Namibia Self-Drive Birding Special
Namibia Birding Special – Self-Drive 17 Days
Namibia Birding Special – Self-Drive 17 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 Etosha.
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. It's 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.
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, Damaraland, Sossusvlei and the Zambezi Region
- Visit enchanting National Parks including Etosha, Namib-Naukluft and Bwabwata
- 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
- 16 days 4x4 car hire
- Full-day Dune Lark and Walvis Lagoon Birding & Eco tour
- Information pack
So much to experience
Our popularitinerary Suggestions
All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable
Windhoek
Sesriem / Sossusvlei
Walvis Bay - Dune Lark Birding Tour
Erongo
Damaraland
Southern Etosha
Etosha National Park
Zambezi Region
Bwabwata National Park
Wuparo Conservancy & Linyanti
Katima Mulilo
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.
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.
Hoodia Desert Lodge, Sossusvlei
Hoodia Desert Lodge is a beautiful and tranquil lodge situated on the banks of the Tsauchab River just 20 minutes from the Sesriem gate which is the entrance to the towering red sand dunes of Sossusvlei.
Offering a range of activities including tours around these Sossusvlei dunes this an an excellent base from which to explore this unique area.
Perched at the foot of the towering Namib-Naukluft Mountains this remote lodge offers beautiful accommodation, superb cuisine, warm and welcoming hospitality and a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere for guests looking to enjoy their wonderful surroundings in exceptional comfort.
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.
Onguma Tented Camp, Damaraland
The Onguma Tented Camp is situated at a waterhole and consists of 7 Luxury tents, each with spectacular vistas and views onto the waterhole. The main complex, also overlooking the waterhole, includes a reception area, lounge, wine cellar, bar and dining room.
Nkasa Lupala, Caprivi Strip
Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge on the banks of the Kwando-Linyanti river system hosts a maximum of 22 persons and is located on the northern, unfenced border of Nkasa Rupara National Park. Elephants and buffaloes are very common in the area, as are large predators such as lions, leopards or hyenas and sometimes even Fish Eagles.More than 400 bird species can also be spotted in the area.
Activities at Nkasa Lupala include boat cruises, Game drives and guided walks. Rather than the quantity, you should expect the quality of sightings and the privilege of visiting one of the most remote and exclusive area in the region. Nkasa Lupala is located in a unique wetland area and we do have a great difference of sightings between seasons.
Camp Onduli, Damaraland
Opened in July 2020, this exclusive camp has been constructed amongst granite outcrops on the Damaraland landscape, perfectly positioned for fantastic views of the Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain. The layout and structure of the camp has been expertly designed to ensure impeccable views at every turn and to ensure that the camp effortlessly blends into its natural surroundings.
Nambwa Tented Lodge, Bwabwata N.P
Set within the world’s largest conservation area and one of only a handful of lodges to be uniquely located inside the Bwabwata National Park, Nambwa Tented Lodge is perched majestically upon the tree canopies along an ancient elephant migratory route. Wonderful accommodation is provided in 10 luxury tented suites which offer supreme comfort, magnificent views from private viewing decks, ensuite bathrooms with showers and baths, spacious lounges, and 110 square metres of beautifully decorated space. The heart of the lodge is the fantastic viewing deck where tasty meals are served open-air surrounded by the floodplains below where elephants, buffalo and much more roam free. The lodge also features a boma firepit where guests can enjoy a sundowner drink and a chat about the adventures of the day, a welcoming and relaxing Safari Lounge and a library.
Ai Aiba Rock Painting Lodge
Dramatically set amongst imposing granite boulders at the foothills of the Erongo Mountain range, this excellent lodge is stepped in history and blessed with incredible natural surroundings. Famous for its countless rock painting sites, guests here can immerse themselves in the mystical exploration of nature. When not enjoying the breathtaking landscape and exploring the surroundings, guests can enjoy the warm hospitality and high-level comfort that the lodge provides. The lodge offers 20 thatch roofed guest chalets, each of which has been tastefully furnished in a modern African style, and features a shaded verandah, large bathroom with walk-in shower, cosy lounge area and large windows which frame the enchanting views. Family rooms and triple rooms are available. The main areas of the lodge include a swimming pool and a high thatched roof restaurant with beautiful views.
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 Namibia adventure for you.
With a lifetime of unforgettable nature and adventure based travel under his belt, Simon shares his passion, enthusiasm and hands-on experience to help create the perfect itinerary for every client.
Mike has more than fifteen years hands-on experience in the industry, travelling to some of the most incredible wild places on the planet. His far-reaching knowledge and invaluable skills will ensure that your wildlife travel adventure is a dream come true.
With countless travel experiences and an enduring hunger for adventure, Sheena knows exactly what’s needed to craft a holiday of a lifetime. Her experience and generosity of spirit are legendary and she’ll help you build an itinerary that will make all your dreams come true.
Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?
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0800 195 3385
Outside the uk
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
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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 a
Consultation