Namibia Birding Special – Self-Drive 15 Days
Namibia Birding Special – Self-Drive 15 Days
This comprehensive itinerary has been specially designed for birding enthusiasts wishing to enjoy an authentic safari experience in one of Africa’s prime birding destinations. With a birding checklist of 676 species including 16 near endemics and more than 40 of Africa’s raptors, Namibia is a rare birdwatcher’s treat. The coastal areas, combined with deserts and plains, provide a superb variety of habitats and species. This fantastic itinerary offers an excellent diversity of landscapes and habitats, from the coastal areas of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund to the arid lands of Sesriem and Erongo.
On this self-drive itinerary you will visit enchanting areas, birding hotspots and some of Namibia’s finest National Parks on a constant search for the rich birdlife that will astound here. Yet its not only the birding that will impress, spectacular scenery at every turn and wildlife including elephants, rhino, lions, countless reptile species and much more will surely make this the ultimate Namibian nature experience.
Please see detailed itinerary below for specific species you are likely to see in each destination.
Shown prices are per person in low season, based on 2 people sharing. 4x4 car hire and mid-range accommodation included throughout.

Toni Hart
Namibia Birding and Photography Guide
An accomplished and experienced Namibia birding and photographic guide, Toni holds a Namibia Academy for Tourism and Hospitality Level 3 qualification (the highest level attainable in Namibia) and is widely renowned for her extensive knowledge of the cultures, ornithology, flora, astronomy and wildlife of the country. Read more >
Andy Pollard
Wildlife Guide & Photographer
Andy is a 6th generation Falkland Islander, with a passion for wildlife, plants and photography. Raised in the Falkland Islands, Andy developed a close affinity with the Islands natural environment at a young age. School holidays where spent in the ‘camp’ or countryside with friends and family. For more than 10 years, Andy had the privilege of spending a time on Sea Lion Island, visiting his mother who managed one of the Islands premier tourist destinations. Read more >
Chris Coe
Photographer and founder of the Travel Photographer Of The Year awards
A fascination with natural light and a passion with nature, landscape and travel underpin Chris Coe's photography. His images often have a striking simplicity and graphic quality. More recent work has introduced a subtlety with experimentation with both movement and light.Read more >
Jenny Luxton
Falklands Expert & Guide
Born in Chartres in the West Falklands, Jenny grew up on the family farm where her love for animals was nurtured by the25,000 sheep, horses and cows that lived alongside her. Forever a nature, conservation and wildlife enthusiast Jenny has travelled extensively throughout the Falkland Islands, visiting each and every wildlife island at least once, and even travelling around some by yacht. Read more >
Doug Allan
Special Guest Lecturer
Exclusive to this voyage, Doug Allan, a multi award winning polar photographer and cameraman, will be your special guest lecturer. Doug has been on over 20 expeditions to Svalbard to film its wildlife, and knows the wonders of this area more than most. Read more >Highlights
- Discover a wide variety of diverse areas from coast to desert
- Special locations specifically chosen for their birdwatching benefits, with included guided birding excursions
- Witness abundant birdlife across multiple diverse landscapes including Walvis Bay, Erongo, Sossusvlei and the Kunene River
- Visit enchanting National Parks including Etosha, Namib-Naukluft and the Waterberg Plateau
- Opportunities for game drives, hikes and guided walks
- Chances to observe a huge array of other wildlife including lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest and much more
- Spectacular scenery at every turn
- Mid-range accommodation throughout
- Travel at your own leisure with included car hire
What's Included
- Accommodation throughout with board basis as described in the itinerary
- Arrival transfer from Windhoek airport
- 14 days 4x4 car hire
- Full-day Dune Lark and Walvis Lagoon Birding & Eco tour
- Cinderella Waxbill birding excursion in Kunene River area
- Information pack
- Cell phone
- MediVac insurance

Namibia Specialist
Speak to someone who’s been to Namibia. Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our friendly destination specialists on 0800 195 3385 or 44 1625 581143 for outside the UK.
ITINERARY
14 Nights 15 DaysItinerary Summary
- Day 1 | Windhoek
- Days 2 - 3 | Sesriem / Sossusvlei
- Days 4 - 5 | Walvis Bay - Dune Lark Birding Tour
- Day 6 | Erongo
- Days 7 - 8 | Etendeka Mountain Camp
- Days 9 - 10 | Kunene River - Cinderella Waxbill Excursion
- Day 11 | Hobatere
- Day 12 | Okaukuejo - Etosha National Park
- Day 13 | Etosha National Park
- Days 14 - 15 | Waterberg Plateau / Depart
Windhoek
Sesriem / Sossusvlei
Walvis Bay - Dune Lark Birding Tour
Erongo
Etendeka Mountain Camp
Kunene River - Cinderella Waxbill Excursion
Hobatere
Okaukuejo - Etosha National Park
Etosha National Park
Waterberg Plateau / Depart
Your Itinerary Accommodation
Rivendell Guest house, Windhoek
This welcoming and homely guesthouse is located in a leafy suburb just a short walk from Windhoek city centre and provides fully equipped self-catering facilities and bed & breakfast to guests looking for relaxing and comfortable accommodation before or after their Namibian safari adventure.
This lovely guest house prides itself on providing a warm, friendly and helpful service to guests and is the perfect base for exploring the Namibian capital.
Beautiful bedrooms and fantastic facilities combine to make a stay at Rivendell a truly relaxing and enjoyable experience. Fantastic self-catering facilities are available in a large open-plan kitchen and if you choose to go for Bed & Breakfast instead you will be delighted with the choice on offer including full cooked English breakfast in addition to fresh fruit, yoghurt, breads, pastries and a cold meat & cheese platter. There is also a self-service bar as well as a communal lounge where guests can relax and watch satellite TV, dining room, shaded veranda, well-kept gardens and a large patio area with swimming pool.
Rivendell also has safe, off-road parking behind electronic gates, secure storage for luggage, staff-operated laundry facilities, internet access and a metered guest phone.
Etendeka Mountain Camp, Damaraland
Set amongst stunning scenery in the ancient Etendeka lava flows of northern Damaraland, the Etendeka Mountain Camp is a natural, eco-friendly camp where the emphasis is on becoming one with nature and experiencing a relaxing and authentic safari experience.
Lying at the foothills of the Grootberg massif this simple yet elegant camp offers the chance to explore Namibia’s unique natural attractions including beautiful landscapes and an array of wildlife.
Simple and cosy accommodation is provided in 10 en-suite meru tents which are connected by pathways to the main dining tent. Extensive use is made of solar power throughout, both in the kitchen and the guest bathrooms, as well as for general electricity requirements. All tents have flush toilets, hot-and-cold running water and fantastic open-air “bucket” showers. Delicious fresh meals are prepared, either on solar or on open fires, and are enjoyed al-fresco under the clear Namibia skies.
Days at Etendeka Mountain Camp are spent exploring the area via game drives or on foot and with the help of the exceptionally knowledgeable guides you will get the chance to encounter a diverse number of plant and mammal species including desert elephant, black rhino, cheetah, scorpions, snake eagles and thundering herds of oryx.
Okaukuejo Rest Camp
Okaukuejo Camp is the largest and oldest tourist camp in Etosha and its long standing history of providing good quality accommodation plus its well-established waterhole, which attracts a variety of game in large numbers, make it also one of the most popular in the area.
The famous floodlit waterhole where a hub of diverse animal activity takes place throughout the day and night makes the camp a perfect place for a stopover as you visit the world renowned Etosha National Park, and provides fantastic opportunities for witnessing an abundance of rare and intriguing species.
The camp has a total of 102 chalets, offering 5 different styles and levels of luxury.
The most luxurious of the accommodation options are the 5 Premier Waterhole Chalets which as the name suggests offer the best views of the waterhole. These beautiful chalets are set over 2 floors and have private balconies, 2 bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms and lounge areas.
There are also 30 standard Waterhole Chalets, 2 self-catering family chalets, 25 bush chalets and 40 double rooms. All rooms and chalets feature en-suite bathrooms, simple yet stylish furnishings, and large comfortable beds.
There are also a number of camping areas with electricity supply, braai area and access to hot showers.
The large main area of the camp features everything you will need for a short stay including 3 swimming pools, tourist shop, curio shop, post office, buffet restaurant, bar and tourist information centre.
Many visitors to Okaukuejo Rest Camp tend to come on a self-drive basis and choose to explore the National Park (approximately 30 minutes drive away) in their own time, however, the camp does provide a range of activities for those who do not have their own car including guided day time and night time game drives and day tours to the Park where you can expect to witness exactly what Etosha National Park is famous for - a diverse and wide range of wildlife including all of the big cats, black rhino and a plethora of birdlife.
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.
Each tented chalet has been raised upon stilts so as to emphasise the views and offers comfortable and stylish accommodation with en-suite bathrooms, sumptuous beds and private sundecks.
Walking across raised wooden platforms you will find the main lodge area sitting atop a hill waiting to welcome guests with open arms. Here there is a large restaurant and lounge, a dining area and a traditionally decorated 'mokoro' bar overlooking a floodlit waterhole.
There is also a fabulous sundowner deck and a small swimming pool for guests to relax in comfort after a long day of exploring this remarkable area.
One of the many reasons this area is so popular is due to the many rare, endemic, and special species of animal, bird, and plant life which thrive here, making this one of Namibia’s most diverse and wildlife-rich areas. This wealth of natural and cultural history can be enjoyed by joining a guided nature drive, visiting one of the Bushman rock art sites, or walking among the mountains with one of the lodge's experienced and knowledgeable guides.
Kunene River Lodge
This unique and remote lodge is located in the very north of Kaokoland and is only accessible via light aircraft. Upon landing at the isolated airstrip guests will enjoy a thrilling 4x4 scenic drive through the Hartmann Valley before arriving at the wonderful Kunene River which acts as a border between Namibia and Angola.
Kunene River Lodge is perched atop large boulders along the lush banks of the river where a diverse range of wildlife, activities and stunning scenery combine to create a river oasis for guests looking for a unique ending or beginning to their Skeleton coast safari trip.
Kunene River Lodge is home to one of the country's most famous adventure centres, where adrenalin goes hand-in-hand with peace and tranquillity, in the most beautiful setting you could imagine.
The lodge itself offers a range of accommodation options including deluxe air-conditioned rooms, rustic chalets and beautiful campsites.
The 4 delightful rustic chalets are located on their own plot amongst lush trees and shrubs and offer comfortable and authentic style accommodation with beautiful decor, en-suite shower rooms, electricity supply, shaded outdoor areas and large comfortable beds.
The 8 light and spacious Deluxe rooms have been furnished and decorated to a high standard and feature air-conditioning, en-suite shower rooms, fitted wardrobes, electricity supply and beautiful verandahs with comfortable seating and views over the gardens.
There are also 12 shaded camp sites in the lodge grounds with fabulous views over the river, barbecue areas, hot & cold showers, bathrooms and electricity power points.
The fantastic main lodge area benefits from a large restaurant, bar, WiFi areas and a beautiful swimming pool set in a secluded area surrounded by plants and trees.
A wide range of activities can be arranged here including exhilarating experiences like white water rafting, canoeing and 4x4 drives. For a more relaxed activity there are birding cruises, sundowner cruises and escorted visits to local Himba villages available.
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.
The guesthouse has 12 elegantly decorated and furnished rooms with en-suite bathrooms, satellite TV, air conditioning and wifi. A filling breakfast is served each morning and dinner is available at one of three restaurants within walking distance. There is also a lounge and bar with snack service overlooking the lagoon.
A whole range of activities are bookable from the guesthouse including fishing, boat cruises, quad biking, scenic flights, watersports, desert tours and much more.
Hobatere Lodge, Etosha
Hobatere Lodge is located 80 km north of Kamanjab on the western border of the Etosha National park, situated in a concession area of 32 000 ha, which is home to a wide selection of game including Lion, Leopard, Oryx, Eland, Cheetah, Giraffe, Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra and Elephant. Activities centre around day or night game drives, bird watching and guided walks, affording guests ample opportunity to view the abundance of wildlife and endemic species in the area. We also have a hide overlooking a nearby waterhole and a sundeck with panoramic views, which is floodlit for part of the night.
6 twins, 6 doubles which, on request, can accommodate a third person, and 2 single rooms.
Each room has a shower, toilet and washbasin complimented with the necessary guest amenities.
Each room also has a writing desk, bedside lamp and a small deck in front of the unit. A small coffee and tea station with hot water flask (refillable at reception) included for your convenience.There is a swimming pool next to the main area with sun lounges for relaxing under the Namibian sun.
A spacious restaurant is complimented by a lounge, bar area and an outside veranda with seating allowing for viewing of the waterhole. A small curio shop is available.
Desert Homestead Lodge, Sossusvlei
Desert Homestead Lodge, 30km southeast of Sesriem and the entrance to Namib-Naukluft-National Park, is the perfect starting point for tours to Sossusvlei or an oasis for a relaxing rest after visiting the world‘s highest dunes. The lodge is located in a private nature reserve adjoining the Unesco World Heritage site “Namib Sand Sea”
The Desert Homestead Lodge offers relaxed hospitality with a natural atmosphere. In 2014, the lodge was renovated and upgraded with environment-friendly technology thus, solar power is now the only energy source for power generation and water heating.
The 20 thatched guest houses all have en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning and a private shaded sun deck. The main lounge offers plenty of seating where you can enjoy wonderful views of the surrounding desert. Tea and coffee are on offer all day here, with homemade cakes in the afternoon. During the warmer months, homely meals are eaten on the wide veranda, with lanterns under the stars and on colder evenings, candle-lit dinners are served in the romantic indoor dining room, warmed by the fire. Steps down from the main veranda lead to a small sparking pool surrounded by sun loungers where you can come and cool off at the end of a hot day.
Desert Homestead Lodge offers a range of activities, but is probably most famous for its horse safaris through the Namib desert which are suitable for experienced riders as well as beginners under the guidance of experienced riding instructors. If horses are not your thing then consider sun downer drives, guided walks and excursions to Sossusvlei and the Naukluft Mountains. The helpful reception staff can also help you book, hot air ballooning, scenic flights and quad biking.
Waterberg Plateau Lodge
Perched part way up the magnificent Waterberg plateau, Waterberg Plateau Lodge boasts amazing views across the plains and is surrounded by the national nature conservancy of Waterberg National Park. The National Park is home to a number of threatened species such as buffalo, rhino, leopard, vulture and other antelope, and is also a haven for over 200 species of birds.
Each of the lodge’s well-appointed chalets sit between red sandstone rocks in the midst of green bush, offering excellent privacy and very special views. Each chalet has an en-suite bathroom, comfortable twin beds, a lounge area and a fireplace for the chillier winter evenings. The private shady terrace in front of each chalet also boasts a plunge pool which guests will find wonderfully refreshing during the hot summer months. The fresh spring water also attracts birds and klipspringers (small antelope); early in the mornings you may be able to watch them from your bed!
The main lodge area offers a swimming pool, restaurant with 270-degree-views, fireplace, lounge, bar and observation deck. The only private establishment in the Waterberg region, the lodge offers guided hiking tours onto the Waterberg Plateau.
What Our Customers
Say...
• The lodges were excellent and very welcoming, I particularly remember the Kulala Desert Lodge for its wonderful location, however I think Damaraland Lodge has to take top spot, for the amazing bush lunch and dinner under the stars that they organised. I will also never forget the giant eagle owl that we saw hunting at dawn, a truly magical moment.
• We can’t thank you enough for recommending Namibia, it’s simply amazing! The people are so friendly, the landscapes are awe inspiring, the night skies unforgettable and the wildlife so diverse, we loved every minute. Doing a self drive was definitely the right option for us, it gave us just the flexibility we crave and felt completely safe, we would do it again without a doubt.
Really glad I went. Had a brilliant time. Guides were great. What an experience , saw everything I wanted and more. Village visit and project visits (despite my slightly negative expectation) were really enjoyable, in fact taught me a lesson or two.
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Lines are open from 9am -5.30pm Monday - Friday

Namibia Specialist
Speak to someone who’s been to Namibia. Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our friendly destination specialists on 0800 195 3385 or 44 1625 581143 for outside the UK.