Birdwatching in Namibia, Namibia has more to offer than most people think, the country is far from being simply a vast expanse of desert as it boasts a remarkable array of diverse species and unique habitats.
With over 620 bird species native to Namibia, bird watching is a bucket list activity for any avian enthusiast.
Here are the reasons to why Namibia is one of the best destinations for birdwatchers in the world.
4 Reasons to Go Birdwatching in Namibia-Birds in Namibia
Namibia’s diverse environments support equally varied species of birds including one endemic species – the dune lark and 29 near endemics.
Namibia is home to over 620 bird species which you can view in large numbers together with several unique wildlife species against a backdrop of dramatic scenery.
Some of the rarest bird species in the world occur in Namibia and these include
Ruppell’s vulture
Hartlaub’s spurfowl
Ludwig’s bustard
Black-faced babbler
Namibia is also home to some of the world’s most dramatically beautiful birds such as the violet woodhoopoe, the rosy-faced lovebird, the crimson-breasted shrike, and the elegant blue crane.
Apart from the bushveld and desert species, Namibia’s long coastline supports numerous sea-loving species , while the Zambezi Region is perfect for riverine birds.
Namibia Is an Excellent Tourist Destination
Travelers visiting Namibia are often surprised by the country’s solid infrastructure. Major cities in the country have excellent shops, banks, hospitals and service businesses. The country’s major roads are in good condition, but you will need a 4×4 vehicle if you are planning to visit some of the more remote areas.
With a mean rainfall of only 278 mm per year, you seldom need to worry about poor weather during your bird watching excursion, making it much easier to spot the birds. It can get very hot in the summer, but Namibia is an excellent year-round birding destination, especially during the December to March breeding season.
Most of Namibia’s birding hotspots are located at or near major tourist attractions, so you can enjoy multiple experiences in one trip to Namibia. Not only does the country offer opportunities to view stunning natural scenes. It is also a place to enjoy exciting high-adrenaline activities, unique local cuisine, outstanding and diverse cultural experiences.
Plenty of Wonderful Wild Spaces
Namibia is one of the least densely populated countries on earth which means you find plenty of open spaces and places to enjoy your bird watching experience undisturbed.
Additionally, almost half of the country is available to wildlife thanks to 20 national parks, 86 conservancies, 43 community forests, 7 Concessions and 1 forest reserve
There are also many wild spaces where animals roam free outside these official areas.
The Namib Desert is a World Heritage Site renowned for its uniquely adapted animals, birds and plants. The country is also home to five wetlands of international importance where birds flourish.
When visiting these areas, you will not only enjoy some of the world’s best birding, but also contribute to conservation and sustaining the communities who works so hard to protect Namibia’s pristine environment.
Abundant Choices for Birdwatching in Namibia
Namibia’s natural abundance an d concerted conservation efforts have resulted into no shortage of places to enjoy bird watching, some of the best ones are
Zambezi Region (Caprivi Strip)
Here you will find plenty of birds, this is the most lush environment in Namibia where over 500 migrant species visit every year. Notable species include the African skimmer, carmine bee-eaters, Pel’s fishing owls, pearl-breasted swallows, and coppery-tailed coucals.
You’ll find plenty of birds in Namibia’s most lush environment, where over 500 migrant species visit every year. Notable species include
Etosha National Park
During the dry season, Etosha National Park attracts an abundance of birds with over 300 different species of birds either resident or migrant to this area. These include 30 different types of raptors, lesser flamingoes, Abdim’s stork, dwarf bittern, sanderling, marsh sandpiper, and the rare Monteiro’s hornbill
Spitzkoppe
This impactful landmark rises over 1,000 meters above Namibia’s Damaraland, this important birding site is home to Layard’s warbler, Stark’s lark, Ruppell’s bustard, the rufous-vented warbler, and the rare, near-endemic Herero chat.
Walvis Bay
Located close to the adventure hub of Swakopmund, Walvis Bay is an excellent fishing destination and one of the southern Africa’s most diverse and important birdlife environments. The current bird count in this area stands at 100 different species including greater flamingoes, dune larks, grey plovers, black terns, Arctic terns, black-necked grebes, and Cape teals.
Windhoek
This is area is an excellent birding destination, here you will also find a few places in Windhoek where you can relax in the company of birds. Most notable of these are, the restaurant at Arebbusch Travel Lodge, Avis Dam, Daan Viljoen Game Park, the National Botanical Gardens, and, of course, the city sewage works.
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