Guide: Marc Cronje
31 August – 10 September 2026
Our latest Nature Travel Birding adventure took us across the remarkable landscapes of northern Namibia, from the granite hills of Okonjima and the vast salt pans of Etosha to the lush Okavango and Zambezi river systems.
The contrast between Namibia’s arid interior and its tropical northeast produced an exceptional diversity of birds and mammals, with memorable encounters including Brown Hyena, Lion, Cheetah, Temminck’s Ground Pangolin, African Elephant, Leopard, Black and White Rhinoceros, Cape Porcupine, African Skimmer, Pel’s Fishing Owl, White-backed Night Heron, Slaty Egret, Wattled Crane, Rockrunner, Hartlaub’s Spurfowl, Bradfield’s Hornbill, Damara Red-billed Hornbill, Monteiro’s Hornbill, Bare-cheeked Babbler, Black-faced Babbler, White-tailed Shrike, Southern White-faced Owl, Burchell’s Sandgrouse, Violet Wood Hoopoe, Souza’s Shrike, Schalow’s Turaco, African Finfoot, Greater Painted Snipe, Half-collared Kingfisher and countless other highlights.
The itinerary took us through Okonjima, Etosha, Rundu, the Okavango Panhandle, Mahangu and finally Katima Mulilo and the Zambezi Region.
Day 1 — Okonjima Nature Reserve
Our safari began at the beautiful Okonjima Plains Camp, situated within the 22,000-hectare Okonjima Nature Reserve and renowned for its outstanding carnivore conservation work. The reserve offered a wonderful introduction to Namibia’s thornveld, rocky outcrops and open acacia plains.
A quick stop at Avis Dam outside Windhoek gave us a wonderful sighting of Orange River Francolin.
The afternoon game drive rewarded us with excellent sightings of Hartlaub’s Spurfowl, Rockrunner, White-tailed Shrike, Ashy Tit, Monteiro’s Hornbill, Rosy-faced Lovebird, Violet-eared Waxbill, Bradfield’s Swift and Chestnut Weaver.
On the mammal front, we enjoyed sightings of Southern Giraffe, Springbok, Damara Dik-Dik, Plains Zebra, Greater Kudu, Common Warthog, Black-backed Jackal and White Rhinoceros.
Our pangolin-tracking activity was a massive success, and we enjoyed an incredible close-up experience with this unique and elusive mammal. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for everyone.
Other highlights from the night drive included Bat-eared Fox, Bushveld Sengi, Jameson’s Red Rock Hare, Black-tailed Tree Rat, Common Genet and Spotted Eagle-Owl.
Day 2 — Okonjima Nature Reserve
A full day at Okonjima allowed us to explore a variety of habitats on both morning and afternoon excursions.
Among the birding highlights were Rockrunner, Pririt Batis, Pale-winged Starling, Rüppell’s Parrot, stunning Crimson-breasted Shrike, Southern Pied Babbler, Red-crested Korhaan, Great Sparrow, African Spoonbill, Shaft-tailed Whydah, Pearl-spotted Owlet, Damara Red-billed Hornbill, Acacia Pied Barbet, Burchell’s Sandgrouse, White-tailed Shrike, Cape Penduline Tit, Short-toed Rock Thrush, Fawn-coloured Lark, Tawny Eagle and Cape Vulture — a great selection of birds.The group really enjoyed the variety of species and the excellent photographic opportunities.
Mammal sightings continued to impress, with Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra and Black-backed Jackal, while the night drive produced some incredible nocturnal encounters, including Brown Hyena, African Wild Cat, Common Genet and African Savanna Hare.
Day 3 — Etosha National Park: Okaukuejo
Leaving Okonjima behind, we travelled north into the legendary Etosha National Park, entering through Andersson’s Gate before spending the afternoon exploring the southern waterholes around Okaukuejo.
Lunch at the famous bakery in Outjo was a winner with the group, and a strategic stop nearby gave us an amazing sighting of Bare-cheeked Babbler.
The concentration of wildlife around the waterholes was remarkable. Huge herds of elephants arrived to drink alongside Blue Wildebeest, Southern Giraffe, Black-faced Impala, Springbok, Oryx and Burchell’s Zebra.
We were fortunate to enjoy outstanding sightings of Black Rhinoceros at the camp’s waterhole. The camp’s resident Banded and Slender Mongooses were enjoyed by Nick while I completed the check-in formalities.
Bird highlights included Secretarybird, Kori Bustard, Northern Black Korhaan, Lappet-faced Vulture, White-backed Vulture, Red-headed Finch, Pale-chanting Goshawk, African Red-eyed Bulbul, Red-breasted Swallow, Double-banded Courser, Namaqua Sandgrouse and Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark.
The floodlit waterhole after dinner once again proved why Okaukuejo is regarded as one of Africa’s finest wildlife-viewing locations. A sighting of a female Lioness was a fabulous way to end a wonderful day in Africa.
Day 4 — Etosha National Park: Halali
Today we crossed the central section of Etosha towards Halali, stopping at numerous productive waterholes along the way.
The immense salt pan shimmered on the horizon while elephants and giraffes appeared almost everywhere we looked.
Highlights included Spotted Hyaena, two Black Rhinoceros sightings, Elephant drinking at Olifantsbad Waterhole, Giraffe, Greater Kudu, Red Hartebeest and impressive numbers of Blue Wildebeest and Plains Zebra around Salvadora.
Birding remained superb, with Martial Eagle, Bateleur, Greater Kestrel, Ostrich, Northern Black Korhaan, Carp’s Tit, Bare-cheeked Babbler, Violet Wood Hoopoe, Desert Cisticola, Kori Bustard, African Hawk-Eagle, Spotted Thick-knee and Gabar Goshawk.
A superb sighting of a pair of Secretarybirds in the open was another highlight, while a pair of Blue Cranes displaying was simply fabulous.
The camp’s resident Southern White-faced Owl put on a show for us before dinner, and we watched it feeding on a Tiny Pygmy Mouse.
After dinner, we enjoyed the antics of Black Rhinoceros sorting out their dominance at the camp’s waterhole, along with Spotted Hyaena coming down to drink.
A Marsh Owl drinking at the waterhole was a great find and a wonderful way to end another fabulous day in Etosha.
Day 5 — Etosha National Park: Namutoni
Our final day in Etosha focused on the eastern plains around Namutoni, where the open grasslands produced a different suite of species.
Large herds of Impala became more common, while Elephant, Lion, Black Rhinoceros, Gemsbok and Giraffe rounded off a spectacular Etosha experience.
Having two large male Lions standing next to the vehicle and looking directly into your eyes is a very special experience and one that none of us will forget.
Bird highlights included Lilac-breasted Roller, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, Black-faced Babbler, Crimson-breasted Shrike and Burchell’s Courser.
Our night drive was also a success, with sightings of Springhare, African Wild Cat and a Black Rhinoceros having a bath.
The highlight of the evening was an incredible sighting of a male Lion roaring right next to the vehicle. This is a phenomenal experience and certainly makes the hairs stand up on the back of your neck!
A pair of Spotted Eagle-Owls was a new bird for the trip and a great way to finish our time in Etosha.
Day 6 — Hakusembe River Lodge, Rundu
We had a very lucky morning leaving Etosha, with a female Cheetah and two cubs close to the road. We enjoyed excellent views and managed to get some amazing photographs. What a way to end our time in Etosha!
The scenery changed dramatically as we descended into Namibia’s lush Kavango Region. The mighty Okavango River brought a wealth of new birds and mammals, creating an entirely different birding experience.
Our afternoon of birding produced wonderful sightings of Malachite Kingfisher, Giant Kingfisher, African Jacana, White-fronted Bee-eater, Rufous-bellied Heron, Hartlaub’s Babbler, White-browed Robin-Chat, Fiery-necked Nightjar, African Fish Eagle, Pied Kingfisher and numerous Little Bee-eaters.
Mammals included Hippopotamus and Vervet Monkey along the riverbanks, while a few Nile Crocodiles were also seen well.
We all enjoyed a good night’s sleep to the relaxing sound of the flowing Okavango River.
Day 7 — Drotsky’s Cabins, Okavango Panhandle
Our morning saw us heading into the Miombo woodland in search of Souza’s Shrike, a major target for Nick.
We had some luck on our side and, after only half an hour of searching, enjoyed a close-up sighting of two birds. One bird came exceptionally close and showed beautifully. What a bird — and Nick was absolutely delighted!
Our drive was relatively uneventful until, just before lunch, we found a Greater Painted Snipe feeding in a pool on the floodplain, along with Dwarf Bittern. Both were great additions to the trip, with the Painted Snipe being a bird Nick was particularly hoping to connect with.
Other birds seen around the gardens before lunch included African Scops-Owl on a roost, Swamp Boubou, Cut-throat Finch, Bradfield’s Hornbill, Meves’s Starling, Meyer’s Parrot, Little Bittern, Crested Barbet and a stunning Coppery-tailed Coucal.
Our drive through Mahangu National Park was very successful, with a big male Leopard crossing the road in front of us and then posing beautifully. Seeing such a magnificent cat in this part of Namibia is always a special experience. What a treat!
We then crossed into Botswana and entered the magnificent Okavango Panhandle, one of southern Africa’s finest freshwater birding destinations.
The permanent papyrus channels and flooded reedbeds were alive with birds from dawn until dusk.
In the late evening, we enjoyed watching the antics of a pair of Lesser Galagos around camp, followed by a great close-up sighting of Barred Owlet after dinner.
What another special day in Africa!
Day 8 — Okavango Panhandle: Drotsky’s
Our day was spent exploring the Okavango Panhandle, searching the papyrus-lined channels by boat.
This proved to be one of the most exciting birding days of the tour, with highlights including Pel’s Fishing Owl, Slaty Egret, Chirping and Luapula Cisticolas, Long-toed Lapwing, African Stonechat, African Snipe, Red-necked Falcon, Collared Pratincole, Retz’s Helmetshrike, Ashy Flycatcher, Wattled Crane, African Jacana, Holub’s Golden Weaver, Southern Brown-throated Weaver, Common Waxbill, Lesser Jacana, Coppery-tailed Coucal, Greater Swamp Warbler, White-backed Night Heron and exceptional views of African Skimmers feeding over the river.
Mammal highlights included Red Lechwe, Elephant, Hippopotamus and African Clawless Otter.
We also enjoyed a great walk through the woodlands around camp, where we found African Green Pigeon, Golden-tailed Woodpecker and African Goshawk, as well as a surprise in the form of Narina Trogon.
Just before dinner, we had a good sighting of Fiery-necked Nightjar.
Day 9 — Mahangu National Park
Our morning was spent along the banks of the Okavango before heading back into Namibia to explore Mahangu National Park.
This region combines riverine woodland, floodplains and broad-leaved woodland, resulting in incredible biodiversity.
Our morning was a great success, with good sightings of Bradfield’s Hornbill, Meyer’s Parrot, African Openbill, Red-faced Mousebird, Long-toed Lapwing, Lilac-breasted Roller, Violet-eared Waxbill, Slaty Egret, Black Heron fishing, Goliath Heron, Yellow-billed Stork, Lappet-faced Vulture, African Cuckoo-Hawk, Burchell’s Sandgrouse and Fawn-coloured Lark.
Mammals included African Elephant drinking along the floodplain, including several young calves, Cape Buffalo, Sable Antelope, Red Lechwe, Common Reedbuck, Vervet Monkey, Greater Kudu, Impala, Waterbuck, Chacma Baboon, Banded Mongoose, Smith’s Bush Squirrel and Hippopotamus.
We enjoyed a tasty barbecue for dinner along the banks of the river. On our way to bed, we had a fantastic sighting of Peter’s Epauletted Fruit Bat feeding on a fig in the open, allowing us to enjoy and photograph this impressive species.
Falling asleep to the sound of Lions roaring across the river in Buffalo National Park was the perfect end to the day.
Day 10 — Katima Mulilo and the Zambezi River
Our final full day brought us into the lush Zambezi Region, where broad rivers and mature woodland provided a fitting finale to the trip.
Our morning of birding along the Okavango produced good sightings of Brown Firefinch, Southern Black Tit, White-backed Night Heron, Swamp Boubou, African Skimmer, Rufous-bellied Heron, Grey-rumped Swallow, Swainson’s Spurfowl and Spectacled Weaver.
As we made our way towards the Zambezi River, the bird list continued to grow, with species such as the stunning Schalow’s Turaco, Trumpeter Hornbill, African Paradise Flycatcher, White-browed Robin-Chat, Southern Carmine Bee-eater, the camp’s resident Wood Owl, Brown-hooded Kingfisher, Pale-throated Greenbul, Arrow-marked Babbler, Collared Sunbird and African Green Pigeon.
Our boat trip along the Zambezi River was also very enjoyable, and we had the most incredible views of an African Finfoot swimming close to the boat.
We also had good views of Half-collared Kingfisher, along with Grey-headed Gull, African Skimmer, Common Greenshank, Malachite Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, African Openbill, White-crowned Lapwing, Wire-tailed Swallow and Little, Yellow-billed and Great Egrets.
Mammal sightings included Hippopotamus, Nile Crocodile, Bushbuck and playful Chacma Baboons.
We then celebrated a wonderful final dinner together, bringing an amazing trip to a close.
Day 11 — Katima Mulilo to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Our trip drew to a close with one final bird walk together before we said our goodbyes as the group prepared to travel across to Victoria Falls for the day and then onward home.
Our final walk rewarded us with sightings of African Finfoot swimming past the lodge, Schalow’s Turaco feeding in the open and providing some amazing photographic opportunities, Brown Firefinch, Grey-headed Bushshrike, Tropical Boubou, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Crowned and Trumpeter Hornbills, Violet-backed Starling and Southern Yellow White-eye.
Final Thoughts
From the granite koppies of central Namibia to the wetlands of the Okavango and the mighty Zambezi River, this safari perfectly demonstrated the incredible ecological diversity of this part of Africa.
We recorded an outstanding variety of birds across dramatically different habitats while enjoying unforgettable mammal encounters. From close encounters with Temminck’s Ground Pangolin and Brown Hyena to incredible sightings of Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Black Rhinoceros, Elephant and African Finfoot, this was a trip filled with special moments.
Combined with wonderful accommodation, spectacular scenery, fantastic birding and mammals, and, most importantly, great company, it was another memorable Nature Travel Birding expedition through one of Africa’s finest wildlife destinations.
We all had an absolute blast and shared some fantastic experiences, plenty of laughs and many unforgettable moments. Namibia and Botswana certainly left their mark on us, and we left with a tear in the eye after such a wonderful trip together.
A huge thank you to the Nature Travel Birding office for all the behind-the-scenes work that went into ensuring the tour was such a success.
To all the participants, thank you for being such wonderful, understanding and fantastic guests. Your enthusiasm, good humour and friendship made the trip even more special. I genuinely feel that we are all leaving as friends after sharing so many great laughs and experiences together.
I look forward to our next birding and mammal adventure in Namibia!