Namibia Birding Tours

Tours

Namibia – Journey to the Caprivi Strip Birding Tour

Join us on an incredible birding journey through Namibia's diverse landscapes in one giant loop.

20 days

Namibia is a must for any avid birder seeking a birding tour to Africa. It boasts remarkable landscapes, range specific bird species, an abundance of wildlife, and well-established infrastructure.

The southern and western regions are dominated by the striking Namib Desert, featuring stark stony plains in the north and south, separated by expansive sand seas. Cutting through the heart of the country is the Namibian escarpment, primarily adorned with arid woodlands and hosting numerous specialized bird species.

Far to the north, past the renowned Etosha National Park, lies the flat expanse of Ovamboland, home to a significant portion of Namibia’s 1.5 million inhabitants. Bordering Angola, the Cunene River delineates the northern boundary and is a hotspot for unique bird species. East of Ovamboland, the narrow strip of land along the Kavango and Zambezi Rivers forms the Caprivi Strip, offering a distinct tropical birding experience compared to the rest of the country with the Slaty Egret and Sharp-tailed Starling being targets.

While Namibia boasts just one true endemic, the Dune Lark, a range of near-endemics finds refuge here, extending marginally into Angola but more easily spotted in Namibia. These include Gray’s Lark, Rüppell’s Korhaan, Herero Chat in the Namib Desert, and escarpment specialists like White-tailed Shrike, Violet Woodhoopoe, Rockrunner, Bare-cheeked Babbler, Rüppell’s Parrot, Carp’s Black Tit, and Hartlaub’s Francolin.

The Cunene River basin in northern Ovamboland stands as a prime spot globally for the Cinderella Waxbill, while the southern African region exclusively hosts Grey Kestrel and Rufous-tailed Palm Thrush in this area.

The coastal regions shouldn’t be overlooked, offering abundant sightings of waders, shorebirds, pelicans, herons, and the fascinating Damara Tern and Cape Fur Seals at the Walvis Bay Wetlands. Species like African Black Oystercatcher, Hartlaub’s Gull, South African Shelduck, Cape Cormorant, Cape Gannet, White-fronted Plover, Chestnut-banded Plover, and Terek Sandpiper also thrive in this coastal habitat.

There’s no doubt, that once you’ve been to Namibia, it will take your heart. It will set deep in your blood and you’ll be changed forever. It such a wonderful destination, not only visually, but the culture too. An unmissable destination and one of Sustainable Birding’s top 5 countries to visit.

Tailor-made Tours
Scheduled Group Tours
When to visit
Weather
What to Bring

Tailor-made info Namibia

At Sustainable Birding, we don’t offer ready-made, off-the-shelf birding tours. Our approach is deeply personalised—we meticulously craft each of our tours in Namibia from scratch, ensuring every detail aligns with your unique preferences. From the savannah of the Masai Mara to the lush forests of Kakamega and the coastal beauty of Arabuko Sokoke, our team of seasoned birding experts use our comprehensive knowledge to tailor your birding holiday, guaranteeing an experience perfectly attuned to your specific requirements.

All our birding tours in Namibia are expertly guided by our passionate, knowledgeable and experienced Namibian tour leaders. They are some of the best guides on the planet! So, give us a call or drop us an email and let’s talk Namibia!

Reasons to go on a Tailor-made Birding Tour

• Select the exact dates that suit your schedule.
• Choose the ideal time of year for your birding adventure.
• Travel alongside your preferred companions—be it family, friends, or fellow birders.
• Set your pace—whether fast or brisk.
• Customise within your personal budget, from luxurious to budget accommodations or a mix.
• Craft a tour that matches your specific interests—whether intense birding, leisurely exploration, photography, culture, music, wine, botany, butterflies, herpetology, geology, diving, hiking, and beyond.
• Our team is here to cater to your interests and ensure a fulfilling birding holiday.

Scheduled Group Namibia Birding Tours

Explore our selection of Scheduled Group Birding Tours in Namibia. These groups tours have been designed to fit different birding preference and time restraints. Typically, our group tours are more affordable, and allow people to meet up and make lifelong memories with fellow birders. All our group tours are small and come with an expert Tour Leader, having groups no bigger than 6 individuals, so you still get that intimate feeling and the full attention of the Tour Leader.

Please refer to our Birding Calendar for tour schedules, dates, and fixed prices.

Best time of year to visit:

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

Namibia boasts a predominantly arid to semi-arid climate that varies significantly across its diverse regions. Along the coast, influenced by the cold Benguela Current, temperatures are cooler, and rainfall remains low year-round. Coastal mornings often feature fog, creating a distinct atmospheric quality.

Moving inland to the central plateau, temperatures are more moderate, with hot days and cooler nights. This region experiences sporadic rainfall, primarily between November and April, during the summer months.

The northern parts, including the Caprivi Strip, receive comparatively higher rainfall with a more tropical climate. The rainy season from November to April brings lush greenery and increased humidity.

Namibia’s climate exhibits notable day-to-night temperature fluctuations due to its arid nature. Days can be scorching, especially in desert regions, while nights tend to be cooler.

Ensure to wear light, breathable clothing for daytime, including long sleeves and trousers for sun protection, and pack warmer attire for cooler evenings. Don’t forget to include a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to shield against the strong sun, as well as sturdy footwear suitable for varied terrains.

Mosquito repellent is crucial to ward off insect bites, and taking anti-malarial tablets is highly recommended.

Equipment such as high-quality binoculars tailored for birdwatching is essential and if you have a good working camera and lens, then please bring it with you! A comprehensive field guide specific to the country’s birds, such as Field Guide to the Birds of East Africa by John Fanshawe & Terry Stevenson would be recommended.

*Remember that when you book a Namibia birding tour with us over 14 days, we will send you a new complementary field guide!