White-backed Vulture / Weissrückengeier am Luder

Hartlaub's Spurfolw / Hartlaubfrankolin auf Hobatere

Rubinkehlpieper auf den Floodplains des Chobe

Halsband-Brachwalbe auf Fels im Okavango

Lechwe Moorantilope steht neben Sporengänsen

Malachite Kingfischer / Haubenzwergfischer

Retz's Helmetshrike / Dreifarben-Brillenvanga

Cape Glossy Starling / Rotschulter Glanzstar

African Green Pigeon / Rotnasen-Grüntaube

Warblers & Pachyderms, a Birding Safari with Natural History

Individual guided birding and nature photography tour from northern Namibia to Victoria Falls in the north-east.

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Warblers & Pachyderms, a Birding Safari with Natural History

Overview

This trip combines ornithology and photography seamlessly as we actively seek out birds, patiently linger in wildlife hotspots, and share a mutual appreciation for nature, resulting in excellent photo opportunities. Our expert guides from Leaflove Safaris are the ideal leaders for this journey, ensuring a rich experience filled with diverse animals and birds, and ample chances for observation and photography. We’ve carefully designed the itinerary to maximize the variety and quantity of wildlife encounters.

From the arid Mopane savannah to the lush palm oasis of Kunene, the open grassy steppes of the pans to the dense dry forests in the eastern part of Etosha National Park, and the water-rich Manketti forests to the mudflats, rivers, and lagoons of Caprivi, Namibia’s diverse habitats offer a unique array of animals and plants. This incredible variety sets Namibia apart from other African countries. By embarking on this journey, you’ll have the opportunity to fulfill your expectations and build a rich list of sightings.

Highlights

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 optimize route planning for the extensive driving distances in Namibia.

Map

Schedule:

Days 1 & 2

Experience 2 nights on a spacious private Wildlife Protectorate,
created with lots of idealism and love for animals, and featuring special protection efforts for rhinos.

Days 3 & 4

Hobatere Concession in Damaraland
Semi-endemics such as Bare-cheeked babbler and Carp's Tit can already be found in the garden among mopane trees.

Days 5 & 6

Cinderella waxbill and the Ova-Himba people
long hikes, scramble up the Mountains and a little luck lead us to Cave Chat and Cinderella Waxbill.

Days 7, 8 & 9

Game viewing in Etosha National Park
Larks of various kinds, even wading birds and some forest dwellers. Species-rich Etosha.

3 - Day Supplementary programme

The Naye Naye Pans in Bushmanland
only after sufficient rains...we want to explore the different pans of this natural and touristically untouched wilderness and take hundreds of photos of various water birds in a wonderful dry forest setting.

Days 10 & 11

Kavango / Okavango
The change of the Okavango, its riparian vegetation and lagoons, dense teak forests and dry bush land provide the suitable habitat for numerous birds.

Days 12 & 13

Kwando in Caprivi Central, Bwabwata National Park
The Kwando/Linyanti/Liambezi alluvial river basin is characterised by wide reed belts, numerous lagoons and wide floodplains in the course of the river, which is why numerous and a great variety of game and offers relaxed and wonderful birding.

Days 14 & 15

Black-bellied Bustard in Nkasa Rupara Park?
The Namibian Okavango Delta, a true wilderness where lions still laze around on termite mounds and Scrub Robins call loudly through terminalia forests.

Day 16

Zambezi
African Finfoot, Lesser Jacana, Half-collared kingfisher and other rare species hide in the riparian scrub of the mighty Zambezi. Active search for the "Leaflove" and Eastern Nicator.

Days 17, 18 & 19

Chobe National Park, Kasika in Caprivi East
Private boat trips to the bird-rich shores of the Chobe. Flocks of numerous Open-billed Stork, Whistling Duck, Spur-winged Goose and Pratincole pass overhead during the boat cruise. Slaty Egret show themselves on the shore and the Black Heron impresses with its remarkable way of fishing by forming its wings into a bell. Kingfisher photography guaranteed!.

Day 20

Victoria Falls and the unique spray rainforest biotope at the falls
A dense forest of Cape figs, ferns, water pears and large baobabs line this imposing bank at the Victoria Falls.

Day 21

Vic Falls Airport is connected to a wide variety of Airports. We suggest connecting international flights via Johannesburg, Cape Town or Windhoek.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1 & 2

arrive and settle in…

Meet your tour guide at the airport.
In the vehicle you will find a welcome pack with map & route description

Experience 2 nights on a spacious private Wildlife Protectorate, created with lots of idealism and love for animals, and featuring special protection efforts for rhinos.

inclusive:

Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Locally guided Drive in open Game-viewer

Private Nature Reserve in the Etjo Sandstone Formation

After arrival, we will introduce the breathtaking Etjo mountains and hill formations, adorned with their rich, red hues, set amidst the dense acacia savannah to you.
The red-crested korhaan will serenade us with their calls, and we will make regular stops to observe and photograph the myriad of “roadside birds.”
Here, amidst this picturesque landscape, you’ll find the remarkable fungus termite mounds that can reach heights of up to 5 meters. Along the way, be prepared for occasional warnings from the majestic greater kudu and the ever-present warthogs, while the charming faces of klipspringers will undoubtedly captivate your attention.
As you arrive at the renowned Mount Etjo, you’ll have your first encounters with Namibia’s magnificent wildlife. In this extensive game reserve, we will embark on open-air safari drives, encountering various antelope species but also catching glimpses of the white and black rhinoceros, elegant giraffes, and, with a bit of luck, the majestic lions and elephants that roam these lands.

Day 3 & 4

a babbler with naked ears…

2 nights in a bungalow at Hobatere Lodge, a prime base for exploring Namibian semi-endemic species.

inclusive:

Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
3x Locally guided Drives in open Game-viewers

Hobatere Concession

This is a truly untouched nature experience, allowing wildlife to follow the daily rhythm of Africa. Here, you can anticipate encounters with the endemic Hartmann’s mountain zebra, numerous antelope, and graceful giraffes. While sightings of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and elephants are a matter of luck (and some expertise), the opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat is a thrilling possibility.

Our focus in this area centers on its remarkable birdlife. Keep an eye out for the Bare-cheeked Babblers, Little Sparrowhawk, and African Scops Owlets, which are frequently spotted in the garden. During the midday break, you can watch Rüppell’s parrots as they visit the waterhole, and capture moments of Carp’s Black Tit singing in the surrounding Mopane trees.

As we explore the southern gorges, we’ll be on the lookout for Kunene and Hartlaub Francolins. On our night drives, the chance to spot Bronze-winged Coursers and various Nightjars arises at certain times of the year, making for a captivating nocturnal adventure.

Day 5 & 6

beautiful rump on a waxbill…

2 nights at a rustic lodge directly on the Kunene River at Ruacana.

inclusive:

Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Locally guided expedition in search of Cave Chat and Cinderella Waxbill (Attention!) This trip requires some fitness as we scramble up the Zebra Mountains at 5:00am to find the Chat… if you are less fit, we will concentrate on the Waxbill and take an additional boat trip to see shorebirds.

Cinderella Waxbill and tribe of the Ova-Himba

Our journey takes us to the north-western border river of Namibia, the Kunene, in search of the rare Cinderella Waxbill and the elusive Cave Chat. Along the way, we’ll traverse a picturesque landscape graced by the meandering palm groves of the Kunene River, offering a unique habitat for bird species that are exclusive to this region.

Here, we have the opportunity to spot fascinating birds such as the Rufous-tailed Palm Thrush, the Red-necked Spurfowl (ssp. afer), and with a stroke of luck, the elusive Grey Kestrel. Keep an eye out for the African Harrier Hawk and other bushveld birds that make this area their home.

Additionally, for those interested, we can make a brief stop at a Himba village, providing valuable insights into the culture and lifestyle of these pastoral people.

Day 7, 8 & 9

Vultures and co….

1 night on Namibia’s Little Serengeti, the Andoni Plain at an impressive lodge.

2 nights at a good lodge situated in the eastern dry Terminalia-forest, directly adjacent to the park.

inclusive:

Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Comment:

Our Land Cruisers, specially converted for game viewing, have wide window seats and the sunroof opens at the watering holes. So you can comfortably take pictures sitting down or standing up.

Etoscha National Park

Our journey through Ovamboland takes us past indigenous villages nestled in the “oshanas” (flood plains) of the north. As we traverse this region, keep an eye out for Mosque Swallows among the majestic baobab trees, and you might even spot some Angolan Swallows.

Continuing our drive, we arrive at Andoni Plains, an excellent hideaway for Pink-billed and Eastern Clapper Larks. At the artesian fountain, you can observe a variety of wetland waders and water-related birds, including the graceful Whiskered Tern.

Etosha National Park, often referred to as the “Great White Place,” spans over 22,000 square kilometers 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.

seasonal insider’s tip:

This additional program is exclusively available for booking and becomes truly rewarding when the Naye Naye pans are filled with water. In favorable rainy years, these pans undergo a brief but remarkable transformation, hosting a temporary explosion of life that attracts thousands of diverse bird species.

During the last bird count, participants also enjoyed significant elephant sightings, and a thrilling moment unfolded when wild dogs seized a warthog right in front of the birdwatchers. This program is a must if there has been substantial rainfall, typically from March to July, when the pans come alive with wildlife activity.

3 – Day Supplementary programme

only after sufficient rains…

3 nights at a rustic lodge near the Naye Naye pans.

inclusive:

Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Remark:

Our specially equipped vehicles are designed with photographers in mind, featuring a lever roof and high-suspension for optimal visibility and comfort. With four-wheel drive capabilities, we navigate the challenging terrain of this wilderness, ensuring that our journey is akin to a constant expedition, offering you the best opportunities to capture stunning photographs.

The Naye Naye Pans in Bushmanland

Our journey continues eastward, leading us to Tsumkwe, the capital of Bushmanland. Over the next few days, our focus is on exploring the various pans within this natural and untouched wilderness, capturing hundreds of photographs of diverse water birds set against the backdrop of a captivating dry forest.

An exciting opportunity awaits as we also have the chance to visit the Bushmen, who are welcoming and open to being photographed by guests. The landscape is adorned with magnificent baobab trees, and if luck is on our side, we might spot the elusive leopard orchid in bloom.

While the elephant population in this area tends to be elusive, a stroke of luck could lead us to encounter wild dogs as we search for snipes. The journey promises a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural experiences.

Day 10 & 11

overwhelming Avifauna…

2 nights directly in the birder’s paradise Shakawe, where the Okavango panhandle shows many sought-after species. (located in Botswana)

inclusive:

Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Boat trip on the Okavango
Game drive in the 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.

Day 12 & 13

as from May you will see more mammals…

2 nights near the famous Nambwa Lagoon close to the famous Horseshoe evening.

inclusive:

Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
1x Boatcruise on the Kwando
1x Locally guided Drive to Horseshoe Bend

Kwando in Caprivi Central, Bwabwata National Park

The Kwando/Linyanti/Liambezi alluvial river basin boasts wide reed belts, numerous lagoons, and expansive floodplains along the river’s course, making it a gathering place for a diverse array of wildlife.

These waters are teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and Nile monitors. On the riverbanks, a robust population of various antelope species, striking Chapman zebras, buffalo, and countless elephants come to quench their thirst. What adds to the allure of this wilderness are the regular sightings of pythons and an increasing number of leopard encounters.

During our exploration, we hope to spot the Racket-tailed Roller, various Oriole species, Glossy Ibis, the melodious Tinkling Cisticola, and, of course, the Chirping Cisticola, along with the Green-capped Eremomela and many other charming small birds.

On early morning or late afternoon boat trips, depending on the guide’s discretion, we anticipate sightings of the Lesser Jacana (in addition to the regular Jacana) and Allen’s Gallinule. This humid region is also home to a fascinating array of bee-eaters and kingfishers. Keep an eye out for the Western Banded Snake Eagle, as it frequents this area and has been a common sighting for us.

Lastly, I’m excited to introduce you to the captivating Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, and I look forward to sharing why it’s such a beloved bird during our journey.

: Der Weißstirnspint kann wunderbar auf der Bootsfahrt ab Nambwa beobachtet werden. Hier frisst dieser einen Blue Emperor / Anax imperator

: Bandschlangenadler, Circaetus cinerascens, können auf Bootsfahrten im südlichen Kwando gebiet gesehen werden.

: Prionops retzii, der Dreifarben-Brillenvanga, benannt nach Adolf Retzius, bleibt eine seltene und wunderbare Beobachtung.

: Aquila pomarina – aus Pommern, Deutschland

: Coracias spatulatus – wie ein löffel, auf den Schwanz bezogen

: Passer griseus – grau. Ein etwas seltener Sperling.

Day 14 & 15

the Namibian Okavango Delta…

2 nights at a sensationally located wilderness lodge in Nkasa Rupara National Park.

inclusive:

Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

1x Locally guided Drive and Boat cruise to and on Linyanti

Black-bellied Bustard in Nkasa Rupara Park?

Early mornings in this area promise captivating encounters with various babblers, while during game drives, photographers eagerly hope to spot Black-bellied Bustards and even the elusive Yellow-throated Sandgrouse. On the boat trip, the African Fish Eagle is a common sight, but the Banded Snake Eagle remains a coveted target.

If you’ve experienced the Okavango Delta before, you’d find it hard to believe you’re anywhere other than this breathtaking natural wonder. The vast Linyanti floodplain showcases a picturesque African landscape adorned with termite mounds, grassy steppes, and small palm islands.

While animal density may not be as high as in other areas, the sense of wilderness here is unparalleled. Magnificent sunsets and distant lion roars enhance the feeling of being in the true heart of the wild.

Additionally, we have the opportunity to explore the history of David Livingstone by visiting a small museum, adding a touch of cultural richness to our nature-focused journey.