From the acacia savannah of the Khomas Highlands across the Namib and the Atlantic to Etosha and the Waterberg.
Our own 22,000-hectare conservation area with twelve reservoirs – a lark paradise.
Crystal-clear springs, old fig trees and good chances of Layard’s Warbler and Verreaux’s Eagle.
We search for Namibia’s once only endemic, together with Sossusvlei and the Sesriem Canyon at first light.
Hidden paths to Damara Tern, Lesser Flamingo and – in season – thousands of waders.
Granite domes, home to Herero Chat, Hartlaub’s Spurfowl and Rockrunner.
Contact springs with chances of bustards, a rich lark community and large raptors above the pan.
Five vegetation zones – with luck Bradfield’s Hornbill and Rüppell’s and Meyer’s Parrot in one tree.
Led by a naturalist with decades of Namibian birding behind him.
The Kunene with the Ova-Himba people, plus chances of Cinderella Waxbill and Cave Chat.
Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed – but we know the places and times that offer the best chances.
On the road: our Toyota Land Cruisers are specially converted for wildlife observation, with wide window seats and a pop-up roof that is opened at the waterholes. A window seat and a single seat for everyone – photograph comfortably, seated or standing.
Every habitat crossed on this safari offers a rich variety of birds, small creatures, characteristic African mammals and remarkable botany. The journey runs through the central biotopes of Namibia – from the acacia savannah of the Khomas Highlands across our own Nomtsas conservation area and the folded mountains of the Naukluft into the Namib, on to the Atlantic, the granite world of Spitzkoppe and Erongo, Etosha National Park and the Waterberg.
Why this journey is ornithological and photographic: the intensive search for birds, the patient waiting at places of animal concentration and the shared interest in nature create very good photographic moments. Whoever looks for birds picks up everything else along the way.
You travel in a small group with a guide who has known Namibia’s birdlife for decades. The lodges are chosen for their position and what can be observed from them, not for their star rating – so the drives stay short and the early mornings are spent where they belong: outside.
The journey is built around 17 days and extends by four days into the Kaokoveld on the Kunene, where Cinderella Waxbill and Cave Chat are waiting.
We carefully plan our tours during the seasons when Namibia’s birdlife is at its most diverse—a time when not only the country’s resident species are thriving, but also numerous intra-African and Palearctic migratory birds enrich the landscape. Our goal is to offer you the widest possible variety of species through high-quality birding experiences.
Namibia’s summer begins in September, as the first migratory birds return from their wintering grounds. By October, more species arrive from Central Africa and the Northern Hemisphere, significantly expanding the country’s bird diversity. As temperatures rise sharply from November, the peak summer heat makes December and January less ideal for travel, which is why we offer only limited departures during these months.
The Namibian summer lasts until April. From January to March, rainfall from the Indian Ocean brings seasonal showers, most notably in the northern and eastern regions. Many bird species respond nomadically to these rains, making February to April a particularly exciting period for birding. However, heavy rains can occasionally impact road conditions in certain areas.
In exceptional rainy years, which occur every few years, the Kalahari becomes an outstanding birding destination, as nomadic species flourish in response to the abundant water supply.
In summary: The best months to experience, observe, and photograph Namibia’s birdlife in all its diversity are from mid-October, November, February, March, and mid-April.
All accommodations on this trip provide the essential comfort of upper-middle-class standards, featuring “en suite” bathrooms. Furthermore, their strategic locations are chosen to enhance your wildlife viewing experience and optimize route planning for the extensive driving distances in Namibia.
All lodges offer comfortable rooms with en-suite bathrooms. They are carefully selected to provide the best conditions for observation while keeping the route logistics sensible for the long distances of Namibia.
We assume here that you take the Eurowings Discover / Lufthansa flight FRA – WDH – FRA, or arrive earlier, or take another flight that lands in the morning.
After arriving at the airport we head straight into nature. If we start early enough, a detour to a nearby reservoir is worthwhile to find the first Namibian waterbirds.
Our first lodge lies just outside the capital and offers ideal access to first-class birding hotspots: species-rich acacia country, rocky schist hills and the reservoir with its varied habitats.
In the acacia savannah of the Namibian highlands, alongside a few African mammals, we can expect Monteiro’s Hornbill, several cisticolas and the striking Crimson-breasted Shrike. Further highlights are Bradfield’s Swift, Ashy Tit, Violet-eared and Black-faced Waxbill, Black-throated Canary, Short-toed Rock Thrush, Barred Wren-Warbler and, with a little luck, the scarce Orange River Francolin.
This fourth-generation family farm combines ecological principles, sustainable farming and a deep affection for the Namibian semi-desert. We have exclusive use here, so the early and late hours belong entirely to undisturbed farm drives, walks and observation.
Our 22,000-hectare wilderness holds twelve shallow reservoirs that serve as a refuge for numerous waterbirds. In good rainfall years – January to March – Greater Painted Snipe breed here and hundreds of waders and waterbirds fill the plains.
The farm is a lark paradise: Karoo Long-billed Lark, Sabota Lark, Sclater’s Lark and Fawn-coloured Lark are present all year. Across the wide grasslands, bustards and Double-banded, Temminck’s and Burchell’s Coursers chase termites. In the glandular acacias the scarce Rufous-eared Warbler can be found with a little patience.
Besides the birdlife we often meet giraffe and antelope. A working part of the farm is dedicated to nature-friendly cattle ranching, and we are happy to give you an insight into it.
The Naukluft is a largely undiscovered destination with a rich variety of interesting birds, such as Layard’s Warbler (Curruca layardi) and the Lesser Honeyguide. In the tall fig trees along crystal-clear springs we find Rosy-faced Lovebirds and, again and again, unexpectedly good sightings of Jackal Buzzard or the imposing Verreaux’s Eagle.
Our drive across the western escarpment offers breathtaking panoramas. Along the way we stop to admire the enormous Sociable Weaver nests, often shared by Pygmy Falcons. With luck we spot the shy Cinnamon-breasted Warbler among the granite.
A special highlight is the Dune Lark, once Namibia’s only endemic. Its rufous to orange plumage makes it almost invisible in the endless expanse of red dunes and golden grasses.
The dunes in the morning light are an unforgettable sight. Besides the birds we encounter fascinating reptiles and the Nara plant, a survival artist of the desert. On ecologically responsible game drives we explore the silent dune valleys.
Finally we reach Sossusvlei, where huge shifting dunes have cut off the Tsauchab river. Here the highest dunes on earth rise into the sky – the climb rewards with a spectacular view. To finish, we visit the Sesriem Canyon, a gorge shaped by water that offers deep insight into Namibia’s geological history.
Namibia’s coast offers an impressive variety of habitats – provided you know how to get close to the birds. We cross the seemingly lifeless gravel plains of the Namib in search of Karoo Eremomela, Rufous-eared Warbler, Tractrac Chat and Gray’s Lark. Who would have thought of finding a plant here almost as old as Ginkgo biloba, discovered by Welwitsch in 1859?
The Walvis Bay lagoon holds numerous waders, present in great variety especially between October and March. Thanks to our local knowledge we head for hidden paths to give you excellent views of the Damara Tern, further tern species and many sandpipers.
Of course we also visit the Bird Paradise in the dunes east of the lagoon, where grebes, ducks and Lesser Flamingos make fantastic subjects.
In Swakopmund you enjoy good coffee under palm trees, can photograph the Orange River White-eye and browse the bookshops for ornithological literature.
Finding the Herero Chat is not straightforward, but the area of this bird is a breathtaking destination for birders, geologists and photographers alike. The Spitzkoppe with its Bushman’s Paradise offers plenty of birding, klipspringers race up the rock faces and stout butter trees adorn the granite. Besides the usual Tractrac and Mountain Wheatear, target birds are the schlegelii race of the Karoo Chat, Layard’s Warbler and the red-eyed Black-backed Puffback.
On a private farm in the Erongo we know small bird paradises where we happily track down the trickier species with you, along with interesting mammals such as the Dassie Rat and the Round-eared Elephant Shrew. Before first light we listen for where Hartlaub’s Spurfowl intends to spend its day, and photograph Rockrunner alongside the neatly marked Cinnamon-breasted Bunting, the loud Mountain Wheatear and the Bokmakierie.
Our Land Cruisers are specially converted for wildlife observation, with wide window seats, and at the waterholes the pop-up roof is opened. You can therefore photograph comfortably, seated or standing.
Etosha National Park, the great white place, covers more than 22,000 km² and is one of the most game-rich parks in Africa. A snow-white, greenish pan is fringed by constantly changing vegetation. The wildlife has lost its fear of vehicles and offers excellent opportunities for observation and photography.
Several antelope species such as springbok, red hartebeest, wildebeest, steenbok, Damara dik-dik, the rare black-faced impala and oryx are found right beside the road. Predators such as lion are seen regularly, leopard and cheetah rather less often. Pachyderms such as the rare black rhino, elephant and of course giraffe are at home here too.
Kori, Red-crested and White-quilled Bustards are seen regularly, and a rich lark community of Eastern Clapper, Red-billed, Sabota and Red-capped Lark awaits us. Burchell’s Sandgrouse quenches its thirst around midday; Double-banded Sandgrouse we see shortly after sunset. Expect good raptors here such as Martial, Wahlberg’s, Booted, African Hawk and Tawny Eagle.
Bradfield’s Hornbill is often admired here, calling loudly high in the trees. In the afternoon we reach the Waterberg with its five vegetation zones on the striking sandstone plateau and wonderful walking opportunities. The colourful birdlife and the close encounters with chacma baboons, rock hyrax and Damara dik-dik leave unforgettable impressions.
The Waterberg is the only area I know of where Rüppell’s and Meyer’s Parrot might be found together in one tree. Between the dense vegetation, Grey-backed Camaroptera, Long-billed Crombec, Yellow-bellied Eremomela and the sought-after Rockrunner keep appearing – alongside notable vegetation and insects, it stays interesting throughout.
…until we meet again
Today we visit a few birding hotspots near Windhoek, depending on which species are still missing. Here we have one more chance to catch up photographically on an endemic such as the Violet Woodhoopoe or Rüppell’s Parrot, or even to find the Rock Martin, before we say goodbye in the afternoon and drive to the airport.
Please note: the expedition for the Cave Chat requires a fair level of fitness – we start at 5:00 in the morning and climb into the Zebra Mountains. If you are less fit we concentrate on the waxbills and add a boat trip to see riverine birds.
The Kunene is an exceptional birding destination, impressive for its varied landscape and fascinating birdlife. A particular challenge is the Cinderella Waxbill, which hides skilfully in the small dry riverbeds of this striking area.
Naturally we also make a detour to Ehomba, where we hope for the scarce Retz’s Helmetshrike in the trees. At the makalani palm grove along the Kunene we expect White-browed Robin-Chat and, with luck, even the Grey Kestrel. At dusk the Bat Hawk may be seen hunting over the river. In the dense riverine growth we look for the endemic cunenensis race of the Red-necked Spurfowl.
The Swamp Boubou, the scarce White-browed Coucal, the melodic call of the Bronze-naped Pigeon, the conspicuous Golden Weaver and, with luck, a passing African Golden Oriole offer a welcome change from the dry savannah birds of the semi-desert.
A great advantage of this route is that on the way back we drive through Ovamboland into the north-eastern part of Etosha National Park. This region offers a further set of completely new species, including numerous wetland and woodland birds not found in the open landscapes of the Kaokoveld.
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If your main interest is abundant wildlife—especially mammals—September to November is ideal, as animals gather around shrinking water sources and sightings are frequent.
In contrast, February to March is fantastic for birdlife, with migratory species and breeding activity at its peak, but larger mammals can be more dispersed and harder to spot.
The risk of mosquito bites is very high in the months of January to May and you should definitely take precautions and protect yourself against mosquito bites. The months of June to November are hardly dangerous, but you should still protect yourself from mosquito bites and/or even take prophylaxis.
Flight Option & Cape Extension
You can also choose to fly via Cape Town to Walvis Bay, giving your journey a fresh twist by starting and ending it a little differently. And if you have the time, we’d be happy to guide you at the Cape as well—it’s absolutely worth it.
Best Time for Birding
If you’re coming for the birds (and really, who isn’t?), the best time to travel is from October to April. You’ll catch a wealth of migratory species, and many resident birds are breeding during the lush green season. We even make a dedicated trip to southern Namibia in March just to photograph Sclater’s Lark. Yes, they’re that special.
Definitely! You will have to change trains once, but you will gain a lot of time on connecting routes and will be overwhelmed by the birdlife at the World Heritage Site of the lagoon immediately after arrival. We strongly encourage you to start all your trips in Walvis Bay, as this is stress-free and safer.
In a time when flight bookings are just a few clicks away, it may seem old-fashioned to involve a travel agent. But when it comes to navigating the ever-changing world of air travel—delays, reroutes, strikes, cancellations, and the charming surprise of “you no longer have a seat”—working with a real human still has very real advantages when unexpected challenges arise, such as:
Delays and last-minute flight changes
Strikes or changes made by the airline
Seat changes without prior notification
The need to rebook during your trip
Especially in those moments—just imagine being on safari while these changes occur—it is incredibly helpful to have a reliable contact person who handles everything quickly and professionally.
Even if booking flights through a travel agency may seem slightly more expensive, it is absolutely worth the investment. The service, support, and peace of mind it provides, particularly in problematic situations, are priceless.
We’ve had consistently excellent experiences with the following agencies – they are professional, fast, and reliable.
Please make sure to always mention that you are booking through Leaflove Safari / Albert Voigts.
This is the only way we can ensure that all flight times are accurately recorded and that we can coordinate with the agents to perfectly align the itinerary with your travel plans – e.g. for organizing transfers, airport greetings, or handling last-minute changes.
📱 +264 81 249 8760
✉️ ticketing@tokkiestravel.com
➡️ Anja has already assisted many of our guests – reliable, fast, and solution-oriented.
📱 +264 81 202 6002
✉️ sonja@moloafricatravel.com.na
➡️ Sonja is also highly experienced and particularly helpful when it comes to last-minute rebookings.
This Safari was last updated on 7. October 2026 @ 6:50.
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Larks & Deserts, birding the southern Namibian Biomes & Deserts; Individual Ornithology & Nature Photography Tour in Southern Namibia
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