Namibia birdwatching

Namibia's Coast with its cold, fertile waters is rich with birdlife. With access to the Sperrgebiet Recreation Area and the opportunity to enjoy a boat trip to Halifax Island, the Nest Hotel is a convenient base for birdwatching.

Deep in Namibia's Bwabwata National Park, Kazile Island Lodge sits on a private island in the Kwando River: a must for birders. Scan the surrounding wetland or the towering mangosteen trees from the comfort of your room, or explore on a guided walk, drive or boat trip.

Ondudu Safari Lodge should be high on the list of those visiting Namibia for a birding holiday. The rocky landscape is home to a surprising proliferation of avifauna, including several near endemics and exploring the area on foot is a great way to spot them.

The relatively green oasis of the Waterberg Plateau supports over 200 bird species – including Namibia's only breeding colony of Cape vultures, a highlight for any birdwatcher. Of the lodges in this area, Waterberg Wilderness Lodge is perhaps our favourite.

Visitors at Ongava Lodge benefit from the prolific birdlife on the Ongava Reserve and neighbouring Etosha National Park. Over 340 species have been recorded, including local specials: Namaqua sandgrouse, double-banded courser and yellow-bellied eremomela.

On the banks of the Kunene River, Serra Cafema is one of the most remote camps in Southern Africa. The river’s permanent water and accompanying vegetation provides sanctuary from the surrounding desert, making this a top spot for birdwatching in Namibia.

Exploring with an expert guide on a Schoeman Skeleton Coast Safari is the ultimate opportunity for birdwatching in Namibia. The variety of habitats, ranging from desert to coast to riverine forest, play host to some of the country’s birding highlights.

Deep within the remote Nkasa Rupara National Park, close to the Linyanti River, Jackalberry Tented Camp is a great location for birdwatching in Namibia. A variety of activities allow guests to explore the park’s varied habitats in search of avifauna.

Being on a lush island between the Chobe and Zambezi rivers, Cascade is a top Namibia birdwatching destination. Some of the Okavango's specials are found nearby, as well as highly unusual species like the rock pratincoles, which frequent the rapids.

Kunene River Camp on the banks of the Kunene River is a highlight for birdwatching in Namibia. You can expect both desert and riverine species here, from buzzards and gymnogene to kingfishers and bee-eaters, with aquatic birds also in their element.

Although Cornerstone is a town B&B it is a great stop on a self-drive, birdwatching tour of Namibia. Walvis Bay Lagoon with its plentiful waterfowl is just a short drive away while Swakopmund itself is a perfect base for a guided birdwatching tour.

Ichingo is on a lush island between the Chobe and Zambezi rivers, and this is a top Namibia birdwatching destination. Some of the Okavango's specials are found here, and highly unusual species like the rock pratincoles, found in bubbling rapids.

Most visitors to Etosha National Park are drawn by the chance to see Namibia's lager wildlife. However, guided 4WD safaris into the park combined with a small hide at the lodge make Mushara Outpost a good pick for a birding trip to Namibia too.

The Mahango Core Area’s varied habitats support the largest variety of avian species in Namibia, making it a perfect place for birdwatching. While Shametu River Lodge isn't the closest camp to Mahango, it is one of our favourites in this area.

Ongava Tented Camp, on the Ongava Reserve and close to Etosha National Park, is a fantastic place for birdwatching in Namibia. Local specials include Namaqua sandgrouse, short-toed rock thrush, acacia pied barbet and yellow-bellied eremomela.

One of only a few camps located inside Namibia's Bwabwata National Park, Nambwa Tented Lodge is well placed for visitors to this top birdwatching location, whose diverse range of habitats includes reed-fringed waterways and mature woodlands.

Okonjima boasts birdlife typical of Namibia's Central Highlands. The guided or self-guided walks pass by a variety of watering points, including dams, lakes and even bird-baths – making a lovely addition to a Namibian birdwatching break.

Namibia's largest wetland area with conservation status, Nkasa Rupara National Park boasts more species of bird than anywhere else in the country. Nkasa Lupala is ideally located for birdwatching be it on foot, by vehicle or by boat.

Namibia's Mundulea Reserve has excellent guiding and some first-class birding. The environment ranges from kopjes to open plains, with a good variety of birds such as Rueppell's parrot, paradise flycatchers and plenty of raptors.

Pelican Point Lodge is a secluded base for part of a Namibia birdwatching holiday. Come for flocks of sea-birds, including damara terns, cormorants and pelicans – and nearby perhaps flamingos in the protected Walvis Bay Wetlands.

For many, the draw of the Etosha Heights Reserve is the chance to see some of Namibia's larger animals. However, with a superb split-level hide and expert guides, Safarihoek Lodge also offers some very rewarding birdwatching.

Walvis Bay is a popular destination for birdwatching in Namibia. Many species can be seen in the Walvis Bay area, ranging from Namibia’s endemic Dune Larks to the migrant Ruddy Turnstones and resident Damara Turns To Make.

For birdwatching in Namibia, the guided and self-guided walks around Okonjima can be excellent. The lodge itself also has a variety of watering points, bird-baths, dams and lakes that help to attract the local birdlife.

Birding at Ongava Reserve and Etosha make a great addition to a Namibia birdwatching break, with over 300 species of bird, including the violet wood-hoopoe, bare-cheeked babbler, red-necked falcon and Carp's tit.

Whilst perhaps not the spot for unique species sightings, the sheer volume of birds inhabiting the river banks near Chobe Water Villas makes it a great spot for birdwatching in Namibia.