Namibia & Botswana Private Birding Safari

Namibia & Botswana Private Guided Birding Safari 16 days

Prices From £8,697pp
July to December | 15 nights

Namibia & Botswana Private Guided Birding Safari 16 days

This is the ultimate Namibia birding adventure, which continues into Botswana to experience the amazing wildlife of the Okavango. On the way you will visit Sossusvlei, Walvis Bay, the Erongo Mountains and Etosha National Park with its unique and varied birdlife, all in the company of your private guide and expert spotters.

Highlights

  • Travel with one of Namibia’s top birding specialists.
  • Watch the sun rise over the world’s largest sand dunes with private access to Sossusvlei
  • Spot the big five  and other amazing wildlife at Etosha National Park

What's Included

  • 15 nights’ accommodation
  • Meals as per the itinerary
  • All transfers and transportation
  • Services of an experienced English-speaking birding safari guide
  • Entrance fees and excursions as per the itinerary
    Local drinks

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Windhoek
1 Day

Windhoek

Arrive in the fascinating German colonial city of Windhoek, met and transfer to  Galton House for overnight (dinner & breakfast included). Depending on timing, there are great birding opportunities in the city environs. Discuss forthcoming safari over dinner with your guide.

Sossusvlei, Namib Naukluft N.P
2Day

Sossusvlei, Namib Naukluft N.P

Drive southwest through the Khomas Hochland and down the Great Escarpment into the Namib Desert. Lots of birds are to be seen including Pale Chanting-goshawk, pygmy falcon, go-away bird, Cape penduline tit and more depending on the season. Arrive at Sossus Dune Lodge for two night’s full board. Sossus Dune Lodge is the only lodge that affords you prime location within the boundaries of the Namib Naukluft National Park and allows pre sunrise and post sunset access to Sossusvlei.


Sossusvlei
3Day

Sossusvlei

Drive to watch the sun rise over the Sossuvlei dunes in the Namib Naukluft National Park. Wander amongst some of the world’s highest dunes. Later in the day you will search this area for Burchell's Courser, Namaqua Sandgrouse, Speckled Pigeon, Ashy Tit, Yellowbellied Eremomela, Mountain Wheatear, Dusky Sunbird, White-throated Canary, Cape Sparrow, and Scaly Weaver (Scaly-feathered Finch).

Walvis Bay
4Day

Walvis Bay

Drive northwest through the desert to the Atlantic shore to the Ramsar site of Walvis Bay, where there are massive numbers of water birds including Hartlaub’s gulls, curlew sandpipers, pied avocets and terns, especially the local Damara tern. Two nights at Oysterbox Guesthouse on full board basis.

Swakopmund
5Day

Swakopmund

Drive to the delightful resort town of Swakopmund, where the cold Benguela Current supplies food for myriad seabirds, like crowned cormorants. Africa oystercatchers feed here, along with migratory species. Inland we look for Gray’s lark and Tractrac chat as well as other wildlife such as yellow mongoose.

Erongo Mountains
6Day

Erongo Mountains

Head northeast to the high rock outcrop, Spitzkoppe and on to the Erongo Mountains near Omaruru for two night’s full board at Erongo Wilderness Lodge. Afternoon excursion seeking semi-endemic birds such as the Red-billed Francolin, Verreauxʼs Eagle, Rosy-faced Lovebird, Pearl-spotted Owlet and Swallow-tailed Bee-eater to name a few.

Search for the elusive Hartlaub’s francolin
7Day

Search for the elusive Hartlaub’s francolin

Early morning search for the elusive Hartlaub’s francolin, which only calls at dawn. Afternoon drive looking for the Herero chat, a difficult endemic, plus others – Lanner falcon, white-backed mousebird, Bokmakierie bush shrike, Carp’s tit and many more. Lots of mammals, reptiles, insects and plants to see too.

Etosha National Park
8Day

Etosha National Park

On to the Etosha National Park, watching for wildlife and birds on the way. At Ongava Lodge, there are 125 Square miles to explore which is one of Namibia's largest private game reserve. As well as a huge array of wildlife and bird species there are also opportunities to take walking safaris and use hides ideal for photography.  

Drive through Okaukuelo to Halali Resort
9Day

Drive through Okaukuelo to Halali Resort

Drive through Okaukuelo to Halali Resort (full board). An ideal place to spot owls – Scop’s, pearl-spotted, white-faced and giant eagle, as well as Carp’s black tit, violet wood hoopoe and bare-cheeked babbler. The resort has waterholes, viewed from an elevated vantage point, which attract wildlife day and night.

Etosha to Oshikoto
10Day

Etosha to Oshikoto

Travel on to the Oshikoto region, stopping at Namutoni to look for blue cranes, Temminck’s courser and the grey-backed finch and clapper lark. Visit the sinkhole Lake Otjikoto, known for Birchitt and other warblers and on to Uris Safari Lodge (full board).

Hakusembe
11Day

Hakusembe

Head via Tsumeb to the Hakusembe River Lodge, travelling via the Hoba meteorite (the world’s largest). Enjoy riverside birding with rufous-bellied heron, long-toed and wattles lapwings, coppery-tailed coucal, mousebirds, malachites kingfishers and more. Optional river cruises available.(lunch, dinner, breakfast).

Okavango River
12Day

Okavango River

Drive east to the western part of Caprivi Strip and on to Mahango Park. Here, look for the black-breasted snake eagle yellow-fronted tinkerbird southern black tit arrow-marked babbler and Meeve’s  glossy starling. Elephants, Burchall’s zebra and many antelope, including roan and sable are seen here. Two nights at River Dance Lodge (full board).

Kavango area  & Mahango Game Reserve
13Day

Kavango area & Mahango Game Reserve

Explore within the Kavango area and the Mahango Game Reserve on foot, by boat or on game drives. Many new species of birds to be seen.

Xaro Lodge, Okavango Panhandle
14Day

Xaro Lodge, Okavango Panhandle

Continue birding and cross the border into Botswana and board a boat to Xaro Lodge for a final two nights (full board). Woodlands around the camp are home to Meyer’s parrot, green wood hoopoe, crested barbet golden-tailed and Bennett’s woodpeckers, ashy flycatcher and more.

The Wetlands
15Day

The Wetlands

The wetlands are home to many reptiles and mammals, such as hippos, crocodiles and the rare sitatunga, a swamp dwelling antelope. Many more birds with the prime target being the massive Pel’s fishing owl, one of the most wanted birds in Africa!

Maun
16Day

Maun

After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for light aircraft flight to Maun for onward travel. Flight to Maun is not included in the rate. Private road transfer to Maun is also available which would normally take between 6 & 7 Hours.

A view from Above

Accommodation Options

Ongava Lodge

Perched upon a small hill in the Ongava Game Reserve this beautiful wildlife lodge offers stunning views over the plains and the abundant wildlife which resides in the area.

Situated on the southern boundary of Etosha National Park this wildlife camps consists of 14 luxurious private en-suite chalets built from brick, rock and thatch. Each chalet has been exquisitely decorated and furnished and all have large and comfortable beds, seating areas, air-conditioning and private verandas on which guests can enjoy the impressive views of the surrounding plains and the waterhole below where a host of wildlife species can be found.

Galton House, Windhoek

This beautifully stylish newly-opened boutique hotel is perched on the edge of Windhoek's northernmost affluent suburb of Eros and offers peace and tranquillity just 10 minutes drive from the city centre.

Named after the famous explorer Sir Francis Galton, Galton House has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere and has been designed with a combination of modern minimalistic design and understated chic to provide a luxurious setting for guests wishing to relax before or after their African safari adventure.

The hotel has 8 beautiful and spacious bedrooms each of which has a luxury en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, satellite TV and large comfortable beds.
There are 4 double rooms, 1 triple room and 1 family room.

The hotel itself features a large welcoming lounge, luxurious swimming pool and a lovely indoor dining area. There is also a delightful 'al fresco' dining area by the pool where freshly prepared meals are served (including lunch and dinner).

A number of shops, restaurants and supermarkets are within a short distance from the hotel making this a perfect place for a luxury stop over.

Mushara Bush Camp

Located just 10km from the Von Lindequist gate of the world famous Etosha National Park, Mushara Bush Camp is a stylish and down-to-earth camp which is perfect for families and independent travellers looking for comfortable accommodation while they explore this unique area.

Accommodation is provided in 16 large, comfortable tents built from wood, canvas and local limestone. The tents are spacious and airy and have en-suite bathrooms, small lounge areas, mosquito nets, comfortable beds and small private verandas with views out in to the bush. Each tent has been decorated and furnished in a simple yet beautiful manner and offers a high level of comfort, privacy and tranquillity.

Mushara Bush Camp provides exceptional facilities and experiences for guests of all ages and the main Bush Camp House is thatched and has a true bush camp feel to it. For younger guests there is a specially designed play area with books, toys and games, and a jungle gym and children's swimming pool. There is also a full size swimming pool, a bar, a curio shop, welcoming lounge area and a dining room - although many guests choose to enjoy their meals on the beautiful veranda where they can watch the resident warthogs grazing and soak up the wonderful surroundings. There is also a campfire around which guests congregate in the evening and regale stories of the adventures they have had that day.

This very family-friendly camp offers a wide range of activities including morning and afternoon game drives into Etosha National Park where the wildlife is exceptional and you can expect to witness most of Africa's big game. Guided bushwalks and day tours are also available.

Sossus Dune Lodge

Being the first and only lodge inside the Namib-Naukluft National Park, this upmarket base offers guests the exclusive experience of being able to witness the famous dunes at Sossusvlei before sunrise and after sunset.

Being set within the park this beautiful lodge offers the very best chance to witness the tranquillity and splendour of the Namibian Desert and coupled with comfortable and stylish accommodation provides a unique opportunity for a true desert experience.

The lodge has been designed and built in an environmentally sensitive manner and features 25 eco-friendly Afro-style chalets which all have en-suite bathrooms, lovely furnishings and fittings, mosquito nets and large comfortable beds.

Erongo Wilderness Lodge

Encircled by the Erongo Mountains,where the desert, mountain, and bushveld ecosystems combine you will find the Erongo Wilderness Lodge, a secluded and tranquil wildlife paradise.

This friendly and relaxed lodge caters to guests wishing to witness beautiful scenery and remarkable birdlife and wildlife in the heart of the wilderness without sacrificing on comfort.

Hidden in a secluded valley surrounded by granite boulders and breathtaking views are 10 luxurious tented chalets which have been designed and decorated to the highest of standards and where guests can expect a good night's sleep and access to some of Namibia's most impressive views.

Hakusembe River Lodge, Kavango

This beautiful and tranquil lodge is set along the lush banks of the Kavango River and offers a peaceful and relaxing stay for guests looking for a river oasis retreat on their Namibian adventure.

A bird-watchers paradise, this delightful lodge has been designed to ensure the ultimate in relaxation, but should you wish for a more adventurous experience there are plenty of options including champagne sunset cruises, visits to a local village, cultural dancing, and fishing and bird watching boat trips.

The lodge is located just 15km from Rundu at the gateway to the Caprivi Strip and is therefore an ideal base for exploring this area. It is also perfect as a welcome break on journeys from Windhoek and Etosha to the Zambezi and Victoria Falls.

River Dance Lodge, Kavango

Located on the banks of the Kavango River in north-east Namibia with views across into neighbouring Angola, River Dance is a high quality safari lodge and campsite which offers a range of wildlife activities, with an emphasis on birding.

Lying about 15km west of the town of Rundu at the gateway to the Caprivi Strip, River Dance Lodge is set amongst beautiful gardens which provide a peaceful and tranquil setting in which to relax after a long day of adventures.

Luxurious guestrooms nestled amongst the trees, delicious traditional Namibian cuisine, a welcoming swimming pool and an excellent wildlife location make this excellent lodge a perfect base from which to truly enjoy the best of the Kavango area.

Oysterbox Guesthouse, Swakopmund

Located right on the waterfront of the Walvis Bay lagoon and just five minute's drive from the town, this excellent guest house is an ideal base for exploring the Walvis Bay and Swakopmund area. The lagoon itself is one of the most important coastal wetland sites in Southern Africa and attracts thousands of migrating species as well as its many residents, including Flamingos.

Beautifully designed, the guesthouse offers a very high standard of comfort for visitors to this wonderful area. A hearty breakfast will set you up for a day of exploring or you can simply relax on the deck overlooking the beautiful lagoon and soak up the sunshine. In the evening enjoy customary "sundowners" and regale tales of your adventures so far before enjoying a great night's sleep in your elegant private guestroom.

Halali Resort

This comfortable safari camp is situated amongst the shade of mopani trees half way between Okaukuejo and Namutoni in the Etosha Park and is close to several waterholes (one of which is floodlit) which provide superb wildlife viewing opportunities.

Due to its excellent location and comfortable facilities Halali Camp is a perfect place to rest after a long day of exciting game drives and walking excursions, and guests can enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere here as they relax by the pool, enjoy hearty meals in the restaurant or sit with a drink and look out over the floodlit waterhole to watch the spectacle of the natural world surrounding them.

!Uris Safari Lodge, Etosha

Surrounded by Etosha National Park and Lake Otjikoto !Uris Lodge is located 20km from the town of Tsumeb in an area rich with wildlife and historical fascination. As well as being an important area for viewing breeding herds of Eland and other antelope, the region is also rich in historical gemstone mines and local bush culture.

Amongst these unspoiled and beautiful surroundings lies eight houses which originally accommodated the mineworkers of days gone by and which have now been revamped to provide very comfortable guest accommodation for visitors to this fascinating area.

Guests can enjoy a range of activities in search of a variety of wildlife before returning to the comfort of the lodge for a delicious dinner and a great night's sleep.

Xaro Lodge, Okavango Delta

Only accessible by boat transfer, Xaro Lodge is close to Shakawe on the western panhandle of the Okavango Delta. Offering spectacular bird-watching opportunities guests can expect to witness a plethora of birdlife including Pel's fishing owl, skimmers, carmine bee eaters, egrets, herons, kingfishers, boubous and much more.

This quiet and intimate camp offers guests the chance to truly relax and enjoy their beautiful surroundings with the bird sounds creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere.

Awaken to the call of fish eagles, spend your days on scenic boat cruises on the Okavango and return to the luxury of your private meru-style tent where you will find all the comforts necessary for a truly relaxing stay.

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Botswana, Namibia adventure for you.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

Sheena’s abiding love of adventure travel has taken her to some of the most incredible wildlife-rich places on Earth. Her vast experience and genuine desire to share her knowledge makes her an outstanding and invaluable person to help you organise your wildlife adventure trip.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

Simon’s deep passion for and first-hand knowledge of a vast range of destinations all over the world gives him the ideal skills to help you create a truly unforgettable wildlife inspired adventure to the most exciting places on the planet.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike lives and breathes adventure travel and has a wealth of experience in some of the most exciting and inspirational destinations in the world. His expertise and first-hand experience afford him the skills to help build holidays to remember.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us
0800 195 3385
Outside the uk
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43

Chat Now

Request a
callback

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

text
close

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

Chat Now

Request a
callback

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

Your Details

It would be great to know...

We are always looking for ways to improve the service we offer to our customers, so we would love to know...

1) How do you rate our website?
2) Where did you hear about us:

Tell us about your ideal trip

What are your interests?