Kaoko-Damara, a guided Safari
Kaoko-Damara, a guided Safari in Namibia, exploring the untamed beauty of Kaokoland and Damaraland, venturing into the Erongo region, and discovering game-rich protected areas.
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Avifauna – Namib to Zambezi 2025 (Nov)
November 2025
The guided birding tour with natural history specialities.
Namib, Etosha, Okavango, Chobe, Zambezi to Victoria Falls
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Overview
This safari traverses diverse habitats, showcasing a rich variety of birds, small animals, well-known African mammals, and impressive flora. It is a journey both ornithological and photographic in nature, as the dedicated search for birds, patient observation in areas of animal concentration, and a shared love for nature create excellent photographic opportunities.
The expedition takes you through Namibia’s various biomes:
- Acacia savannah of the central Khomas Highlands.
- Dunes and expansive lichen fields of the Namib Desert.
- Atlantic Ocean, sandy beaches, and tidal flats of the Walvis Bay Lagoon (a UNESCO World Heritage site).
- Granite outcrops and volcanic formations of the Spitzkoppe and Erongo, a haven for endemic species.
- Etosha National Park with its Mopane savannah, natural springs, Tamboti forests, and saltbush plains.
- Jackalberry and Manketti nut tree forests, papyrus-lined wetlands, lagoons, and floodplains of the Okavango, Zambezi, and Chobe, offering a diversity of flora and fauna rarely found in any other African country.
- Victoria Falls, a small rainforest filled with surprises.
This journey through Namibia’s varied ecosystems ensures not only the sighting of a wide range of species but also the experience of extraordinary photographic moments along the way.
Highlights
- Experienced tour guide, proven concept!
- 350 species guaranteed
- Birding & Nature Photography
- Small group with max. 7 people
- Habitat diversity: desert, savannah, forest & water
- Optimal bird watching at proven sights
- Endemics, near endemics and rare birds
- 25 years of birding experience
Accommodations:
All lodges, guest farms and hotels on this trip offer you the necessary comfort of upper middle class – accommodation with “en suite” bathrooms. All accommodation is ideally situated for the benefit of good viewing and correct route logistics regarding Namibia’s long driving distances.
Map
Overview
Detailed itinerary
Accommodation:
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 optimise route planning for the extensive driving distances in Namibia.
Day 1
10.11.2025
- 1 overnight stay at a lodge in the midst of the Daan Viljoen National Park, next to a small reservoir within the acacia savannah of the Khomas Highlands.
inclusive:
- Dinner, bed and breakfast
Birding in the acacia forest and rocky hillsides of the Khomas Highlands
We depart from the airport, guiding you straight into the heart of nature. If we set off early, exploring a nearby dam and its adjacent wetland would be a valuable opportunity to acquaint yourself with the captivating world of Namibian water birds.
The lodge’s tranquil surroundings provide an excellent setting to ‘arrive’ and unwind after the lengthy flight.
During a leisurely birding walk, we encounter baboons, rock hyraxes, greater kudu, wildebeests, and some giraffes.
The tree-lined landscape at the lodge offers initial encounters with the lively White-browed Sparrow-weavers and the colourful Rosy-faced Lovebirds. Palm swifts gracefully descend from the palms, and amid other swallows and swifts, you might catch sight of Bradfield’s swift.
Exploring the nearby rocks, we hope to catch a glimpse of the Orange River Francolin and the majestic Verreaux’s Eagle. The first endemics, Rockrunners, and Monteiro’s Hornbill, are sure to make an appearance, and we meticulously scan the tall trees for African scops owls.
This inaugural birdwatching adventure sets the stage for an exciting and fulfilling journey through Namibia’s diverse birdlife and natural landscapes.
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- Cisticola juncidis, also aus Sträuchern kommend, Bezug auf Lebensraum.
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- Uraenginthus angolensis, da er wohl aus Angola entdeckt wurde.
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- Ploceus rubiginosus, also rostfarben…
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- Euplectes orix, nach Oryza, welches Reis bedeutet, da sie gern in Reisfeldern weiden.
Day 2
11.11.2025
- Enjoy a one-night stay at a captivating lodge boasting remarkable architecture and breathtaking vistas of the Namib Desert and the mesmerizing erosion valleys of Gaub Canyon.
inclusive:
- Dinner, bed and breakfast
The Dune Lark and its relatives
In the acacia savannah of the Namibian plateau, our exploration reveals not only some African mammals but also the semi-endemic Monteiro’s Hornbill, various Cisticola species, and the familiar Crimson-breasted Shrike, well-known throughout Africa. Our birdwatching checklist grows with additions like Bradfield’s Swift, Ashy Tit, Black-faced, Violet-eared, and Common Waxbill, Stark’s Lark, Short-toed Rock Thrush, Barred Wren-Warbler, and possibly the Orange River Francolin.
As we journey over the western Escarpment, breathtaking vistas unfold before us. Along the way, we pause to investigate the impressive Sociable Weaver nests, as Pygmy Falcons often play the role of nest-busters here. With a bit of luck, we may spot Cinnamon-breasted Warblers amid the granite formations of the Western Escarpment.
The Dune Lark, Namibia’s sole true endemic bird species, awaits as a wonderful focal point for observation. It’s not just the captivating rust-red, brown, and orange hues of this bird that fascinate, but also the awe-inspiring landscape it calls home—a true delight for nature enthusiasts.
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- Die Rotdünenlerche, Calendulauda erythrochlamys, kann in den bewachsenen Dünen im Namib Rand Nature Reserve gefunden werden.
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- Siedelweber am großen Siedelwebernest
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- Siedelweber am großen Siedelwebernest
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- Die Ludwigstrappe, Leonotis ludwigii, ist ein halb-Endemit der Namib Wüste
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- Ammomanopsis: Ammos = sand, manes = lieben, opsis = sieht aus wie… gray: John Edward Gray, engl. Ornithologe
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- Torgos tracheliotos, das knorpelige Ohr
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- Eupodotis rüppelii
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- Die Karoo Langschnabellerche, Certhilauda subcoronata, wird im südlichen Namibia anhand ihres langen Pfiffes oft entdeckt und beobachtet.
Day 3 & 4
12 & 13.11.2025
- 2 nights in a very centrally located small hotel with North Sea character.
inclusive:
- Bed and breakfast (dinner a la carte in the restaurant not included)
Through the oldest desert to the Atlantic…
The Namibian coast presents a rich array of diverse habitats for birdwatchers, provided you know how to navigate them effectively. We traverse the seemingly lifeless gravel plains of the Namib in search of the long-tailed Eremomela, Rufous-eared Warbler, and Gray’s Lark.
Who would have imagined encountering a plant almost as ancient as the Ginko biloba, first discovered by an Austrian named Welwitsch in 1859? Amid the dunes of Kuiseb, we set out to find the somewhat lighter-hued version of the endemic Dune Lark and Gray’s Lark, alongside the Trac Trac Chat. The Walvis Bay Lagoon offers a diverse array of wading birds, which can be enjoyed to the fullest during the summer months, from October to March. We are well-acquainted with the west side and secret paths that promise excellent sightings of the Damara Tern, various other terns, and of course, numerous sandpipers, ducks, and literally thousands of Flamingos.
In Swakopmund, you can savour a good coffee under the palm trees, photograph the Orange River White-eye, and explore well-stocked bookshops for ornithological literature.
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- Phoenicopterus roseus, man kommt in der Walvis bay Lagune sehr nah an sie heran.
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- Phoeniconaias minor, da er kleiner sei.
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- in Walvis Bay stehen tausende Flamingos auf dem Watt
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- Der Nutt, Calidris canutus, kam früher in großen Schwärmen vor, heute jedoch nur noch einzeln.
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- Die Damaraseeschwalbe, Sternula balaenarum, brütet an der Westküste Namibias. Es wurde 2021 eine Winterbrut im tiefen Südwesten entdeckt.
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- Die Graukopfmöwe, Croicocephalus cirrocephalus, kann an ihrem gelben Auge von der Hartlaubmöwe unterschieden werden.
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- Oranjeschmätzer, Emarginata tractrac, auf einer Welwischia sitzend.
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- Der Rotohrsänger, Malcorus pectoralis, in der Nähe des Rössingberg inmitten der kargen Namibwüste gesichtet
Day 5
14.11.2025
- 1 night in the midst of the northern Erongo at an idyllically located high-quality bush camp or bush lodge, where you often have the endemic bird species right outside your doorstep.
inclusive:
- Dinner, bed and breakfast
Spitzkoppe & Erongo
While spotting the Herero Chat may be more challenging, the region it inhabits offers a breathtaking birding, geological, and photographic experience. The Spitzkopje, also known as Bushman’s Paradise, presents numerous opportunities for birdwatching. Klipspringers gracefully scale the rock faces, and the granite terrain is adorned with thick-stemmed “Elephant’s Foot” trees. Among our target bird species, in addition to the commonly seen Short-toed Rock-Thrush and Mountain Wheatear, are the schlegelii subspecies of the Karoo Chat, Layard’s Warbler, and the Black-backed Puffback with its striking red eye.
On well-established trails tucked away in the remote corners of a private farm in the Erongo region, we’ve uncovered small bird paradises where we’d love to join you in seeking out some of the more elusive bird species.
Even before dusk settles in, we tune our ears to the calls of the hardy Hartlaub Francolin, capturing photographs of Rockrunners alongside Cape- and Cinnamon-breasted Buntings, the vocal Mountain Wheatear, and the Bokmakierie.
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- Die Benguela-Langschnabellerche, Certhilauda benguelensis, kann nördlich der Spitzkoppe gefunden werden.
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- Klippspringer inmitten wunderbarer Felsformationen an der Spitzkoppe
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- Klippensänger, Achaetops pygnopygius, auf den Granitfelsen der Omandumba Farm.
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- Das Hartlaubfrankolin, Pternistis hartlaubi, ist als Halb-Endemit eine der gesuchtesten Vogelarten Namibias und lebt meist in Granitlandschaften.
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- Der Fleckentoko, Tockus monteiri, imponiert als Halb-Endemit hier auf einem Weinrebengewächs auf der Spitzkoppe.
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- Der Erdschnäpper, Lanioturdus torquatus, lockt die Beobachtung mit seinem raspelndem Ruf auf sich. Ein halb-Endemit der Namibia Halbwüste seltener Schönheit.
Day 6, 7 & 8
15, 16 & 17.11.2025
- 1 overnight stay at a tented lodge directly at the south entrance / Andersson Gate of Etosha Park.
- 2 overnight stays at the natural but high-quality tented camp in the Terminalia Forest
inclusive:
- Dinner, bed and breakfast
Remark:
Our Land Cruisers, specially converted for game viewing, have wide window seats and the lever roof is opened at the water points. So you can comfortably take photos sitting and standing up.
Etoscha Nationalpark
Etosha National Park, often referred to as the “Great White Place,” spans over 22,000 square kilometres and ranks among Africa’s most wildlife-rich parks. While the thrill of spotting a lion by the roadside or encountering a herd of elephants is undeniable, it’s essential to recognize that Etosha’s landscape is harsh, and its wildlife faces challenging conditions.
In this unique environment, keep an eye out for the Etosha Agama and the elegant Blue Crane, as well as the remarkable Termite mounds that serve as territorial markers for Rufous-naped Larks. Amidst dense vegetation, you may also spot the diminutive Damara Dik Dik Antelopes.
Etosha’s diverse habitats, including grasslands, dry forests, floodplains, and dense acacia scrub, contribute to its extensive biodiversity. This diversity ensures that you’ll encounter not only a wide array of species but also a multitude of different birds and animals within this national park.
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- Dieser Mähnenlöwe bewachte seinen Elefantenkadaver mehrere Tage lang.
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- Die Rostbrust-Rötelschwalbe, Cecropis semirufa, kommt im Namibiasommer gern in den Etoschapark.
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- Die Sabotalerche, Calendulauda sabota, ist hier im Etoschapark mit der Unterart C.s.waibeli vertreten.
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- Die Safarifahrzeuge von Leaflove Safari sind speziell für die Tier- und Vogelbeobachtung umgebaut worden.
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- Der Schwarzgesicht-Drosselhäherling, Turdoides melanops, ist ein sehr begehrter Vogel, da er recht selten zu finden ist.
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- Der Mopanetoko, Tockus rufirostris, und der Damaratoko, Tockus damarensis, kreuzen sich am südlichen Etoscharande bei Halali
Days 9, 10, 11 & 12
18, 19, 20 & 21.11.2025
1 overnight stay at a bird-rich lodge situated along the upper Okavango River. This stop serves as a strategic point for dividing the journey, providing an opportunity to explore the abundant birdlife in the surrounding area.
1 overnight stay on a nice lodge near Mahango National Park in Namibia.
2 nights at a beautiful lodge directly in the birder’s paradise Shakawe, where the Okavango panhandle shows many sought-after species. (located in Botswana)
inclusive:
- Dinner, Bed and breakfast
- Boat trips on the Okavango
- Game drive into Mahango or Bwabwata National Park.
Kavango / Okavango
Our visit takes us to Mahango National Park, and despite its relatively modest size, this park boasts a wealth of wildlife. Here, you can expect to encounter the rare sable and roan antelopes, along with giraffes, elephants, lechwe, waterbuck, and reedbuck, all congregating along the banks of the Okavango River.
In the lodge’s garden, keep an eye out for the Amethyst sunbird, Brown-, Jameson’s-, and Red-billed Firefinches, White-browed Robin-Chat, and Meyer’s Parrots.
We’ll embark on flatboat excursions to explore further, seeking out the African Skimmer, Open-billed Stork, Rufous-bellied Heron, Green-backed Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, and numerous other new bird species. With a stroke of luck, we might even spot sought-after species like the Slaty Egret and White-backed Night-Heron. And don’t forget the majestic Pel’s Fishing Owl, which has been sighted in this area!
Our sightings have also included the exquisite Narina Trogon, making our journey through Mahango National Park a truly remarkable and rewarding experience.
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- Eine Fülle an Diversität ist am Ufer des Okavango zu sehen. Hier treffen sich Antilopen und Gänse
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- Der Weißrückengeier, Gyps africanus, sitzt zu hunderten auf den totenäumen des Mahango Nationalpark
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- Poicephalus meyeri, nach Bernhard Meyer
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- Gyps africanus, ein typischer Afrikageier
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- Tockus bradfieldi – nach Rupert Bradfield, einem Farmer und Naturalist
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- Cinnyricinclus leucogaster – weißer Bauch
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- Apaloderma narina – Blume in der Sprache der Khoi
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- Scotopelia peli – named after H.S.Pel governor of Gold Coast (Ghana)
Day 13
22.11.2025
- 1 overnight stay on the banks of the mighty Zambezi at a lodge with a beautiful birding garden.
inclusive:
- Dinner, bed & breakfast
- Boat trip on the Zambezi
Zambezi
The Zambezi River, with its numerous divisions into long linear islands and tributaries, has seen its wildlife somewhat diminished due to the dense Lozi population in the area. However, on a boat trip, you’ll have fantastic photo opportunities to capture various turacos and water birds. These include the rare African Finfoot, Half-collared Kingfisher, Slaty Egret, Yellow-throated Leaflove, Eastern Nicator, Lesser Jacana, and a variety of bee-eaters.
Of particular note is the Southern Carmine Bee-eater, which breeds along the Zambezi’s banks from August onwards. Witnessing this ornithological marvel is a must-see experience.
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- Der Schalowturako, Tauraco schalowi, wude nach dem deutschen Ornitholohen Hermann Schalow benannt und kann im Waldstück bei den Victoria Wasserfällen und am oberen Zambezi schön gesehen werden.
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- Auf den Floodplains des Chobe bei Kasika sind Rubinkehlpieper zu finden.
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- Atimastillas flavicollis – gelbe Kehle
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- Podica senegalensis – aus senegal. Ein scheues Tier, schwierig zu finden.
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- Half Collared Kingfisher / Kobalteisvogel
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- Megaceryle maxima – am größten
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- Ardeola rufiventris – roter Bauch
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- Microparra capensis – aus dem Kap
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- im November werden Jungvögel gefüttert
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- Der Karminspint, Merops nubicoides, brütet ab Ende August in den Uferbänken des Okavango, Kwando und Zambezi
Days 14 & 15
23 & 24.11.2025
- 2 nights on the Kasika
“Floodplain” directly opposite Sedudu Island, which is heavily populated with buffalo, on a very photographer-friendly family-run small lodge with very individual attention.
inclusive:
- Full-board
- Here the game drives are done by boat. The flat aluminium boats are very comfortable (you also have a lot of space) and are sturdy and quiet, so they are great for wildlife viewing and photography.
Chobe National Park, Kasika in Caprivi East
Our journey leads us to the Chobe River, a remarkable meeting point of Namibia, Zambia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, offering one of Africa’s densest wildlife populations. Each year, the Chobe River floods numerous shallow islands, creating a thriving ecosystem with an abundance of food.
As we explore this region, we’ll encounter numerous elephants lining the riverbanks, and if we’re lucky, we might even witness them swimming—a fantastic opportunity for photographers. The flat islands are grazed by buffalo, impala, the rare grass antelope known as the “Puku,” and Waterbuck. Lying Nile crocodiles can be seen on the shores, occasionally coming quite close.
During our boat cruise, flocks of Open-billed Storks, Whistling Ducks, Spur-winged Geese, and Pratincoles will pass overhead. Slaty Egrets will grace us with their presence along the shore, and the remarkable Black Heron will impress with its unique fishing technique of forming its wings into a bell shape. Kingfisher enthusiasts can rest assured that there will be ample opportunities for photography.
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- Mit Nestmaterial im Schnabel fliegt der Nimmersatt auf die hohen Feigenbäume der Chobe Inseln
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- Nettapus auritus – grüner Fleck am hals
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- Haliaeetus vocifer
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- Der Afrikascherenschnabel, Rynchops flavirostris, brütet auf den schnee-weißen Sandbänken des Chobe.
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- Der Rotschnabel-madenhacker, Buphagus erythrorhynchus, hat mit seinem Schnabel eine Schnittwirkung, weniger Zupfwirkung, und ist daher von Büffeln geduldet.
Day 16
25.11.2023
- 1 overnight stay near Vic Falls at a beautiful lodge.
inclusive:
- Overnight stay & breakfast (dinner a la carte in the restaurant not included)
Transfer to Vic Falls / Hotel & to the airport
Services NOT included:
- US$ 50 for visa
- US$ 50 entrance fee to the falls (please bring separately)
Victoria Falls and the unique biotope at the falls
In 1855, David Livingstone described this area in awe: “The whole scene was extremely beautiful; the banks and islands dotted over the river are adorned with sylvan vegetation of great variety of colour and form…no one can imagine the beauty of the view from anything witnessed in England. It had never been seen before by European eyes; but scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.”
Here, an imposing bank at Victoria Falls is adorned with a dense forest of Cape figs, ferns, water pears, and majestic baobabs. Trumpeter Hornbills indulge in the lush figs and berries, while the vibrant Schalow’s Turaco, with its striking red wings, calls out in a thrilling manner.
Hidden away in the undergrowth, the Thrush Nightingale swims in secrecy, and the Bronze Mannikin flits among the ferns.
With over 470 bird species recorded in this area, it stands as a hotspot for nature enthusiasts.
Additionally, Zimbabwe is home to many talented artists, and you’re likely to come across some remarkable artworks or engage with fascinating individuals during your visit.
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- Victoria Falls
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- Der Trompeterhornvogel, Bucanistes bucinator, kann im Wald bei den Victoria Wasserfällen in den großen Ficus sur / capensis / Kapfeigen beobachtet werden.
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- Lybius torquatus – mit Halsband. Hier an einer reifen Mango
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- Erythropygia quadrivirgata – viergestreift.
Day 17
Wednesday, 26.11.2025
sadly the time for departure has arrived…
inclusive:
- Transfers to the chosen airport, as well as further transfers to accommodation or international airports.
Flight logistics in Africa
Victoria Falls Airport provides connectivity to a wide array of airports. For international travelers, we recommend exploring connecting flights through Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Windhoek to ensure a seamless and convenient journey.
Booking and flights
This trip is organised in cooperation with Birdingtours GMBH.
You may book this trip there and have the flights booked there as well.
You can also book the flights directly and book the trip with us. (This is recommended if you need extra days or services).
Indicative prices for 2025
| Participants | per Person |
|---|---|
| 2 Person | $11'567.60 |
| 3 Persons | $9'209.20 |
| 4 Persons | $8'031.10 |
| 5 Persons | $7'584.50 |
| 6 - 7 Persons | $7'254.50 |
| singe supplement | $1'210.00 |
Services included
- Transport in travel- and safari-friendly four-wheel drive Toyota Landcruiser
- Transfers as indicated in the itinerary
- Window seat / individual seat for each participant
- Accommodation and meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Activities as indicated in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to the national parks and sights in the itinerary
- trilingual experienced tour guide
- Guided tour in German, guide can also speak English and Afrikaans
Services not included
- personal expenditure
- Drinks and tips
- International flights
Indicative prices for 2024
| Participants | per Person |
|---|---|
| 2 Person | $11'567.60 |
| 3 Persons | $9'209.20 |
| 4 Persons | $8'031.10 |
| 5 Persons | $7'584.50 |
| 6 - 7 Persons | $7'254.50 |
| singe supplement | $1'210.00 |
We are happy to answer frequently asked questions in advance
Is this a twitcher tour where it's all about collecting species?
Primarily, our tours are not geared solely towards twitching, allowing ample time for observation, photography, and enjoying the rich birdlife. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that this is a birder tour, where our focus remains on actively calling, locating, and observing birds. Naturally, other aspects of nature are also integral to the trip, and we are equally enthusiastic about providing information on plants, reptiles, or mammals.
Is this trip well-suited for observing Namibian endemics?
Yes, indeed. The trip offers a healthy mix of diverse habitats. You will encounter numerous endemic species, as well as others not exclusive to Namibia. If your focus is specifically on endemic species, exploring an individual trip might be worth considering.
Am I in the right place as a bird photographer?
You undoubtedly have ample time for photography. We are flexible, patient, and more than willing to capture unique moments ourselves. However, if you have very specific photo preferences, an individual trip might be the optimal solution.
Is it likely to be inconvenient to be in a group with German-speaking participants?
Not at all, as our guides are fluent in multiple languages, and most Germans are proficient in English, fostering a seamless connection through our shared passion for birdwatching.
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This page was last updated on 28. August 2024 @ 11:18
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