Avifauna – Namib to Zambezi 2025 (Nov)
Avifauna Namib to Zambezi in November 2025, the guided birding tour with natural history specialities.
Namib, Etosha, Okavango, Chobe, Zambezi to Victoria Falls
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.
2 nights at a selected top-notch lodge in the heart of the linear dune landscape of the Kalahari.
After a long flight, the desire for the feeling of “arrival” and the pleasure of basking in the warming sun are always top priorities. We welcome you directly at the airport and take you to a charming lodge amidst the fascinating orange dune landscape of the Kalahari.
The Kalahari stretches in its waterless, impressive expanse, and perhaps that is precisely why only the Bushmen dared to settle here.
Our journey takes us through the camel thorn savannah of the central plateau until we reach the various linear dune landscapes, white limestone ridges, and extensive salt pans of the Kalahari.
What makes the Kalahari so fascinating is, above all, its colours! The dark orange dune landscapes and the brown-green camel thorn forests make it a true paradise for photographers. On the way, we encounter gigantic sociable weaver nests in ancient camel thorn acacias – with a bit of luck, you might even spot a Cape cobra, as it tends to raid the nests of the communal Sociable Weaver birds.
1 night at a high-quality lodge WITHIN the Namib Naukluft Park. We take advantage of the exclusive privilege of this lodge, allowing us to be in the dunes before sunrise and after sunset. This unique opportunity provides landscape photographers with an invaluable advantage!
1 night at a beautiful lodge situated amidst the landscape interplay of dunes, petrified dunes, linear oases, and expansive gravel plains of the Namib.
Dinner, bed and breakfast
A dune landscape bathed in morning light, especially the tallest of its kind worldwide, presents an unforgettable scenic view. The path of the Tsauchab River to the ocean has been cut off by wandering dunes, giving rise to a clay pan depression known as “Sossusvlei.” Surrounded by ancient camel thorn acacias and vibrant thorny !Nara plants, Sossusvlei is encircled by stunning tall red star and crescent dunes.
Once at the top, undertaking the vigorous hike is rewarded with a fantastic panoramic view.
The Tsauchab Riverbed also features another geological erosion attraction. Ox wagon drivers had to bind six thongs together to draw water from this gorge, naming the place “Sesriem Canyon.” Take some time for a short hike into the canyon; it’s well worth it.
2 nights in a secure accommodation in Swakopmund, personally tested and selected by us.
Explore Walvis Bay, just 30 km south of Swakopmund, with its stunning 11,000 ha lagoon—a natural wonderland. Witness thousands of seabirds, seals, dolphins, and occasional whales and sunfish at this World Heritage Site.
The gravel plains of the Namib stretch out before us, occasionally interrupted by distant mountain peaks or a shimmering horizon. On the long, straight roads, occasionally accompanied by a small dust cloud, we deliberately traverse and explore, away from the main routes, the granitic sculptural landscapes, ancient erosion valleys, and dried riverbeds.
An almost eerily silent environment, yet often home to giraffes, zebras, and antelopes, and with a bit of luck, even cheetahs. We embark on foot to visit the cave of two geologists, whose story is recounted in the book “Wenn es Krieg gibt, gehen wir in die Wüste” – so please lace up your hiking boots.
We explain and showcase the world-famous “Welwitschia mirabilis” (1500 years old), lichen fields, and the erosion valley of the dry Swakop River, also known as the “Moon Landscape.”
Swakopmund, a charming coastal town, invites you to a leisurely stroll, sunbathing in good weather, sightseeing modern and colonial landmarks, and enjoying coffee. Private coffee roasteries, a renowned gin distillery, various artists, and a noticeably relaxed atmosphere tempt you to linger longer. The city also houses the best-managed private museum in the country, an oceanarium, a crystal gallery, and an idyllic bathing bay named “Mole.”
1 night in a fairytale landscape, surrounded by monstrous granite spheres in a selected tented lodge
Even from a distance, Namibia’s most famous “inselberg,” the Spitzkoppe, stands out like a natural monument emerging from the flat gravel plains of the Namib.
Indigenous people have painted clearly visible scenes of hunting and wildlife on the smooth granite walls. The landscape appears enchanting, offering beautiful photo opportunities.
The gigantic granite spheres of the Erongo make a striking impression, as visitors feel almost “dwarfed” between the towering rock walls of these magma mountains. Some legendary rock paintings, semi-endemic bird species, and a remarkable semi-desert flora await hikers or strollers.
Bushman Walk (optional): Here, we encounter authentic Bushmen who are eager to open your eyes through a short hike. You’ll learn how to set traps, use herbal remedies, and go hunting. Additionally, you’ll see how a fire can be easily ignited and how beautiful jewellery can be crafted from ostrich eggs.
2 nights amidst marvellously gigantic granite bubbles at a specially chosen lodge.
Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp – Standard Lazy Tent Chalet
The Huab Dry River and its tributary Awa-Huab traverse the fascinating desert region in the picturesque west. The banks of the Huab are lined with impressive Ana trees, also known as “Winter Thorn Acacias,” whose red pods are gladly consumed by desert-dwelling elephants. Equipped with all-wheel drive, as navigation in this challenging landscape is demanding, we are well acquainted. We navigate through deep sand, follow the tracks of the pachyderms, admire ostrich and springbok herds, explore fascinating succulents, and hope to encounter the sought-after desert elephants. The encounter with such nature in this semi-desert is unforgettable.
In the “Roadside” program, you will experience additional highlights: 4000-6000-year-old petroglyphs at “Twyfelfontein,” the “burnt mountain,” and basaltic “organ pipes.” About 200 million years ago, huge, prehistoric “Cordaites” trees were washed here in large mud floods from Central Africa, and through petrification, they now present themselves as remarkably peculiar geological formations.
2 nights in the central area of the national park at a good private lodge outside the park or in a semi-state Waterhole Chalet directly at the world-famous Okaukuejo waterhole.
2 nights at a good lodge located in the eastern part, directly adjacent to the park.
Our Land Cruisers have been specially modified for wildlife observation, providing spacious window seats. Additionally, the rooftop can be opened at watering holes, allowing you to comfortably take photographs while sitting or standing.
The Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s richest wildlife reserves, despite its dry nature. The impressive 4000km² salt-pan on the southern shore generates artesian springs, known as “contact springs,” and particularly attracts a variety of wildlife, especially in drier and warmer seasons. The central area of the park is open and dotted with acacias, the central part features a dense mopane forest, while the east extends into a dry forest. Each vegetation zone hosts different species of animals.
During your journey through the park, you will be able to observe many animals, and with luck, you may achieve optimal sightings of elephants and predators. Patience and early rising are often rewarded.
As we know many of our guests specifically come to Namibia for wildlife observation, we have also planned two overnight stays in the eastern part of Etosha Park. Here, the lush vegetation and numerous springs guarantee a higher density of animals, and the chance to see lions is particularly high. Encounters with dwarf mongoose, paradise cranes, and not uncommonly rhinos make this area particularly interesting.
1 night at a lodge of the Africat Foundation. All lodges here are comfortable and tastefully furnished.
In Okonjima, the home of the “Africat Foundation,” significant efforts are dedicated to the conservation and research of various wildcats, primarily cheetahs and leopards. A successful observation of wild leopards is almost guaranteed here, and other cats such as cheetahs and lions can also be seen.
During a safari with local guides/experts in open all-terrain safari vehicles, photographers can fully indulge in their passion, as consideration is given to their needs. Well-guided walks and safaris provide visitors with insights into the nature and workings of the project.
Many of your guests opt to combine the final leg of their journey with the airport transfer and check-in during the afternoon. However, recognizing that some prefer to explore the city further or minimize the last-day stress, you arrange an extra night in Windhoek or a stylish accommodation near the airport upon request.
Namibia boasts excellent connectivity, with various airlines departing from either Windhoek, the capital, or Walvis Bay, providing flexibility for your travel preferences.
Additionally, some guests choose to enhance their experience with an added component, such as a fly-in to the Caprivi, a visit to the Okavango Delta, or a few days in Cape Town. The choice is entirely yours, and you’re here to accommodate your preferences.
Today, as we journey along the north-south connecting route, our pace is brisk, allowing for ample time in the capital. You can use this time to shop for Namibian handicrafts as souvenirs or indulge in a final delicious game steak paired with Namibian beer.
In the afternoon, we’ll provide transportation to either the airport or a recommended accommodation. We’re here to assist with booking transfers and any additional logistics you may require, ensuring a seamless experience for your onward journey.
Participants | per Person |
---|---|
2 Persons | 9.566'00 $ |
3 Persons | 7.790'00 $ |
4 Persons | 6.902'00 $ |
5 Persons | 6.369'00 $ |
6 Persons | 6.013'00 $ |
7 Persons | 5.760'00 $ |
single supplement | 757'00 $ |
We have incorporated a healthy mix of “regular” and extremely high-quality lodges. However, all accommodations, even if they are tented chalets, are safe, comfortable, and equipped with private bathrooms.
Please remember that it can get quite chilly in July. Expect sunny days, clear air, cold nights, and warm days. An excellent time for wildlife observation in Etosha Park!
Usually at Hosea Kutako International Airport in the capital Windhoek. However, Walvis Bay is served daily from Johannesburg and Cape Town and is an excellent starting and ending point, as many of our guests allow themselves a few days of relaxation in Cape Town or Swakopmund after the trip.
If you would like to book the flights including seat reservations through a travel agency, we would be happy to recommend Ms Natalie Hirt from Passage Reisen. Otherwise, please book the flights on the internet. We will be happy to advise you on which flights would be suitable.
I would love to talk to you about this personally, since we would have to find something which suits your interest, budget and timeframe…
This Safari was last updated on 5. December 2024 @ 15:46.
Avifauna Namib to Zambezi in November 2025, the guided birding tour with natural history specialities.
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Avifauna Namib to Zambezi in February 2025, the guided birding tour with natural history specialities.
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