiro’s Hornbill and Cardinal Woodpecker.
Black-faced Waxbill (photo © Rob Beynon).
Day 8, 14th November 2023. On to Etosha National Park
As per usual we were out at first light for a lovely walk in the mesmerising granite outcrops of the Erongo Mountains. It was an almost surreal landscape and the birding was again productive. Stand-out species included colourful flocks of Rosy-faced Lovebird, Pririt Batis, the localised Carp’s Tit, a Rockrunner also sharing its evocative liquid call, Yellow-bellied Eremomela, Layard’s Warbler, Pale-winged Starling, Green-winged Pytilia, Great Sparrow, a showy Rock Kestrel and African Red-eyed Bulbul. We also watched a large troop of Chacma Baboon high up on the boulders, big numbers of Rock Hyrax, a rock-loving Klipspringer antelope, and spotted a Black Mongoose.
After another delicious breakfast at Ai-Aiba we set off towards Etosha National Park. A few stops in the Erongo Conservancy delivered our first Southern Yellow-billed Hornbills (pair involved in courtship and inspecting a suitable nest cavity), Giraffe, Monteiro’s Hornbill, Short-toed Rock Thrush and Swallow-tailed Bee-eater.
A brief stop along the Omaruru River with its larger trees proved a good call and with some searching we found African Paradise-Flycatcher, Willow Warbler, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Damara Red-billed Hornbill, Rüppell’s Parrot, Common Scimitarbill, Groundscraper Thrush, and Grey Go-away-bird.
After some lunch and a leg stretch in Outjo we pushed on to Etosha National Park, arriving late afternoon – on the drive before the park gate we saw Gabar Goshawk and a large flock of Common Swift.
Okaukuejo is famous for its flood-lit waterhole and we headed straight there after dinner. Jane went on to stay until well after midnight and was rewarded with incredible sightings of Black Rhino, African Elephant and Black-backed Jackal. Some of the interesting birds included Black-headed Heron and Rufous-cheeked Nightjar.
Young Lions (photo © Rob Beynon).
Day 9, 15th November 2023. Bird and wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park
We had a full day in and around the Okaukuejo area. We started the day with an early morning vigil at the Okaukuejo waterhole. Some big excitement was two adult male lions that came in to drink. The birding was busy again too with Little Grebe, Ruff, Marsh Sandpiper, European Bee-eater, Pearl-breasted Swallow, African Hoopoe, and African Cuckoo amongst others. After a quick breakfast we headed out for a morning drive in the park up to Okondeka via Wolfsnes. Out on the vast open plains and small tree islands we enjoyed some interesting bird species such as Secretarybird, Northern Black Korhaan, Double-banded Courser, Ant-eating Chat, Red-necked Falcon, Namaqua Dove, Spotted Thick-knee, Namaqua Sandgrouse, Chat Flycatcher, Greater Kestrel, Scaly-feathered Weaver and Banded Martin. Larks were quite abundant too with Red-capped, Pink-billed, Spike-heeled, Eastern Clapper, Rufous-naped and Sabota all seen very well. Gemsbok, Springbok, Ground Squirrel, Lion, Blue Wildebeest and Giraffe were some of the notable mammal highlights of the morning.
Lunch was enjoyed back at Okaukuejo Camp, a welcome break owing to the heat. Late afternoon was enjoyed back at the Okaukuejo waterhole and camp environs, as it is so special and productive at this time of year. We again enjoyed sightings of species such as African Cuckoo, Ruff, African Hoopoe, Cape Crow and Groundscraper Thrush.
Black Rhino (photo © Rob Beynon).
Day 10, 16th November 2023. Central to eastern Etosha National Park
We made an early start, making our way from the central section of the park to the eastern edge, targeting several waterholes along the way. Conditions were cool and overcast for most of the morning, making for very pleasant travelling and birding.
Birding today was very productive with good views of many species already seen, such as Namaqua Sandgrouse, Red-necked Falcon, Lappet-faced Vulture, African Hawk-eagle, European Bee-eater, Crimson-breasted Shrike, and Purple Roller. Some mentionable new additions to the list were a stunning male Pallid Harrier, a pair of Temminck’s Courser, Red-breasted Swallow, large flocks of both Grey-backed and Chestnut-backed Sparrowlark, Wood Sandpiper, Cinnamon-breasted Bunting and Tawny Eagle during the course of the morning drive.
Our lunch stop was at Halali Camp, with a quite nice birding walk. Here was racked up Violet Wood Hoopoe, Carp’s Tit, White-crested Helmetshrike, Golden-tailed Woodpecker, White-browed Scrub Robin, Green-winged Pytilia, Red-billed Buffalo Weaver, Southern White-crowned Shrike, African Cuckoo and Bare-cheeked Babbler with some added effort.
Mammal viewing was amazing today. Apart from abundant herds of Gemsbok, Springbok, Blue Wildebeest that were everywhere, we also enjoyed species such as (Red) Hartebeest, four different Lion sightings, Spotted Hyena, a stunning male Cheetah, Greater Kudu and Tree Squirrel.
New bird species seen in the afternoon included an obliging Pearl-spotted Owlet and Great Egret at the Namutoni Camp waterhole. Driving into Mokuti Lodge new additions continued, with Spotted Flycatcher and Brown-crowned Tchagra. The localised Black-faced Babbler was another exciting find, as was Yellow-bellied Greenbul. Another amazing day sadly drew to an end way too fast.
African Paradise Flycatcher (photo © Rob Beynon).
Day 11, 17th November 2023. Transfer to and birding around Rundu
The early morning was spent birding the productive grounds around Mokuti Lodge. 32 species were recorded on our walk and included Red-billed Spurfowl, Jacobin Cuckoo, Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill, White-crested Helmetshrike, displaying Black-backed Puffback, Orange-breasted Bushshrike, African Paradise-Flycatcher, Southern White-crowned Shrike, Long-billed Crombec, Black-faced Babbler and White-browed Scrub Robin.
After a very good breakfast we hit the road again, heading to the Rundu area via Grootfontein. As we continued eastward the landscape becoming lusher, with taller and more mature woodlands dominating in the northeast. Our destination was the intimate Taranga Safari Lodge set on the banks of the Kavango River, with really productive birding and many new species owing to the dramatic change in habitat. Some species seen along the way included Bateleur and Wahlberg’s Eagle.
After briefly settling into Taranga we were out birding again around the camp environs. We were super excited to locate the rare Ross’s Turaco, with a single bird having been seen here for the last year or so (thus currently the only place it reliably occurs in southern Africa). Other cracking birds included Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, Coppery-tailed Coucal, Black Crake, African Openbill, Pied Kingfisher, Little Bee-eater, Swamp Boubou, Wire-tailed Swallow, Kurrichane Thrush, Marico Sunbird, Holub’s Golden Weaver, Southern Brown-throated Weaver and Red-billed Firefinch.
Day 12, 18th November 2023. Further into the Caprivi Strip and on to Katima Mulilo
Our regular routine of an early pre-breakfast continued as normal, this time exploring some different trails around Taranga. Memorable sightings (amongst 57 species recorded) included Senegal Coucal, Black Cuckoo, African Darter, Green Wood Hoopoe, Woodland Kingfisher, Giant Kingfisher, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, Black Cuckooshrike, African Golden Oriole, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Hartlaub’s Babbler, Spotted Flycatcher, White-bellied Sunbird, Lesser Masked Weaver and Green-winged Pytilia.
We did not walk for long, because we had a long travel day ahead of us after breakfast, travelling the length of the Caprivi Strip on to the fertile woodland and wetland environs around Katima Mulilo. The drive was uneventful for the most part and a short stop was made for a picnic lunch along the way. We made fairly good time to Katima, arriving early afternoon, just in time to settle in and go for a birding walk from our lodge, which was set on the banks of the Zambezi River. Conditions were rather hot and birds fairly quiet, but we did manage to see species such as White-crowned Lapwing, Common Sandpiper, African Skimmer, Osprey, Trumpeter Hornbill, Tropical Boubou, Arrow-marked Babbler, White-browed Robin-Chat, Collared and Copper Sunbird. A nice surprise over dinner was a pair of confiding African Wood-Owls.
Days 13, 19th of November 2023. Birding around Katima Mulilo
We spent the day birding the wetlands and woodlands of this bird-rich corner of Namibia; today was one of the best birding days of the entire trip.
An early-morning walk was enjoyed, again around the lodge, the adjoining Zambezi River and woodland habitats nearby. Bird species were many, including Little Bee-eater, African Darter, Orange-breasted and Grey-headed Bushshrike, African Paradise-Flycatcher, Red-backed Shrike, Southern Black Tit, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Violet-backed Starling, Ashy Flycatcher, Purple-banded Sunbird, Southern Brown-throated Weaver, Brown Firefinch and Golden-breasted Bunting.
After breakfast we drove to a nearby floodplain area that was just as productive for birds. African Pygmy Goose, Blue-billed Teal, Coppery-tailed Coucal, Black Crake, Long-toed Lapwing, Lesser Jacana, African Snipe, Common Sandpiper, Whiskered Tern, African Openbill, Hamerkop, Purple Heron, Squacco Heron, Malachite Kingfisher, Southern Carmine Bee-eater and Blue Waxbill were just some of the over 60 species recorded.
We also birded some further spots along the Zambezi River before lunch. In the welcome shade of lush riverine forest, we managed to obtain great views of Schalow’s Turaco, Trumpeter Hornbill, African Green-Pigeon, Black-headed Oriole and Holub’s Golden Weaver. Then back to the lodge for lunch and a welcome break. Siesta time was rather limited though, as species such as Schalow’s Turaco, Collared Sunbird and White-browed Robin-Chat were ever-present!
In the late afternoon we went out on a boat trip on the Zambezi River which was both exciting for birds and yet extremely relaxing to have a break from birding from the vehicle. A lovely suite of species was seen: Eurasian Nightjar (at day roost), African Finfoot, White-crowned Lapwing, African Skimmer, both Black-crowned and the much rarer White-backed Night Heron, African Cuckoo-Hawk giving stunning views, Western Banded Snake Eagle, Giant Kingfisher, and Wire-tailed Swallow.
After dinner we went on a night drive in some nearby mopane woodland, and what a memorable drive it was! A range of nocturnal birds were seen, like Western Barn Owl, Southern White-faced Owl, African Scops Owl, and a host of nightjars including Square-tailed, and the most spectacular Pennant-winged Nightjar! What an amazing day for birds it was!
African Scops Owl (photo © Rob Beynon).
Days 14, 20th November 2023. Backtrack along the Caprivi and on to the Mahango area
Our last morning in the productive Katima area had us out at dawn to bird a patch of nearby mopane woodland. Shortly after stopping, Jane spotted a Broad-billed Roller, a really nice bird to kick off with! We soon came across a mixed feeding flock that included some great species such as Red-headed Weaver, Black Cuckooshrike, African Golden Oriole, White-crested Helmetshrike, Southern Black Tit, the tiny Grey Penduline Tit, Village Weaver, Yellow-throated Bush Sparrow, Scarlet-chested Sunbird and displaying Racket-tailed Roller. Rather frustrating was that Bennett’s Woodpecker was heard only, despite some brief playback.
Back to Caprivi Houseboat Safaris for breakfast and to pack our luggage. Before departing we did some last birding nearby in riverine woodland and got onto Yellow-throated Leaflove fairly quickly, another great target bird for the area.
A five minute birding detour on the outskirts of Katima Mulilo turned into a good 30 minutes, owing to the great birding we had. Species enjoyed included both Klaas’s and Diederik Cuckoo, Tropical Boubou, African Hoopoe, Green Wood Hoopoe, Greater Blue-eared Starling, Purple-banded Sunbird, Wahlberg’s Eagle, Red-billed Quelea and Amethyst Sunbird.
From Katima we headed west again, back along the Caprivi to the Kavango River around Divundu. Lunch was enjoyed overlooking the picturesque Popa Falls, with birding distractions including the likes of Thick-billed Weaver, Lesser Masked Weaver, Swamp Boubou, African Paradise-Flycatcher, noisy Hartlaub’s Babbler, Groundscraper Thrush, Grey Go-away-bird, Southern Yellow White-eye, African Pied Wagtail and White-browed Robin-Chat.
After settling in at Mahangu Safari Lodge and a brief break, we decided to simply bird the Kavango River and associated woodland right at the lodge. Many bird species were flying along the river in the late afternoon and included the likes of African Skimmer, White-faced Whistling Duck, Knob-billed Duck, Black-winged Stilt, Reed Cormorant, Osprey, a surprise South African Cliff Swallow amongst the numerous Barn and Wire-tailed Swallows, Yellow-billed, Little and Great Egrets, Collared Pratincole and Glossy Ibis.
Day 15, 21st November 2023. Birding the Mahango (Divundu) area
First light had us out on a productive birding walk around Mahangu Safari Lodge, where we notched up over 70 species! Highlights were many, and included African Skimmer, Coppery-tailed Coucal, a female Greater Painted Snipe (big target for Jane), displaying Woodland Kingfishers, the stunning Mosque Swallow, Hartlaub’s Babbler, Brown Firefinch, Mourning Collared Dove, Burchell’s Starling, Purple Heron and Blue-billed Teal.
After a delicious breakfast overlooking the Kavango River, we set off for the nearby Mahango section of Bwabwata National Park. Although conditions got hot pretty early on, it was still phenomenally productive for birds and mammals. The open floodplain areas were literally teeming with birds, and mammals, in particular. Large flocks of White-faced Whistling Duck and Spur-winged Goose, Long-toed Lapwing, Temminck’s Courser, African Openbill, Marabou Storks, Goliath Heron, Squacco Heron, African Spoonbill, flocks of Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters, White-backed Vulture, Lappet-faced Vulture, Bateleur, Booted Eagle, Green Wood Hoopoe, a single European Roller, Swamp Boubou, Meves’s Starling and African Jacana were just some of the numerous highlights. Mammals such as Red Lechwe, Plains Zebra, Common Waterbuck, Impala and Hippopotamus were also seen in good numbers.
When the heat became unbearable, we went back to the lodge and enjoyed a brief siesta. Sitting with a scope overlooking the river and the Buffalo section of Bwabwata National Park proved worthwhile, as a lone Sable Antelope bull came down to drink, festooned in both Red-billed and Yellow-billed Oxpeckers! A pair of African Fish Eagle was admired across the river, as were African Elephant, African Buffalo and comical Warthogs.
A late afternoon boat trip with a few other birders was a great way to end the day. A mammal highlight certainly had to be a male Leopard that was spotted coming down to drink! The birding was again excellent too, with Southern Carmine Bee-eaters, Sand Martin, Black Crake, Rock Pratincole, African Skimmer, Black-crowned Night Heron, Malachite Kingfisher, Lesser Striped Swallow, Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters and Banded Martin all amongst the afternoon performers.
Day 16, 22nd November 2023. Leaving the Caprivi Strip
Some rain overnight in the Mahango area was very welcome, and the birds revelled in the cooler conditions too! We decided to leave Mahango Safari Lodge early for another boat trip from a nearby lodge, to access a different section of the Kavango River. On the way, a brief stop was made in some tall woodland, where we enjoyed new additions such as Southern Yellow White-eye, Southern Black Flycatcher, and vocal Grey-headed Kingfisher.
Southern Carmine Bee-eater (photo © Rob Beynon).
The main objective of our boat trip was to spend some quality time observing and photographing a Southern Carmine Bee-eater colony. We parked the boat and simply marvelled at the antics of these bee-eaters for quite some time. A solitary Northern Carmine Bee-eater has also been returning with this colony for the past two seasons, and we were very lucky to see this species too! After our fill of bee-eaters, we explored some other sections of the river closer towards Popa Falls. Other species recorded from the boat included Lanner Falcon, Brown Firefinch, the stunning Rock Pratincole, large flocks of Knob-billed Duck, Common Ringed Plover, Collared Pratincole, Giant Kingfisher, Wattled Lapwing, Gabar Goshawk, African Darter, Swamp Boubou, Spectacled Weaver and Striated Heron.
After a late brunch we undertook the long drive through the Caprivi Strip again, and onwards to the Grootfontein area, where we arrived at Fiume Lodge in the late afternoon. Conditions were rather hot, so we spent the remainder of the day just birding (with scope and cold drinks in hand) from the main area of the lodge, overlooking an open waterhole and dry acacia woodland. Species enjoyed included Capped Wheatear, Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, Namaqua Dove, Crowned Lapwing, Southern Red-billed Hornbill, Red-billed Buffalo Weaver, Little and Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, Pied Barbet, Red-billed Quelea, Violet-eared Waxbill and Common Ostrich. A wonderful sunset and lovely dinner ended another productive day in Namibia.
Day 17, 23rd November 2023. Grootfontein to Okonjima Nature Reserve
Our day started yet again with a pre-breakfast walk, this time around Fiume Lodge. We needed to make the most of the cool conditions early in the day! Numerous species were quite active around the lodge, including our first Crested Francolin, as well as Southern Pied Babblers, Spotted Thick-knee trying their best to hide, Gabar Goshawk hunting, Common Scimitarbill, showy Crimson-breasted Shrike, Red-backed Shrike, Wattled Starling, Kalahari Scrub Robin, Shaft-tailed Whydah, Cape Sparrow, Lark-like Bunting, Burnt-necked Eremomela and Namaqua Sandgrouse.
After breakfast we packed up and headed to Okonjima Nature Reserve via Otjiwarongo (where we stopped for a quick, light lunch). We arrived at Okonjima, settled into our marvellous rooms and then headed out on an afternoon ‘leopard tracking’ drive in the reserve, thus beginning our exploration of this exclusive area.
A stunning female Leopard was eventually located and some time was spent just watching this amazing feline. She even tried her luck at hunting some nearby Helmeted Guineafowl, without success for her, unfortunately. Other mammal sightings included Giraffe, (Red) Hartebeest, Springbok, Gemsbok, and Greater Kudu.
The birding was just as productive, and included Red-crested Korhaan, large flocks of Common Swift overhead, Double-banded Sandgrouse, Cardinal Woodpecker, Fawn-coloured Lark, Pale Chanting Goshawk, Damara Red-billed Hornbill, stunning White-tailed Shrikes, Rufous-breasted Swallow, Southern Pied Babbler and Rüppell’s Parrot, just to mention a very few of the species enjoyed.
Rüppell’s Parrot (photo © Rob Beynon).
Day 18, 24th November 2023. Okonjima Nature Reserve
We decided to do an early-morning pre-breakfast walk in Okonjima, an excellent area several of the core Namibian specials, and one or two that we had missed elsewhere. Conditions were overcast and cool with great bird activity. With some focused searching we eventually found a stunning pair of Hartlaub’s Spurfowl, and other good sightings were displaying White-tailed Shrike, Carp’s Tit, Jacobin Cuckoo, Rockrunner with their evocative calls, nesting Southern Masked Weavers, a pair of Kirk’s (Damara) Dik-dik, Monteiro’s Hornbill, Rüppell’s Parrot, Short-toed Rock-Thrush, Barred Wren-Warbler and Golden-breasted Bunting.
Over brunch, cause for much excitement came when flocks of both Namaqua and Burchell’s Sandgrouse flew in to the camp waterhole to drink! Lovely scope views of both were enjoyed. We had some down time after brunch, and in the early afternoon we went on a nature drive in the reserve itself. Bird species encountered included displaying Red-crested Korhaans, Pale Chanting Goshawk, Monteiro’s and Damara Red-billed Hornbill, Fawn-coloured Lark, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, and flocks of busy Scaly-feathered Weavers. Some great mammal encounters and sightings included our first (Hartmann’s) Mountain Zebra, White Rhino, Gemsbok, Springbok and a huge male Leopard.
Day 19, 25th November 2023. Back to Windhoek!
Our last morning of the trip had sadly arrived. A relaxed breakfast was enjoyed at 7am (to allow time for packing etc). One could, however, not ignore the prolific birdlife around the rooms and lodge main area. A last new addition to the list was a stunning male Yellow Canary, and we also enjoyed species such as African Hoopoe, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Greater Striped Swallow, European Bee-eater, Chestnut-vented Warbler and Rock Martin for the last time.
Black-backed Jackal (photo © Rob Beynon).
Following the recent invigorating rains, the birds were certainly getting very active! A sneaky Black-backed Jackal was also observed catching an unlucky Groundscraper Thrush! On our drive out of Okonjima Reserve we had one last memorable encounter. A group of three male White Rhino were found blocking the road and would not let us pass! Luckily, we could take another side track to circumvent these rhinos, and the rest of the drive back to Windhoek and Hosea Kutako International was uneventful. This concluded an amazing birding and wildlife tour through Namibia, one which we could only summarize as BRILLIANT overall.
Common Terns in Walvis Bay.
Bird List – Following IOC (13.2)
Birds ‘heard only’ are marked with (H) after the common name, all other species were seen.
The following notation after species names is used to show conservation status following BirdLife International: CE = Critically Endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable. The Namibian endemic is bolded.
| Common Name | Scientific Name |
| Ostriches (Struthionidae) | |
| Common Ostrich | Struthio camelus |
| Ducks, Geese, Swans (Anatidae) | |
| White-faced Whistling Duck | Dendrocygna viduata |
| Spur-winged Goose | Plectropterus gambensis |
| Knob-billed Duck | Sarkidiornis melanotos |
| Egyptian Goose | Alopochen aegyptiaca |
| South African Shelduck | Tadorna cana |
| African Pygmy Goose | Nettapus auritus |
| Blue-billed Teal | Spatula hottentota |
| Cape Teal | Anas capensis |
| Red-billed Teal | Anas erythrorhyncha |
| Maccoa Duck – VU | Oxyura maccoa |
| Guineafowl (Numididae) | |
| Helmeted Guineafowl | Numida meleagris |
| Pheasants and Allies (Phasianidae) | |
| Crested Francolin | Dendroperdix sephaena |
| Hartlaub’s Spurfowl | Pternistis hartlaubi |
| Red-billed Spurfowl | Pternistis adspersus |
| Swainson’s Spurfowl | Pternistis swainsonii |
| Grebes (Podicipedidae) | |
| Little Grebe | Tachybaptus ruficollis |
| Flamingos (Phoenicopteridae) | |
| Greater Flamingo | Phoenicopterus roseus |
| Lesser Flamingo | Phoeniconaias minor |
| Storks (Ciconiidae) | |
| Yellow-billed Stork | Mycteria ibis |
| African Openbill | Anastomus lamelligerus |
| Marabou Stork | Leptoptilos crumenifer |
| Ibises, Spoonbills (Threskiornithidae) | |
| Hadada Ibis | Bostrychia hagedash |
| Glossy Ibis | Plegadis falcinellus |
| African Spoonbill | Platalea alba |
| Herons, Bitterns (Ardeidae) | |
| White-backed Night Heron | Gorsachius leuconotus |
| Black-crowned Night Heron | Nycticorax nycticorax |
| Striated Heron | Butorides striata |
| Squacco Heron | Ardeola ralloides |
| Rufous-bellied Heron (H) | Ardeola rufiventris |
| Western Cattle Egret | Bubulcus ibis |
| Grey Heron | Ardea cinerea |
| Black-headed Heron | Ardea melanocephala |
| Goliath Heron | Ardea goliath |
| Purple Heron | Ardea purpurea |
| Great Egret | Ardea alba |
| Intermediate Egret | Ardea intermedia |
| Little Egret | Egretta garzetta |
| Hamerkop (Scopidae) | |
| Hamerkop | Scopus umbretta |
| Pelicans (Pelecanidae) | |
| Great White Pelican | Pelecanus onocrotalus |
| Gannets, Boobies (Sulidae) | |
| Cape Gannet – EN | Morus capensis |
| Cormorants, Shags (Phalacrocoracidae) | |
| Reed Cormorant | Microcarbo africanus |
| Crowned Cormorant | Microcarbo coronatus |
| White-breasted Cormorant | Phalacrocorax lucidus |
| Cape Cormorant – EN | Phalacrocorax capensis |
| Anhingas, Darters (Anhingidae) | |
| African Darter | Anhinga rufa |
| Secretarybird (Sagittariidae) | |
| Secretarybird – VU | Sagittarius serpentarius |
| Ospreys (Pandionidae) | |
| Osprey | Pandion haliaetus |
| Kites, Hawks, Eagles (Accipitridae) | |
| African Cuckoo-Hawk | Aviceda cuculoides |
| White-backed Vulture – CE | Gyps africanus |
| Lappet-faced Vulture – EN | Torgos tracheliotos |
| Black-chested Snake Eagle | Circaetus pectoralis |
| Brown Snake Eagle | Circaetus cinereus |
| Western Banded Snake Eagle | Circaetus cinerascens |
| Bateleur | Terathopius ecaudatus |
| Martial Eagle – VU | Polemaetus bellicosus |
| Wahlberg’s Eagle | Hieraaetus wahlbergi |
| Booted Eagle | Hieraaetus pennatus |
| Tawny Eagle | Aquila rapax |
| African Hawk-Eagle | Aquila spilogaster |
| Gabar Goshawk | Micronisus gabar |
| Pale Chanting Goshawk | Melierax canorus |
| Pallid Harrier | Circus macrourus |
| Montagu’s Harrier | Circus pygargus |
| Black Kite | Milvus migrans |
| Yellow-billed Kite | Milvus aegyptius |
| African Fish Eagle | Haliaeetus vocifer |
| Jackal Buzzard | Buteo rufofuscus |
| Bustards (Otididae) | |
| Kori Bustard | Ardeotis kori |
| Rüppell’s Korhaan | Eupodotis rueppelii |
| Red-crested Korhaan | Lophotis ruficrista |
| Northern Black Korhaan | Afrotis afraoides |
| Finfoots (Heliornithidae) | |
| African Finfoot | Podica senegalensis |
| Rails, Crakes and Coots (Rallidae) | |
| Black Crake | Amaurornis flavirostra |
| Common Moorhen | Gallinula chloropus |
| Red-knobbed Coot | Fulica cristata |
| Stone-curlews, Thick-knees (Burhinidae) | |
| Water Thick-knee | Burhinus vermiculatus |
| Spotted Thick-knee | Burhinus capensis |
| Stilts, Avocets (Recurvirostridae) | |
| Black-winged Stilt | Himantopus himantopus |
| Pied Avocet | Recurvirostra avosetta |
| Plovers (Charadriidae) | |
| Long-toed Lapwing | Vanellus crassirostris |
| Blacksmith Lapwing | Vanellus armatus |
| White-crowned Lapwing | Vanellus albiceps |
| Crowned Lapwing | Vanellus coronatus |
| African Wattled Lapwing | Vanellus senegallus |
| Grey Plover | Pluvialis squatarola |
| Common Ringed Plover | Charadrius hiaticula |
| Kittlitz’s Plover | Charadrius pecuarius |
| Three-banded Plover | Charadrius tricollaris |
| White-fronted Plover | Charadrius marginatus |
| Chestnut-banded Plover | Charadrius pallidus |
| Painted-snipes (Rostratulidae) | |
| Greater Painted-snipe | Rostratula benghalensis |
| Jacanas (Jacanidae) | |
| Lesser Jacana | Microparra capensis |
| African Jacana | Actophilornis africanus |
| Sandpipers, Snipes (Scolopacidae) | |
| Whimbrel | Numenius phaeopus |
| Bar-tailed Godwit | Limosa lapponica |
| Ruddy Turnstone | Arenaria interpres |
| Red Knot | Calidris canutus |
| Ruff | Calidris pugnax |
| Curlew Sandpiper | Calidris ferruginea |
| Sanderling | Calidris alba |
| Little Stint | Calidris minuta |
| African Snipe | Gallinago nigripennis |
| Common Sandpiper | Actitis hypoleucos |
| Marsh Sandpiper | Tringa stagnatilis |
| Wood Sandpiper | Tringa glareola |
| Common Greenshank | Tringa nebularia |
| Coursers, Pratincoles (Glareolidae) | |
| Temminck’s Courser | Cursorius temminckii |
| Double-banded Courser | Rhinoptilus africanus |
| Collared Pratincole | Glareola pratincola |
| Rock Pratincole | Glareola nuchalis |
| Gulls, Terns and Skimmers (Laridae) | |
| African Skimmer | Rynchops flavirostris |
| Grey-headed Gull | Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus |
| Hartlaub’s Gull | Chroicocephalus hartlaubii |
| Kelp Gull | Larus dominicanus |
| Caspian Tern | Hydroprogne caspia |
| Greater Crested Tern | Thalasseus bergii |
| Sandwich Tern | Thalasseus sandvicensis |
| Damara Tern – VU | Sternula balaenarum |
| Common Tern | Sterna hirundo |
| Whiskered Tern | Chlidonias hybrida |
| White-winged Tern | Chlidonias leucopterus |
| Sandgrouse (Pteroclidae) | |
| Namaqua Sandgrouse | Pterocles namaqua |
| Double-banded Sandgrouse | Pterocles bicinctus |
| Burchell’s Sandgrouse | Pterocles burchelli |
| Pigeons, Doves (Columbidae) | |
| Rock Dove | Columba livia |
| Speckled Pigeon | Columba guinea |
| Mourning Collared Dove | Streptopelia decipiens |
| Red-eyed Dove | Streptopelia semitorquata |
| Ring-necked Dove | Streptopelia capicola |
| Laughing Dove | Spilopelia senegalensis |
| Emerald-spotted Wood Dove | Turtur chalcospilos |
| Namaqua Dove | Oena capensis |
| African Green Pigeon | Treron calvus |
| Turacos (Musophagidae) | |
| Schalow’s Turaco | Tauraco schalowi |
| Ross’s Turaco | Musophaga rossae |
| Grey Go-away-bird | Corythaixoides concolor |
| Cuckoos (Cuculidae) | |
| Senegal Coucal | Centropus senegalensis |
| Coppery-tailed Coucal | Centropus cupreicaudus |
| White-browed Coucal | Centropus superciliosus |
| Jacobin Cuckoo | Clamator jacobinus |
| Diederik Cuckoo | Chrysococcyx caprius |
| Klaas’s Cuckoo | Chrysococcyx klaas |
| Black Cuckoo | Cuculus clamosus |
| Red-chested Cuckoo (H) | Cuculus solitarius |
| African Cuckoo | Cuculus gularis |
| Barn Owls (Tytonidae) | |
| Western Barn Owl | Tyto alba |
| Owls (Strigidae) | |
| African Scops Owl | Otus senegalensis |
| Southern White-faced Owl | Ptilopsis granti |
| African Wood Owl | Strix woodfordii |
| Pearl-spotted Owlet | Glaucidium perlatum |
| African Barred Owlet | Glaucidium capense |
| Nightjars (Caprimulgidae) | |
| European Nightjar | Caprimulgus europaeus |
| Rufous-cheeked Nightjar | Caprimulgus rufigena |
| Fiery-necked Nightjar (H) | Caprimulgus pectoralis |
| Freckled Nightjar | Caprimulgus tristigma |
| Square-tailed Nightjar | Caprimulgus fossii |
| Pennant-winged Nightjar | Caprimulgus vexillarius |
| Swifts (Apodidae) | |
| African Palm Swift | Cypsiurus parvus |
| Alpine Swift | Tachymarptis melba |
| Common Swift | Apus apus |
| Bradfield’s Swift | Apus bradfieldi |
| Little Swift | Apus affinis |
| White-rumped Swift | Apus caffer |
| Mousebirds (Coliidae) | |
| White-backed Mousebird | Colius colius |
| Red-faced Mousebird | Urocolius indicus |
| Rollers (Coraciidae) | |
| Purple Roller | Coracias naevius |
| Racket-tailed Roller | Coracias spatulatus |
| Lilac-breasted Roller | Coracias caudatus |
| European Roller | Coracias garrulus |
| Broad-billed Roller | Eurystomus glaucurus |
| Kingfishers (Alcedinidae) | |
| Grey-headed Kingfisher | Halcyon leucocephala |
| Brown-hooded Kingfisher | Halcyon albiventris |
| Woodland Kingfisher | Halcyon senegalensis |
| Malachite Kingfisher | Corythornis cristatus |
| Giant Kingfisher | Megaceryle maxima |
| Pied Kingfisher | Ceryle rudis |
| Bee-eaters (Meropidae) | |
| Swallow-tailed Bee-eater | Merops hirundineus |
| Little Bee-eater | Merops pusillus |
| White-fronted Bee-eater | Merops bullockoides |
| Blue-cheeked Bee-eater | Merops persicus |
| European Bee-eater | Merops apiaster |
| Southern Carmine Bee-eater | Merops nubicoides |
| Northern Carmine Bee-eater | Merops nubicus |
| Hoopoes (Upupidae) | |
| African Hoopoe | Upupa africana |
| Wood Hoopoes (Phoeniculidae) | |
| Green Wood Hoopoe | Phoeniculus purpureus |
| Violet Wood Hoopoe | Phoeniculus damarensis |
| Common Scimitarbill | Rhinopomastus cyanomelas |
| Hornbills (Bucerotidae) | |
| Damara Red-billed Hornbill | Tockus damarensis |
| Southern Red-billed Hornbill | Tockus rufirostris |
| Monteiro’s Hornbill | Tockus monteiri |
| Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill | Tockus leucomelas |
| Bradfield’s Hornbill (H) | Lophoceros bradfieldi |
| African Grey Hornbill | Lophoceros nasutus |
| Trumpeter Hornbill | Bycanistes bucinator |
| African Barbets (Lybiidae) | |
| Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird | Pogoniulus chrysoconus |
| Acacia Pied Barbet | Tricholaema leucomelas |
| Black-collared Barbet | Lybius torquatus |
| Crested Barbet | Trachyphonus vaillantii |
| Honeyguides (Indicatoridae) | |
| Lesser Honeyguide (H) | Indicator minor |
| Greater Honeyguide | Indicator indicator |
| Brown-backed Honeybird (H) | Prodotiscus regulus |
| Woodpeckers (Picidae) | |
| Bennett’s Woodpecker (H) | Campethera bennettii |
| Golden-tailed Woodpecker | Campethera abingoni |
| Cardinal Woodpecker | Dendropicos fuscescens |
| Caracaras, Falcons (Falconidae) | |
| Pygmy Falcon | Polihierax semitorquatus |
| Rock Kestrel | Falco rupicolus |
| Greater Kestrel | Falco rupicoloides |
| Red-necked Falcon | Falco chicquera |
| Lanner Falcon | Falco biarmicus |
| African & New World Parrots (Psittacidae) | |
| Meyer’s Parrot | Poicephalus meyeri |
| Rüppell’s Parrot | Poicephalus rueppellii |
| Old World Parrots (Psittaculidae) | |
| Rosy-faced Lovebird | Agapornis roseicollis |
| Wattle-eyes, Batises (Platysteiridae) | |
| Chinspot Batis | Batis molitor |
| Pririt Batis | Batis pririt |
| White-tailed Shrike | Lanioturdus torquatus |
| Bushshrikes (Malaconotidae) | |
| Grey-headed Bushshrike | Malaconotus blanchoti |
| Orange-breasted Bushshrike | Chlorophoneus sulfureopectus |
| Bokmakierie | Telophorus zeylonus |
| Brown-crowned Tchagra | Tchagra australis |
| Black-crowned Tchagra (H) | Tchagra senegalus |
| Black-backed Puffback | Dryoscopus cubla |
| Tropical Boubou | Laniarius major |
| Swamp Boubou | Laniarius bicolor |
| Crimson-breasted Shrike | Laniarius atrococcineus |
| Brubru | Nilaus afer |
| Vangas and Allies (Vangidae) | |
| White-crested Helmetshrike | Prionops plumatus |
| Cuckooshrikes (Campephagidae) | |
| Black Cuckooshrike | Campephaga flava |
| Shrikes (Laniidae) | |
| Magpie Shrike | Urolestes melanoleucus |
| Southern White-crowned Shrike | Eurocephalus anguitimens |
| Red-backed Shrike | Lanius collurio |
| Lesser Grey Shrike | Lanius minor |
| Southern Fiscal | Lanius collaris |
| Figbirds, Orioles & Turnagra (Oriolidae) | |
| African Golden Oriole | Oriolus auratus |
| Black-headed Oriole | Oriolus larvatus |
| Drongos (Dicruridae) | |
| Fork-tailed Drongo | Dicrurus adsimilis |
| Monarchs (Monarchidae) | |
| African Paradise Flycatcher | Terpsiphone viridis |
| Crows, Jays (Corvidae) | |
| Cape Crow | Corvus capensis |
| Pied Crow | Corvus albus |
| Tits, Chickadees (Paridae) | |
| Southern Black Tit | Melaniparus niger |
| Carp’s Tit | Melaniparus carpi |
| Ashy Tit | Melaniparus cinerascens |
| Penduline Tits (Remizidae) | |
| Grey Penduline Tit | Anthoscopus caroli |
| Cape Penduline Tit | Anthoscopus minutus |
| Larks (Alaudidae) | |
| Spike-heeled Lark | Chersomanes albofasciata |
| Gray’s Lark | Ammomanopsis grayi |
| Karoo Long-billed Lark | Certhilauda subcoronata |
| Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark | Eremopterix leucotis |
| Grey-backed Sparrow-Lark | Eremopterix verticalis |
| Sabota Lark | Calendulauda sabota |
| Fawn-colored Lark | Calendulauda africanoides |
| Dune Lark (Endemic) | Calendulauda erythrochlamys |
| Eastern Clapper Lark | Mirafra fasciolata |
| Rufous-naped Lark | Mirafra africana |
| Stark’s Lark | Spizocorys starki |
| Pink-billed Lark | Spizocorys conirostris |
| Red-capped Lark | Calandrella cinerea |
| Bulbuls (Pycnonotidae) | |
| African Red-eyed Bulbul | Pycnonotus nigricans |
| Dark-capped Bulbul | Pycnonotus tricolor |
| Yellow-bellied Greenbul | Chlorocichla flaviventris |
| Yellow-throated Leaflove | Atimastillas flavicollis |
| Terrestrial Brownbul | Phyllastrephus terrestris |
| Swallows, Martins (Hirundinidae) | |
| Brown-throated Martin | Riparia paludicola |
| Sand Martin | Riparia riparia |
| Banded Martin | Riparia cincta |
| Barn Swallow | Hirundo rustica |
| Wire-tailed Swallow | Hirundo smithii |
| Pearl-breasted Swallow | Hirundo dimidiata |
| Rock Martin | Ptyonoprogne fuligula |
| Common House Martin | Delichon urbicum |
| Greater Striped Swallow | Cecropis cucullata |
| Lesser Striped Swallow | Cecropis abyssinica |
| Red-breasted Swallow | Cecropis semirufa |
| Mosque Swallow | Cecropis senegalensis |
| South African Cliff Swallow | Petrochelidon spilodera |
| Crombecs, African Warblers (Macrosphenidae) | |
| Rockrunner | Achaetops pycnopygius |
| Long-billed Crombec | Sylvietta rufescens |
| Leaf Warblers and Allies (Phylloscopidae) | |
| Willow Warbler | Phylloscopus trochilus |
| Reed Warblers and Allies (Acrocephalidae) | |
| Marsh Warbler | Acrocephalus palustris |
| Cisticolas and Allies (Cisticolidae) | |
| Rattling Cisticola | Cisticola chiniana |
| Luapula Cisticola (H) | Cisticola luapula |
| Chirping Cisticola (H) | Cisticola pipiens |
| Zitting Cisticola (H) | Cisticola juncidis |
| Desert Cisticola | Cisticola aridulus |
| Tawny-flanked Prinia | Prinia subflava |
| Black-chested Prinia | Prinia flavicans |
| Yellow-breasted Apalis | Apalis flavida |
| Grey-backed Camaroptera | Camaroptera brevicaudata |
| Barred Wren-Warbler | Calamonastes fasciolatus |
| Yellow-bellied Eremomela | Eremomela icteropygialis |
| Burnt-necked Eremomela | Eremomela usticollis |
| Laughingthrushes and Allies (Leiothrichidae) | |
| Black-faced Babbler | Turdoides melanops |
| Arrow-marked Babbler | Turdoides jardineii |
| Hartlaub’s Babbler | Turdoides hartlaubii |
| Southern Pied Babbler | Turdoides bicolor |
| Bare-cheeked Babbler | Turdoides gymnogenys |
| Sylviid Babblers (Sylviidae) | |
| Chestnut-vented Warbler | Sylvia subcoerulea |
| Layard’s Warbler | Sylvia layardi |
| White-eyes (Zosteropidae) | |
| Orange River White-eye | Zosterops pallidus |
| Southern Yellow White-eye | Zosterops senegalensis |
| Starlings, Rhabdornis (Sturnidae) | |
| Common Myna | Acridotheres tristis |
| Cape Starling | Lamprotornis nitens |
| Greater Blue-eared Starling | Lamprotornis chalybaeus |
| Meves’s Starling | Lamprotornis mevesii |
| Burchell’s Starling | Lamprotornis australis |
| Violet-backed Starling | Cinnyricinclus leucogaster |
| Pale-winged Starling | Onychognathus nabouroup |
| Oxpeckers (Buphagidae) | |
| Yellow-billed Oxpecker | Buphagus africanus |
| Red-billed Oxpecker | Buphagus erythrorynchus |
| Thrushes (Turdidae) | |
| Groundscraper Thrush | Turdus litsitsirupa |
| Kurrichane Thrush | Turdus libonyana |
| Chats, Old World Flycatchers (Muscicapidae) | |
| Kalahari Scrub Robin | Cercotrichas paena |
| White-browed Scrub Robin | Cercotrichas leucophrys |
| Southern Black Flycatcher | Melaenornis pammelaina |
| Chat Flycatcher | Melaenornis infuscatus |
| Marico Flycatcher | Melaenornis mariquensis |
| Spotted Flycatcher | Muscicapa striata |
| Ashy Flycatcher | Muscicapa caerulescens |
| White-browed Robin-Chat | Cossypha heuglini |
| Short-toed Rock Thrush | Monticola brevipes |
| Karoo Chat | Emarginata schlegelii |
| Tractrac Chat | Emarginata tractrac |
| Ant-eating Chat | Myrmecocichla formicivora |
| Mountain Wheatear | Myrmecocichla monticola |
| Arnot’s Chat | Myrmecocichla arnotti |
| Capped Wheatear | Oenanthe pileata |
| Familiar Chat | Oenanthe familiaris |
| Herero Chat | Namibornis herero |
| Sunbirds (Nectariniidae) | |
| Collared Sunbird | Hedydipna collaris |
| Amethyst Sunbird | Chalcomitra amethystina |
| Scarlet-chested Sunbird | Chalcomitra senegalensis |
| Marico Sunbird | Cinnyris mariquensis |
| Purple-banded Sunbird | Cinnyris bifasciatus |
| White-bellied Sunbird | Cinnyris talatala |
| Dusky Sunbird | Cinnyris fuscus |
| Copper Sunbird | Cinnyris cupreus |
| Old World Sparrows, Snowfinches (Passeridae) | |
| House Sparrow | Passer domesticus |
| Great Sparrow | Passer motitensis |
| Cape Sparrow | Passer melanurus |
| Northern Grey-headed Sparrow | Passer griseus |
| Southern Grey-headed Sparrow | Passer diffusus |
| Yellow-throated Petronia | Gymnoris superciliaris |
| Weavers, Widowbirds (Ploceidae) | |
| Red-billed Buffalo Weaver | Bubalornis niger |
| White-browed Sparrow-Weaver | Plocepasser mahali |
| Sociable Weaver | Philetairus socius |
| Scaly-feathered Weaver | Sporopipes squamifrons |
| Thick-billed Weaver | Amblyospiza albifrons |
| Spectacled Weaver | Ploceus ocularis |
| Holub’s Golden Weaver | Ploceus xanthops |
| Southern Brown-throated Weaver | Ploceus xanthopterus |
| Lesser Masked Weaver | Ploceus intermedius |
| Southern Masked Weaver | Ploceus velatus |
| Village Weaver | Ploceus cucullatus |
| Red-headed Weaver | Anaplectes rubriceps |
| Red-billed Quelea | Quelea quelea |
| Southern Red Bishop | Euplectes orix |
| Waxbills, Munias and Allies (Estrildidae) | |
| Green-winged Pytilia | Pytilia melba |
| Red-headed Finch | Amadina erythrocephala |
| Brown Firefinch | Lagonosticta nitidula |
| Red-billed Firefinch | Lagonosticta senegala |
| Blue Waxbill | Uraeginthus angolensis |
| Violet-eared Waxbill | Uraeginthus granatinus |
| Common Waxbill | Estrilda astrild |
| Black-faced Waxbill | Estrilda erythronotos |
| Bronze Mannikin (H) | Lonchura cucullata |
| Indigobirds, Whydahs (Viduidae) | |
| Pin-tailed Whydah | Vidua macroura |
| Shaft-tailed Whydah | Vidua regia |
| Long-tailed Paradise Whydah | Vidua paradisaea |
| Wagtails, Pipits (Motacillidae) | |
| Cape Wagtail | Motacilla capensis |
| African Pied Wagtail | Motacilla aguimp |
| African Pipit | Anthus cinnamomeus |
| Finches, Euphonias (Fringillidae) | |
| Black-throated Canary | Crithagra atrogularis |
| Yellow-fronted Canary | Crithagra mozambica |
| Yellow Canary | Crithagra flaviventris |
| White-throated Canary | Crithagra albogularis |
| Buntings (Emberizidae) | |
| Lark-like Bunting | Emberiza impetuani |
| Cinnamon-breasted Bunting | Emberiza tahapisi |
| Cape Bunting | Emberiza capensis |
| Golden-breasted Bunting | Emberiza flaviventris |
| Total seen | 361 |
| Total heard only | 15 |
| Total recorded | 376 |
Mammal List
| Common Name | Scientific Name |
| Chacma Baboon | Papio ursinus |
| Vervet Monkey | Cercopithecus aethiops |
| Scrub Hare | Lepus saxatilis |
| Ground Squirrel | Xerus inauris |
| Tree Squirrel | Paraxerus cepapi |
| Dassie Rat | Petromys typicus |
| Namaqua Rock Mouse | Micaelamys namaquensis |
| Black-backed Jackal | Canis mesomelas |
| Banded Mongoose | Mungos mungo |
| Slender (Black) Mongoose | Galerella sanguinea nigrita |
| Yellow Mongoose | Cynictis penicillata |
| Suricate | Suricata suricatta |
| Spotted Hyena | Crocuta crocuta |
| Brown Hyena | Hyaena brunnea |
| Cheetah | Acinonyx jubatus |
| Lion | Panthera leo |
| Leopard | Panthera pardus |
| Elephant | Loxodonta africana |
| Rock Dassie | Procavia capensis |
| (Hartmann’s) Mountain Zebra | Equus hartmannae |
| Plains Zebra | Equus burchellii |
| Black Rhino | Diceros bicornis |
| White Rhino | Ceratotherium simum |
| Warthog | Phacochoerus aethiopicus |
| Hippopotamus | Hippopotamus amphibius |
| Giraffe | Giraffa camelopardalis |
| Buffalo | Syncerus caffer |
| Kudu | Tragelaphus strepsiceros |
| Bushbuck | Tragelaphus scriptus |
| Sable | Hippotragus niger |
| Gemsbok | Oryx gazella |
| Waterbuck | Kobus ellipsiprymnus |
| Lechwe | Kobus leche |
| Blue Wildebeest | Connochaetes taurinus |
| (Red) Hartebeest | Alcelaphus buselaphus |
| Impala | Aepyceros melampus |
| Springbok | Antidorcas marsuplialis |
| Kirk’s (Damara) Dik-dik | Madoqua kirkii |
| Klipspringer | Oreotragus oreotragus |
| Steenbok | Raphicerus campestris |
| Common Duiker | Sylvicapra grimmia |
| Cape Fur Seal | Arctocephalus pusillus |
| Total Seen (excl. bats): | 42 |
Giraffe and White Rhino at Okonjima (photos © Rob Beynon).
Rock Hyrax and Leopard (photos © Rob Beynon)
This is a sample trip report. Please email us ([email protected]) for more trip reports from this destination.
