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GUIDED BIRD WATCHING TOURS TO NAMIBIA

DEUTSCHE SPRACHE
Greater flamingoes
English

Find out more about Wynand & Claudia du Plessis

Wynand & Claudia du Plessis are wilderness lovers and passionate wildlife photographers.

Find out more about us here.

 

Wynand & Claudia du Plessis
Crowned Lapwing
Tour in November 2024

(more information coming soon)

Jan - Feb2024

Guided bird watching tour to Namibia during January / February 2024

Wynand du Plessis is planning his first guided bird watching tour to Namibia during January / February 2024. If you are interested to join this tour, please add your name and contact details in an email by using the button below to open your email application. If enough people show an interest by the end of November 2023, we will be able to provide a final itinerary and prices on the 5th of December 2023. We will use the services of a very well established tour company in Namibia that will make all the arrangements and accommodation bookings, and provides a vehicle and driver. Wynand will join the tour as the expert bird and wildlife guide.

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Yes, I am interested to join the planned tour in January / February 2024

(please provide your name, surname and nationality in your email message)

Lilac-breasted Roller

Guided bird watching tour to Namibia:

This tour is designed on having an enjoyable and inspirational holiday with a bird and wildlife focus. It is not so much about seeing as many different birds and mammals as possible, but rather about having quality observation time when interesting animals are found. We will aim to capture the joy of bird watching and wildlife observation in nature and to rekindle the feeling of being part of wild nature. You will get to know species behaviour and characteristics in greater detail. Such in depth animal encounters are often the most memorable experiences you may have in nature.

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Single night stays will be reduced, and rustic accommodation or camping avoided. Breakfeast and dinner will be served at the local lodge restaurant. Most wildlife and bird viewing are done from the vehicle, and some relaxed early morning or late afternoon walks are included when ever possible and feasible. We rather spend the middle of the day driving to the next destination or to just take time to relax in the beautiful African bush, and make use of the early morning and late afternoon for dedicated bird and wildlife observations.

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Bird and wildlife viewing at night may be offered at a few destinations, but participation is optional. We will not spend much time searching for difficult and/or skulking bird or animal species. These tours are not designed for hardcore birders and listers, or dedicated bird or wildlife photographers, but as indicated before, to capture the joy of bird watching and wildlife observation in nature.

 

Preliminary date:

January / February 2024. Any time between the beginning of January 2024 to the end of February 2024.

 

The green season in Namibia:

The rainy season in Namibia (December to April) is the best time to see most bird species. The duration of rainfall that can be expected in any day during the Namibian rainy season is usually short and over quickly. During most days there will be no rain and lots of sunshine. The only exception is for the far north and north-east of Namibia where there may be flooding rains that last a week or two. For this reason these regions are avoided during this time of the year, as bird and wildlife activity and viewing are severely hampered by continuous rain.

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Black-winged Kite
Grey Go-away-bird

Preliminary Itinerary (14 nights / 15 days):

All guests arrive at Windhoek International Airport and are collected by the driver of the tour operator and myself as the expert bird and wildlife guide. We drive to the first overnight accommodation without spending time in Windhoek.

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Days 1-2: Erindi Private Game Reserve:

Erindi Private Game Reserve is a large protected reserve in central Namibia, about 160 km north of Windhoek. Erindi is the ideal first stopover on our birding tour to explore open savanna bush country from the comfort of our 4x4 vehicle or from numerous game viewing locations. The area is a heaven for birders with more than 280 species of birds recorded.

 

An abundance of small and big game mammals are seen throughout the year, including some mammals very rarely seen elsewhere in Namibia such as the Wild Dog. Erindi offers luxury lodge accommodation surrounded by wild unspoiled nature. 

Blacksmith Lapwing

Day 3-4: Waterberg Plateau Park - Waterberg Wilderness Lodge:

The Waterberg Plateau Park is a vast protected state-owned game reserve of 40500 hectares, with the impressive red sandstone plateau forming a larger part thereoff. The area is ecologically very diverse i.t.o. plants and animals, and more than 200 species of birds have been recorded. Various short hiking trails are situated in the dense bush below the plateau, and one trail leads up on top of the plateau with a grand view of the magnificant rock faces and surrounding flat savanna country. The privately owned Wilderness Lodge offers various cosy accommodation possibilities, including a Plateau Lodge with grand views of the surroundings.

Waterberg Plateau Park

Days 5-6: Onguma Private Game Reserve - Onguma Bush Camp:

The Onguma Private Game Reserve is an exclusive wilderness area situated at the eastern side of the Etosha National Park. This 34000 hectare bush savanna reserve is a bird & wildlife paradise, and more than worthwhile to visit on its own, but the main attraction in this region is the eastern Etosha National Park. 

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More than 340 bird species have been recorded in Etosha, and most of them may be seen at the eastern parts of Etosha, especially during the rainy season. Etosha is teaming with large game, and world famous for it's large concentration of endangered Black Rhinos.

Preliminary Itinerary (14 nights / 15 days):

All guests arrive at Windhoek International Airport and are collected by the driver of the tour operator and myself as the expert bird and wildlife guide. We drive to the first overnight accommodation without spending time in Windhoek.

​

Days 1-2: Erindi Private Game Reserve:

Erindi Private Game Reserve is a large protected reserve in central Namibia, about 180 km north of Windhoek. Erindi is the ideal first stopover on our birding tour to explore open savanna bush country from the comfort of our 4x4 vehicle or from numerous game viewing locations. The area is a heaven for birders with more than 280 species of birds recorded.

 

An abundance of small and big game mammals are seen throughout the year, including some mammals very rarely seen elsewhere in Namibia such as Wild Dog. Erindi offers luxury lodge accommodation surrounded by wild unspoiled nature. 

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Day 3-4: Waterberg Plateau Park:

The Waterberg Plateau Park is a vast protected state-owned game reserve of 40500 hectares, with the impressive red sandstone plateau forming a larger part thereoff. The area is ecologically very diverse i.t.o. plants and animals, and more than 200 species of birds have been recorded. Many short hiking trails are situated below the plateau, and one route lead up on top of the plateau with a grand view of the magnificant rock faces and surrounding flat savanna country. Drives on top of the plateau is offered by the Namibian Wildlife Resort in open 4x4 vehicles, but this is best done during the dry season.

 

Comfortable bungalows are situated just below the plateau, and made from the same red rock as the sandstone cliffs.

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Days 5-6: Mokuti Lodge or Onguma Nature Reserve just east of the Etosha National Park:

Erindi Private Game Reserve is a large protected reserve in central Namibia, about 180 km north of Windhoek. Erindi is the ideal first stop over on our birding tour to explore open savanna bush country from the comfort of our 4x4 vehicle or from numerous game viewing locations. The area is a heaven for birders with more than 300 species of birds seen.

 

An abundance of small and big game mammals are seen throughout the year, including elephant, white and black rhino, lion, wild dog, leopard and even hippo. Erindi offers luxury lodge accommodation surrounded by wild nature. 

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Day 7: Etosha Safari Lodge just south of central Etosha:

Erindi Private Game Reserve is a large protected reserve in central Namibia, about 180 km north of Windhoek. Erindi is the ideal first stop over on our birding tour to explore open savanna bush country from the comfort of our 4x4 vehicle or from numerous game viewing locations. The area is a heaven for birders with more than 300 species of birds seen.

 

An abundance of small and big game mammals are seen throughout the year, including elephant, white and black rhino, lion, wild dog, leopard and even hippo. Erindi offers luxury lodge accommodation surrounded by wild nature. 

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Days 8-9: Ondundu Safari Lodge or Erongo Wilderness Lodge:

Erindi Private Game Reserve is a large protected reserve in central Namibia, about 180 km north of Windhoek. Erindi is the ideal first stop over on our birding tour to explore open savanna bush country from the comfort of our 4x4 vehicle or from numerous game viewing locations. The area is a heaven for birders with more than 300 species of birds seen.

 

An abundance of small and big game mammals are seen throughout the year, including elephant, white and black rhino, lion, wild dog, leopard and even hippo. Erindi offers luxury lodge accommodation surrounded by wild nature. 

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Days 10: Stop over at Spitzkoppe for lunch and bird watching, then drive to the coast and stay at the Protea Hotel in Walvis Bay:

Erindi Private Game Reserve is a large protected reserve in central Namibia, about 180 km north of Windhoek. Erindi is the ideal first stop over on our birding tour to explore open savanna bush country from the comfort of our 4x4 vehicle or from numerous game viewing locations. The area is a heaven for birders with more than 300 species of birds seen.

 

An abundance of small and big game mammals are seen throughout the year, including elephant, white and black rhino, lion, wild dog, leopard and even hippo. Erindi offers luxury lodge accommodation surrounded by wild nature. 

 

Day 11: Protea Hotel in Walvis Bay:

Erindi Private Game Reserve is a large protected reserve in central Namibia, about 180 km north of Windhoek. Erindi is the ideal first stop over on our birding tour to explore open savanna bush country from the comfort of our 4x4 vehicle or from numerous game viewing locations. The area is a heaven for birders with more than 300 species of birds seen.

 

An abundance of small and big game mammals are seen throughout the year, including elephant, white and black rhino, lion, wild dog, leopard and even hippo. Erindi offers luxury lodge accommodation surrounded by wild nature. 

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Days 12-13: Namib Desert Lodge:

Erindi Private Game Reserve is a large protected reserve in central Namibia, about 180 km north of Windhoek. Erindi is the ideal first stop over on our birding tour to explore open savanna bush country from the comfort of our 4x4 vehicle or from numerous game viewing locations. The area is a heaven for birders with more than 300 species of birds seen.

 

An abundance of small and big game mammals are seen throughout the year, including elephant, white and black rhino, lion, wild dog, leopard and even hippo. Erindi offers luxury lodge accommodation surrounded by wild nature. 

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Day 14: Windhoek:

Erindi Private Game Reserve is a large protected reserve in central Namibia, about 180 km north of Windhoek. Erindi is the ideal first stop over on our birding tour to explore open savanna bush country from the comfort of our 4x4 vehicle or from numerous game viewing locations. The area is a heaven for birders with more than 300 species of birds seen.

 

An abundance of small and big game mammals are seen throughout the year, including elephant, white and black rhino, lion, wild dog, leopard and even hippo. Erindi offers luxury lodge accommodation surrounded by wild nature. 

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Day 15: Departure from Windhoek international Airport:

Erindi Private Game Reserve is a large protected reserve in central Namibia, about 180 km north of Windhoek. Erindi is the ideal first stop over on our birding tour to explore open savanna bush country from the comfort of our 4x4 vehicle or from numerous game viewing locations. The area is a heaven for birders with more than 300 species of birds seen.

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Why we have chosen this route at this time of the year:

The selected route at this time of the year is ideal to see most of the typical savanna and desert birds in Namibia, including many of the summer migratory birds from Africa and Europe. Mammals are plentiful and occur in large herds in Etosha and Irindi, but may be scattered all over as plenty of field water is available and animals do not need to visit permanent waterholes during this time. Most bird species breed during the rainy season, and most herbivores and small to medium size mammals have their young during the rainy season. Unfortunately the rainy season is not the best time to see elephant and rhino, or large concentrations of game at waterholes, but it makes up for this lack with many aspects that are only available during the rainy season.

 

Endemic and near-endemic birds in Namibia:

This route also presents the opportunity to find the only true endemic bird in Namibia (the Dune Lark), as well as most of the 14 near-endemic birds (Damara Tern, Hartlaub's Francolin, Ruppell's Korhaan, Ruppell's Parrot, Violet Wood Hoopoe, Monteiro's Hornbill, Damara hornbill, Herero Chat, Rockrunner, Barlow's Lark, Gray's Lark, Carp's Tit, Barecheeked Babbler and White-tailed Shrike).

 

Birds that are likely to be seen (including endemic and near-endemic birds):

The list of birds of southern Africa can be found HERE to download, and the Namibian birds most likely to be seen for this tour are highlighted in yellow. The list includes the English name, scientific name and German name of birds, with a link for each species to the Avibase website where some photos, further links and bird sounds are available.

 

The ease of bird watching and wildlife observations during this tour:

Most bird and animal sighting will be made from a vehicle (in nature reserves and National Parks), but when ever possible we will walk around at suitable places to experience the joy of especially bird watching on foot and be closer to nature. Very easy birding can be expected at most of the accommodation facilities as birds are used to people and may have easy access to water or food.

 

Number of bird species expected to be seen:

About 220 to 250 species are likely to be seen (&/or heard).

 

Mammals most likely to be seen:

Lion; Cheetah; Spotted Hyena, Cheetah, Black-backed Jackal, Bat-eared Fox, Cape Fox, Banded Mongoose, Yellow Mongoose, Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra, Burchell’s Zebra, Damara Dik-dik, Klipspringer, Gemsbok, Greater Kudu, Springbok, Black-faced Impala, Common Impala, Waterbuck, Giraffe, Blue Wildebeest, Steenbok, Warthog, Ground Squirrel, Tree Squirrel and the Cape Fur Seal.

 

Mammals that may be seen if we are lucky are Leopard, Black & White Rhinoceroses and African Elephants.

 

Photographic opportunities:

This tour offers excellent photographic opportunities for landscape and mammals, and good opportunities for bird photography. Please take note that this is not a dedicated photography tour but a bird and wildlife observation tour. To get great bird photos are usually much more time consuming than to get great landscape or mammal photos, and photography is therefore not the main focus of this tour.

 

Top scenic attractions:

Waterberg Plateau Park, Acacia and broad-leaved Savanna of the interior, Etosha Pan and surroundings, Hobatere dry mountainous terrain, Erongo granite mountains, Spitzkoppe Inselberg, Gravel Plains of the Namib Desert, Coastal Estuary at Walvis Bay, Petrified Dunes at the Namib Desert Lodge, Namib Sand Dunes at Sossuvlei and surroundings, Deadvlei and the Gamsberg Pass with great escarpement on the way back to Windhoek.

 

Expected Climate:

Most likely pleasant to hot temperatures with lots of sun, some clouds and a chance of occasional thunder showers in the northern parts of the tour. Sometimes it may rain a lot during one week in the northern parts of the tour, but this is unpredictable and unlikely.

 

Group size & vehicle that we will be using:

Six to eight guests with one dedicated bird & wildlife guide (myself) and one driver from the tour operator. We will have one 4x4 vehicle that can easily accommodate all the people and travel bags without being crowded.

 

Accommodation & meals:

Comfortable lodges, bungalows and hotels (no camping). Breakfeast & dinner are included in the price and will be served at the local lodge restaurant. All other meals and drinks are extra.

 

Recommendations to take with you on this tour:

10x50 Binoculars, digital camera with strong zoom lens (100 to 500mm), wide-angle to 200mm zoom lens for landscape photography, many memory cards and the option to download the photos on to laptop computer, extra battries and charger for your camera and laptop, strong head torch and charger, bird guide book and Bird Apps, clothes, shoes, moskito protection, malaria, etc...………..

................ further info ..........................

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