Small-Group Namibia Birding & Wildlife Tour

A small-group 13-day Namibia birding and wildlife circuit through the Namib, Damaraland, Etosha and Waterberg, with an estimated 275-325 species.

  • Namibia
  • 13 days
  • Group 2-4 people
  • Difficulty: easy
  • From: $6,150
  • Public tour
  • Pace: Easy
  • City: Windhoek
Small-Group Namibia Birding & Wildlife Tour
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White-backed Mousebird - © James F Wittenberger and Exotic Birding LLC

About this tour

This small-group 13-day circuit moves from Windhoek across Namibia's central plateau to the Namib Desert, Atlantic coast and northern game reserves. Birding begins around the airport, Avis Dam and Daan Viljoen before crossing the Khomas Hochland and Spreetshoogte Pass. Sunrise in the Namib and fieldwork near Sesriem precede the journey to Walvis Bay.

The coastal section covers the Kuiseb Riverbed, saltworks, Pelican Point and Swakopmund. From there the route passes Brandberg, Spitzkoppe and the Erongo Mountains before entering Etosha National Park for birding and wildlife drives across its western, central and eastern sectors. Waterberg Plateau provides the final full field session. The published bird estimate is 275-325 species, while mammals form an additional wildlife component without guaranteed sightings.

The tour is rated easy, with nearly all observation from vehicles or roadsides, although early starts are common. Namibia's dry season runs from May to October, when mammals tend to gather around water, while bird breeding and Palearctic migrants are more prominent from November to April. Send an inquiry through BirdWatch to discuss seasonal priorities, dates, availability and final pricing.

Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Windhoek

Land in Windhoek and prepare for the birdwatching route to follow. Begin birdwatching on the airport grounds upon arrival. In the afternoon, combine birdwatching with a game drive in Daan Viljoen Reserve. The overnight base is Arrebusch Travel Lodge.

Day 2
Birding at sewage ponds and around

Use the morning session to continue birdwatching at sewage ponds and around Avis Dam. Around the middle of the route day, make the drive across the Khomas Hochland to Namibgrens. The itinerary uses Namibgrens Guest House for the overnight.

Day 3
Birding and game drive along roads

In the morning, explore birdlife and game drive along roads near Namibgrens. By mid-morning, descend Spreetshoogte Pass while birdwatching toward the lowlands. The afternoon brings time to explore birdlife near Sesriem. Accommodation for the night is at Weltevrede Guest Farm.

Day 4
Start to visit the Namib dunes

Before dawn, explore the Namib dunes for sunrise. Continue through the remaining daylight with birdwatching along the lowland corridor between the desert and Naukluft Mountains while traveling toward Walvis Bay. Overnight at Desert Dreams B&B.

Day 5
Birding along the Kuiseb Riverbed south

Begin the field day with time to focus the field session along the Kuiseb Riverbed south of Walvis Bay. In the afternoon, focus the field session at the Walvis Bay saltworks and Pelican Point. The day finishes with accommodation at Desert Dreams B&B.

Day 6
Departure for morning birding around Swakopmund

Start early with morning birdwatching at Swakopmund Saltworks, north of Walvis Bay. Then head north into Damaraland in the direction of Brandberg Mountain with birdwatching along the way. Proceed to Spitzkoppe. Keep the field program going through the remainder of the day with birdwatching there. Tonight's stay is at Lodge near Spitzkoppe.

Day 7
Morning birding around Spitzkoppe

Open the field day early and spend time birdwatching around Spitzkoppe. Then travel eastward into the Erongo Mountains near Omaruru. Continue for the rest of the daylight with birdwatching there. The planned overnight is at Ondudu Safari Lodge.

Day 8
Morning birding in the Erongo Mountains

Early in the morning, focus the field session in the Erongo Mountains. After breakfast, travel to Okaukuejo in western Etosha National Park. Continue the birdwatching program and wildlife safari after arrival there. Accommodation for the night is at Okaukuejo NWR Resort.

Day 9
Birding and wildlife drive across Etosha's

Spend field time birdwatching during a wildlife drive across Etosha's western and central sectors. The itinerary uses Halali Rest Camp for the overnight.

Day 10
Birding eastern Etosha National Park

Focus the field session at eastern Etosha National Park. The overnight base is Namutoni Rest Camp.

Day 11
Travel to Waterberg Plateau

The first part of the day is used to proceed to Waterberg Plateau. Later in the day, spend time birdwatching there. Stay overnight at Waterberg Resort.

Day 12
All morning birding Waterberg Plateau

The route now includes birdwatching throughout the morning at Waterberg Plateau. The second half of the day is used to make the onward journey to Windhoek with birdwatching along the way. Accommodation for the night is at Arrebusch Travel Lodge.

Day 13
Depending on flight schedule, early birding

Use this part of the day for early birdwatching around Windhoek, depending on the flight schedule around Windhoek. Travel to the airport. The tour concludes there.

Locations & map

  • Windhoek - Namibia

Availability & pricing

Availability: Available on request · Season: Available on request

Package Amount
Per person, small group (2-4) $6,150 / person

Send inquiry

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