Trip Report – Namibia Sept/Oct 2025
Guide: René Rossouw
This Namibia tour took place from 20 September to 5 October 2025, covering an impressive 4,475 km from the dramatic Fish River Canyon in the south to the iconic Etosha National Park in the north. Our enthusiastic UK birders brought a keen interest in conservation, enhancing the experience with insightful observations and thoughtful discussions.
Over the course of the journey, we recorded a remarkable 146 bird species, alongside 28 mammal species and 9 reptiles, highlighting the incredible diversity of Namibia’s landscapes—from arid deserts and rugged canyons to salt pans and savannah woodlands. Highlights included encounters with near-endemic birds, majestic mammals such as Lions, Elephants and Giraffes, and fascinating reptile species that thrive in the country’s varied ecosystems.
Day 1: Windhoek meet and greet
Our guests arrived in Windhoek this morning after a long overnight flight and were transferred from Hosea Kutako International Airport to Olive Grove Guesthouse. I met them at 10 a.m., just as they were settling down to enjoy breakfast and a cup of tea.
Over breakfast, we discussed their upcoming adventure and the experiences they hoped to have in Namibia. As keen birders, they were eager to make the most of every opportunity to explore the country’s diverse birdlife while also soaking in the vast landscapes they had long dreamed of visiting.
After breakfast, they did a bit of shopping for essentials before returning to the guesthouse to rest. Fatigued from their journey, they decided to spend the afternoon relaxing and begin their adventure in earnest the following day.
That evening, we enjoyed a hearty dinner at Joe’s Beerhouse, where lively conversation flowed about birding highlights and the exciting destinations ahead. Satisfied and content, we returned to Olive Grove for a well-deserved night’s rest.
Day 2: Windhoek to the Kalahari
Breakfast was served on the terrace this morning, and the guests arrived looking refreshed and ready for the journey ahead. Today marked the start of our Namibian adventure as we headed south toward the Kalahari. Along the way, we stopped in the Rehoboth area for a cup of tea — the first of many tea breaks that would soon become a pleasant daily ritual over the next 16 days.
Our first bird sightings set the tone for an exciting trip: Namaqua Dove, Pale-winged Starling, White-browed Sparrow-weaver, and two stunning Swallow-tailed Bee-eaters whose brilliant colours left the guests amazed. We also encountered a group of Chacma Baboons along the roadside.
After travelling some distance on smooth tar roads, we turned onto the first of many gravel roads that would lead us deeper into Namibia’s wild landscapes. The scenery began to shift, and small red dunes appeared on the horizon. I stopped immediately to capture the moment with a photo. While admiring the dune, we spotted a few more bird species — Pale-chanting Goshawk, Fawn-coloured Lark, Scaly-feathered Weaver, Red-headed Finch, and numerous Sociable Weaver nests scattered across the acacia trees.
Fawn-coloured Lark
Day 3: Suricate Kalahari Tented Lodge
We gathered for a delicious breakfast before setting out on a morning walk with a group of San people — the indigenous hunter-gatherers of southern Africa, regarded as one of the oldest human populations on Earth. Their lineage stretches back over 20,000 years, and they are considered a genetic root of all modern humans. Renowned for their deep understanding of the natural world, the San possess remarkable knowledge of local flora and fauna, particularly in the fields of tracking and traditional medicine.
The walk proved both fascinating and enlightening. The San shared their stories and insights through their unique click languages, gestures, and expressive mime. Although we couldn’t understand every word, their storytelling and communication were so vivid that the meaning came across effortlessly.
San people
After an engaging walk with the San, we continued along the edge of the pan for some birding. Highlights included excellent views of Sabota Lark and Common Ostrich, while a small herd of Wildebeest grazed peacefully in the distance.
A relaxing tea break on the pool deck proved very rewarding. The rim-flow pool attracted a lively mix of Canaries and Finches, providing wonderful birding right from the comfort of our chairs. Among the visitors were Black-throated Canary, Red-headed Finch, Kalahari Scrub-Robin, Black-chested Prinia, Yellow Canary, and Sociable Weaver.
After lunch and a short rest, we set out on another walk, this time exploring the small dunes near camp. Bird activity was fairly quiet, but we were rewarded with a beautiful sunset over the pan. Later, as we relaxed on the deck, the evening came alive — Gemsbok and Wildebeest visited the waterhole for a drink, Spotted Thick-knees appeared as darkness fell, Springbok wandered in gracefully, and a Bat-eared Fox made a brief but delightful appearance. It was a wonderful way to end the day.
Yellow Canary
Day 4: Kalahari to Fish River Canyon
Our journey continued toward the Fish River Canyon. Just as we were checking out, a flicker of movement caught my eye — and there it was, the elusive Chestnut-vented Warbler we had been searching for the previous day, hopping down to the ground right in front of us.
Shortly after leaving the lodge, a group of Giraffe appeared alongside the road — a lovely start to the day. We also added a few new species to our bird list, including Cape Sparrow, Lark-like Bunting, Karoo Chat, and Black-winged Kite.
En route, we stopped at the Quiver Tree Forest just outside Keetmanshoop — a remarkable natural wonder in southern Namibia. This ancient forest is home to hundreds of Aloe dichotoma, some believed to be more than 200 years old. Their sculptural forms, golden bark, and forked branches create a striking contrast against the stark desert landscape and vivid blue sky. Historically, the San people used the hollowed branches as quivers for their arrows, which is how the species earned its name. During our visit, we spotted Cardinal Woodpecker and Ashy Tit among the trees, along with a beautifully colored Rock Agama basking in the sun.
Chestnut-vented Warbler
The drive to the Fish River Canyon was along gravel roads through spectacular scenery.
The Fish River Canyon, located in southern Namibia, is one of the world’s most impressive geological formations. Stretching approximately 160 km in length and reaching up to 27 km in width, the canyon’s depths vary from 160 m in the upper section to nearly 550 m in the lower section. Believed to have formed around 500 million years ago, the canyon offers a stunning landscape of rugged cliffs and expansive vistas. Visitors can explore the canyon’s rim via designated viewpoints. The Fish River itself, Namibia’s longest river, meanders through the canyon, adding to its dramatic scenery. The canyon is situated within the Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, a vast wilderness area shared with South Africa. The Fish River Canyon remains a testament to Earth’s dynamic geological history.
Birding in these arid regions can be sparse, but we were pleased to spot Namaqua Sandgrouse and Mountain Wheatear. We reached the lodge perched on the rim of the canyon just in time for a breathtaking sunset and enjoyed a brief walk along the edge before settling in for a memorable dinner.
Quiver Trees
Day 6: Fish River to Sossusvlei
At the guests’ request to experience sunrise over the Fish River Canyon, we began our walk along the rim at dawn. Watching the first light spill across the vast landscape was a truly memorable moment.
After a delicious breakfast we set off again, as a long drive to Sossusvlei lay ahead. On our way out of the reserve, a Sabota Lark appeared among the flowers, and a little farther along we enjoyed close views of a pair of Karoo Korhaan strolling beside the road. Ant-eating Chat and Mountain Chat also showed well.
Sabota Lark
The route from Bethanie to Helmeringhausen via the Zaris Pass offered spectacular scenery throughout.
During our picnic stop, we discovered a small Night Adder tucked among the rocks. Later, passing a farm dam, we encountered a welcome oasis for birds and recorded Black-winged Stilt, Red-knobbed Coot, South African Shelduck, Egyptian Goose, and Blacksmith Lapwing.
We reached Desert Homestead in time for dinner on the veranda, where a Black-backed Jackal trotted casually down the pathway in front of the lodge — a lovely end to the day.
Day 7: Sossusvlei
After a soft breakfast at 5.30am at the lodge we set off to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei.
Sossusvlei, located in the Namib-Naukluft National Park in Namibia, is a striking salt and clay pan surrounded by some of the highest sand dunes in the world, reaching over 300 meters. The dunes, formed over millions of years, display vivid red-orange hues due to iron oxidation in the sand, giving the landscape its iconic color. Nearby Deadvlei is a white clay pan dotted with the skeletal remains of ancient camelthorn trees, estimated to be around 900 years old, which have not decomposed due to the arid climate. Both sites offer unique photographic opportunities, particularly at sunrise and sunset when the dunes cast dramatic shadows, and attract visitors worldwide for their stark, otherworldly beauty. Interestingly, the intense red color of the dunes increases with age, making the oldest dunes the deepest shades of red.
Once we entered the park, the landscape shifted dramatically. Rugged rocky mountains gave way to stretches of open grassland dotted with green trees, before transforming again into the striking, contrasting sand dunes ahead. The stark beauty of these changing scenes left everyone in awe.
Once we reached Deadvlei, the wind had picked up considerably, so we decided against climbing Big Daddy and made our way straight to the pan instead. As we crossed the final dune, the view that opened before us was extraordinary — a true bucket-list moment for the guests. We spent time wandering among the ancient camelthorn trees, soaking in the surreal atmosphere, before heading back to the lodge for lunch. Along the drive we saw a few Springbok and several Common Ostrich. On our way out, we stopped at Dune 45 and climbed partway up, enjoying sweeping views over the Namib’s iconic red sands.
Deadvlei
During lunch at the lodge, we enjoyed excellent views of a Dusky Sunbird feeding on an Aloe flower, along with Scaly-feathered Weaver and Pale-winged Starling.
Our afternoon was spent exploring Sesriem Canyon — a natural gorge carved over millions of years by the Tsauchab River. The canyon drops to around 30 meters deep and stretches for roughly a kilometer, with narrow, winding passages and layered rock walls that showcase its ancient geological history. Its name, “Sesriem,” meaning “six belts” in Afrikaans, refers to the six ox-hide straps early settlers used to lower containers to reach the water at the bottom. Although typically dry, the canyon can hold pools after rainfall, offering an important water source for wildlife in the Namib. We were fortunate to find a pool of water during our visit. During lunch at the lodge, we had great views of Dusky Sunbird on an Aloe flower, as well as Scaly-feathered Weaver and Pale-winged Starling.
Chacma Baboon
As we left, a lively troop of Chacma Baboons provided great entertainment along the canyon rim. The drive back to the lodge was equally memorable, with a scattering of clouds casting shifting patterns of light and shadow across the mountainside.
The Barking Geckos called continuously during dinner, adding a distinctly Namib feel to the evening, and two more Black-backed Jackals appeared at the waterhole in front of the lodge.
Day 8: Sossusvlei to Swakopmund
We set off on another day of travel through the Namib-Naukluft National Park, making our way toward the coastal town of Swakopmund. A brief stop in Solitaire allowed us to refuel and pick up some of its famous apple pie. After an excellent rainy season, the landscape was carpeted with grass, and along the road we enjoyed sightings of Oryx, Mountain Zebra, a few Common Ostrich, and a memorable view of Rüppell’s Korhaan crossing the track.
Ruppel’s Korhaan
The journey continued through spectacular scenery, winding through the Gaub and Kuiseb Passes, where we paused for tea and a slice of our apple pie. As Walvis Bay Lagoon lay along our route, we stopped for a bit of birding. Greater Flamingos were plentiful, and we also found Pied Avocet, Bar-tailed Godwit, White-fronted Plover, Curlew Sandpiper, Grey Plover, and Common, Caspian, and Swift Terns, along with Hartlaub’s and Kelp Gulls.
Greater Flamingo
Upon reaching Swakopmund, we made a quick stop to buy a pair of “vellies” for our guest before settling in for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 9: Swakopmund
The guests had booked a dune-and-ocean excursion for the day. Out on the water they enjoyed sightings of whales, dolphins, and a striking Great White Pelican accompanying the boat.
Swakopmund, is known for its unique blend of German colonial architecture and modern Namibian culture. Founded in 1892, it served as a major port for German South West Africa and still features historic buildings, including the old lighthouse and the Woermannhaus. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert, Swakopmund is a hub for adventure tourism, offering activities such as sandboarding, quad biking on dunes, and skydiving, as well as marine excursions to see seals and dolphins. The town’s mild coastal climate, rare in the otherwise arid country, and its vibrant cultural scene make it a favorite destination for both relaxation and adventure.
Day 10: Swakopmund to Damaraland
This morning, we enjoyed breakfast before leaving town and beginning our journey toward Damaraland. Just outside Swakopmund, we stopped on the gravel plains in search of Gray’s Lark — a species perfectly adapted to these harsh, open landscapes and notoriously difficult to spot due to its excellent camouflage. With a bit of patience, we located several individuals, along with good views of Tractrac Chat in the same area.
Gray’s Lark
We made a quick stop at the Zeila Wreck. The Skeleton Coast, stretching along the northern Namibian shoreline, is famed for its foggy, windswept beaches, treacherous currents, and shipwreck-strewn shores, which gave it its ominous name. Among these wrecks, the Zeila—a cargo vessel that ran aground in 2008—is particularly striking, now resting on the sand as a rusting skeleton against the desert backdrop.
Zeila Wreck
After turning inland from the coastal road at Henties Bay toward Uis, we encountered numerous larks along the roadside, which turned out to be Stark’s Larks. A little farther on, we enjoyed another excellent sighting of a pair of Rüppell’s Korhaan.
Our timing was perfect as we arrived in Uis just in time for lunch at the Cactus and Coffee Teagarden, where a busy group of Southern Masked-Weavers kept us entertained as they worked tirelessly on their nests.
The journey continued through yet another dramatic shift in scenery — from yellow grasslands dotted with trees to striking, rugged rocky outcrops. Our lodge was tucked neatly among these formations, and while checking in we watched Lark-like Buntings and Speckled Pigeons coming to drink. On the walk to our rooms, a Cape Bunting sang from the rocks, adding a lovely welcome. The day ended with a spectacular sunset from the viewpoint.
Stark’s Lark
Day 11: Damaraland to Omaruru
We were greeted by another spectacular sunrise before breakfast, after which we set out for Twyfelfontein to explore the ancient rock engravings. Twyfelfontein hosts one of Africa’s largest and most significant concentrations of petroglyphs, with over 2,500 individual carvings created by the San people more than 6,000 years ago. The engravings depict animals, human figures, and ritual scenes, providing a remarkable window into early hunter-gatherer life and spiritual beliefs. The site is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Our walk, guided by a very knowledgeable local expert, was fascinating. Along the way we spotted a Dassie Rat, and the guide pointed out Namibian Edelweiss growing just outside the reception area.
Rock Engravings
Along the roadside, we recorded several birds, including Northern Black Korhaan, Purple Roller, Pale Chanting Goshawk, Chat Flycatcher, and White-throated Canary.
After lunch in Uis, we continued to the Omaruru area, aiming to connect with a few special species. While checking in and walking to my room, a White-tailed Shrike hopped across the rocks — our first target of the afternoon. Rosy-faced Lovebirds were also abundant, darting energetically around the lodge.
Later, as we compiled our bird list before dinner, the Freckled Nightjar began calling, and we were fortunate to catch a brief view of it in flight.
Northern Black Korhaan
Day 12: Omaruru to Etosha National Park
After watching the sunrise from their treehouse, the guests joined me for breakfast at the main lodge. From the table, we were treated to an intimate glimpse of wildlife up close: flocks of Rosy-faced Lovebirds, Monteiro’s Hornbills and Dassie Rats with their young scurried among the rocks, offering charming moments of family life in the wild.
While the guests opted to stay in for the sunrise, I set out on an early morning walk through the surrounding scrub and rocky outcrops. The quiet of the morning was rewarded with fantastic sightings of Rockrunner, White-tailed Shrike, Acacia Pied Barbet and the elusive Hartlaub’s Spurfowl moving stealthily through the undergrowth.
White-tailed Shrike
On our way out, we enjoyed good views of Rock Kestrel and Rosy-faced Lovebirds. At our regular tea stop en route to Etosha, Marico Flycatcher put on a fine display. Lunch was at the bakery in Outjo, followed by a quick visit to one of the town’s curio shops. Along the roadside, we added Brown Snake Eagle and our first Tawny Eagle — a welcome sight as raptors had been scarce so far — along with Western Cattle Egret and Pale Chanting Goshawk.
Checking in at the lodge went smoothly, leaving time in the afternoon to relax with a swim. Later, sitting in the garden under the shade of a large tree, I heard a parrot and looked up to see a Rüppell’s Parrot perched directly above us — a stroke of luck! While enjoying the garden, we added several more birds to our list, including Groundscraper Thrush, Golden-breasted Bunting, Cape Starling, Kalahari Scrub-Robin, Green-winged Pytilia, Crimson-breasted Shrike, and White-bellied Sunbird.
Ruppell’s Parrot
Day 13: Etosha National Park
This morning, we were off to Etosha National Park. This Park, one of Africa’s great wildlife reserves, is centered around the vast Etosha Pan—a 4,800 km² salt pan visible from space and believed to have formed from a massive lake that dried up thousands of years ago. During the dry season, its surrounding waterholes attract large concentrations of wildlife, including Elephants, Black Rhinos, Lions, and plains game, making Etosha one of the easiest places in Southern Africa for spectacular game viewing. The park is also rich in birdlife, with over 340 recorded species. Established in 1907, it is one of the oldest protected areas on the continent and remains a cornerstone of Namibia’s conservation landscape.
Our day started with an exciting first mammal sighting: a Black-faced Impala grazing in the early morning light. Birds were active throughout, and we recorded Red-crested Korhaan, Cape Penduline Tit flitting among the shrubs, and small flocks of Violet-eared Waxbills.
As we made our way to Okondeka, the open landscape revealed more wildlife, including a Lion resting in the distance, Springbok grazing, and a solitary Black-backed Jackal. The plains were alive with the calls of Larks and Sparrow-Larks, adding a constant soundtrack to the morning.
A real highlight was encountering around 15 Double-banded Coursers and we also observed numerous Spike-heeled Larks with their young. Northern Black Korhaan females were seen quietly moving through the low vegetation.
Other notable birds included a striking Secretarybird, Plain-backed Pipit, Bateleur, Cape Crow and a Greater Kestrel keeping watch from a nest.
Double-banded Courser
Game was abundant at Okondeka, with large herds of Plains Zebra, Oryx, Giraffe, Springbok, Blue Wildebeest, and Greater Kudu grazing across the plains. Bird activity was also high, including Common Ostrich, Red-billed Teal, Western Cattle Egret, Black-headed Heron, Grey-backed Sparrow-Lark, Rufous-naped Lark, and Red-capped Lark.
We stopped at Okakaukuejo Camp for our usual tea and rusks before continuing towards the Gemsbok vlakte. Along the way, we added Lappet-faced Vulture and White-headed Vulture to our list. Elephants were enjoying the water, while Giraffe and Springbok also came to drink. Waterbirds included Black-winged Stilt and Red-knobbed Coot, adding a splash of color to the scene.
At Olifantbad, we had another memorable Elephant sighting, this time with small calves playing at the water’s edge. A pair of Red-necked Falcons perched in a tree beside the road, offering excellent views. Other birds observed included African Grey Hornbill, Southern White-crowned Shrike, and Great Sparrow. With the day drawing to a close, it was time to leave the Park, carrying with us the sights and sounds of a remarkable day on the plains.
Oryx
Day 14: Etosha National Park
We set out early once again, driving through the park as the morning sun quickly warmed the air. Our drive along the edge of the pan was spectacular, with game gathering around the waterholes along the road. The plains were alive with the calls and movements of Sabota Larks, and we also saw Northern Black Korhaan. A real highlight was a fantastic sighting of Yellow-bellied Eremomela. Across the open landscape, herds of Zebra, Springbok, and Blue Wildebeest stretched as far as the eye could see, creating a vivid tapestry of wildlife.
Zebra and Springbok
At Gemsbok Vlakte, Grey-backed Sparrow-Larks were present in large numbers, along with Black-winged Stilt and Red-billed Teal. Mammals on the plains included Greater Kudu, Hartebeest, Springbok, Zebra, Giraffe, and a Black-backed Jackal. Spike-heeled Larks were once again numerous along the road, providing excellent viewing opportunities.
At Rietfontein, we enjoyed our best sighting of Red-necked Falcon, with three birds perched together in a tree near the road. A Common Moorhen was added to our list after a brief glimpse of it swimming, and a Red-capped Lark posed elegantly on a nearby bush.
Continuing along the route, we encountered strikingly pale Elephants emerging from the pan, while the surrounding plains were alive with large numbers of game and scattered Ostriches.
Elephant
Klein Namutoni was our final stop for the day, and it did not disappoint. Two White-backed Vultures perched near the water, an Elephant took a refreshing swim, and numerous Giraffes came to drink. Warthogs were wallowing in the mud—our first sighting of this charming species.
After checking into our lodge, we went for a short walk. Despite the heat of the late afternoon, we saw Damara Red-billed Hornbill, Black-faced Babbler, Grey-backed Camaroptera, Brown-crowned Tchagra, Red-billed Buffalo Weaver, and many Red-billed Spurfowl, adding a lively mix of birds to the day’s experiences.
Black-faced Babbler
Day 14: Etosha National Park
At breakfast, the call of a Fiery-necked Nightjar set the mood for the day. We spent the morning exploring the eastern side of the park, entering through Von Lindequist Gate. Our first stop was the open plains in search of Cheetah. Although we had no luck, we were rewarded with a Kori Bustard and herds of Springbok and Blue Wildebeest scattered across the landscape.
As we drove toward Koinachas, the traffic increased, hinting at a predator on the move. Sure enough, a male Lion appeared, walking purposefully toward the water. While watching the Lion, we continued birding along the edge of the water and found a Black Crake, and a Chestnut-vented Warbler flitted about a tree right next to the car.
Later, we set off toward Tsumcor in hopes of spotting a Leopard—one can always dream. Along the way, a brief stop for birds turned into a real highlight when we found Burchell’s Sandgrouse feeding openly on the plains, a delightful surprise to add to the morning’s sightings.
Burchell’s Sandgrouse
Bird activity was high at a single termite mound, where we stopped to watch a flurry of movement. Yellow-billed Hornbill, Green-winged Pytilia, Cape Starling, and Kalahari Scrub Robin all made appearances, creating a lively scene.
A herd of Zebra next to the road offered excellent photographic opportunities for the guests. Shortly afterward, we enjoyed a great sighting of a Pale Chanting Goshawk, followed by a Marico Flycatcher.
Arriving at Tsumcor, we noticed a large herd of Eland, along with some Oryx and Giraffe, all keeping their distance from the water. Then we noticed the Lioness a, lying right at the water’s edge, with her male counterpart resting under a nearby tree. The drama continued when a young Elephant bull came striding along and charged the Lioness, prompting her to rise and move away. The antelope and Giraffe remained cautious, hesitant to approach, and only after nearly twenty minutes did they feel safe enough to come closer to drink.
Giraffe and Eland
After all the morning excitement, we stopped at Namutoni Camp for a rest and a cup of tea. On the camp lawn, Groundscraper Thrush and Burchell’s Starling were active, while a Crimson-breasted Shrike flitted energetically among the shrubs. Hidden high in a tree, a Pearl-spotted Owlet kept watch.
Our journey along the waterholes continued. At Klei Okevi, a Secretarybird came down to drink, providing a striking sight. Groot Okevi was livelier, with a herd of Elephant, Greater Kudu, and Giraffe gathered at the water. Suddenly, a Warthog emerged from the bush, sending all the antelope and Giraffe fleeing in alarm. Amid the commotion, a Pale Chanting Goshawk arrived at the water, only to be persistently chased away by a young Elephant, who clearly had no tolerance for intruders at the watering hole.
Secretarybird
With the heat rising and a fantastic morning behind us, we decided to head to the lodge for lunch and a relaxing afternoon. During lunch, a Black-faced Babbler made a charming visit. The restaurant overlooks a dam, where around five species of Dragonfly danced over the water. While watching them, a Little Sparrowhawk suddenly landed and paused to drink, providing an unexpected treat. After this lively interlude, everyone opted for a well-earned rest.
Day 15: Etosha National Park to Waterberg Plateau
After leaving the lodge, we spotted a Kori Bustard and a few Greater Kudu along the way. The drive to the Waterberg was quiet, though a few roadside birds brightened the journey, including Red-billed and Yellow-billed Hornbills and a Pale Chanting Goshawk. We stopped for lunch in Tsumeb before continuing.
Approaching the Waterberg, the view of the looming escarpment was truly spectacular. Once inside the reserve, we encountered Swainson’s Spurfowl and Swallow-tailed Bee-eater. Our accommodation for the night perched atop the Waterberg offered breathtaking views across the landscape. While walking to dinner, we added a few more birds to our list: Alpine Swift, Red-eyed Bulbul, Rock Kestrel, Rockrunner, and a Pearl-spotted Owlet perched openly, providing excellent views. Watching the sunset from the restaurant deck was a special moment, and we ended the day updating our bird list and sharing stories of the fantastic sightings we had enjoyed.
Pearl-spotted Owlet
Day 16: Waterberg Plateau to Windhoek
Our final sunrise over the plains from atop the Waterberg Plateau was breathtaking, accompanied by the calls of Western Barn Owl and Red-billed Spurfowl. As daylight broke, we set out for one last birding walk. The Hartlaub’s Spurfowl called nearby, allowing us excellent views, while Rockrunners also called from the rocks and several appeared in full view—a real treat. Short-toed Rock Thrush, Cape Bunting, and Blue Waxbill all showed well, and a pair of Verreaux’s Eagles soared overhead alongside Alpine Swifts.
After breakfast, a Short-toed Rock Thrush perched right in front of us and called again, and a Common Scimitarbill flew across the road as we made our way out of the reserve. The final bird of the trip was a soaring Black-chested Snake Eagle—a spectacular species to end on, perfectly capping a memorable journey.
Rockrunner
We made a brief stop at a craft market in Okahandja, enjoying the opportunity to browse local handicrafts before having lunch in town. Our final stop was in Windhoek, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through Namibia’s remarkable landscapes and wildlife.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Nature Travel Birding for their seamless organization, ensuring that every aspect of the tour ran effortlessly and allowing us to focus entirely on the incredible birds, mammals, and scenery we experienced along the way.