In September, I had the privilege of embarking on a 10-day birding and photographic trip through Namibia, a journey that was both exhilarating and completely outside of my comfort zone. Together with my boyfriend, Calvin, and another couple, Timothy and Nicola, we set out on an unforgettable adventure to capture the beauty of Namibia’s birdlife, wildlife, and landscapes.
We flew to Windhoek, where we picked up our rugged home for the next 10 days, a Toyota Hilux 4×4 Double Cab from Camel Car Hire Namibia, complete with two rooftop tents. Armed with our cameras and gear, generously sponsored by Canon South Africa and Outdoorphoto’s rentals department, we were ready to document the birds that call Namibia’s vast and diverse landscapes home.
Photo credit: Calvin van der Merwe.
Photo credit: Anika Vermaak.
The gear behind the adventure
Before diving into the journey, I have to give a nod to the incredible equipment that made this trip even more remarkable. Canon South Africa sponsored us with the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM Lens, a powerhouse for capturing distant birdlife with pristine clarity. Outdoorphoto generously provided the Canon EOS R5 Full-Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera, Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens, and Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Lens. The combination of these lenses and camera allowed us to seamlessly capture everything from close-up bird portraits to sweeping landscapes, ensuring no moment was missed.
Throughout our Namibian adventure, we always kept our binoculars close, and relied heavily on two crucial birding apps: Firefinch and BirdLasser. Firefinch is an all-in-one birding companion that provides essential information on bird species, including photos, calls, and descriptions, making it a valuable tool for identifying birds in the field. BirdLasser, on the other hand, is a fantastic app for recording bird sightings. It allows users to log their bird observations with precise GPS coordinates, making it easy to track locations and share the data with the wider birding community. Both apps were indispensable throughout the trip, helping us stay organised and keep track of all the incredible species we encountered, especially given the variety of birds we were after in each unique habitat.
Rockrunner
Photo credit: Calvin van der Merwe.
Souza’s Shrike
Photo credit: Calvin van der Merwe.
Day 1: Hobatere
Our first destination was Hobatere, located on the western edge of Etosha National Park. Even before leaving Windhoek, Namibia offered up its first feathered gem, the Rosy-faced Lovebird, a colourful and charismatic species we’d later discover was abundant in the western part of the country. Calvin, an avid birder, had his eye on several northern specials, and Hobatere didn’t disappoint. We encountered the Damara Red-billed and Monteiro’s Hornbills, both endemic to this region, and even spotted the elusive Rockrunner during a morning hike. The thrill of finding these birds in such stunning settings was a highlight.
Photo credit: Calvin van der Merwe.
Rüppell’s Parrot
Photo credit: Calvin van der Merwe.
Day 2-3: Epupa Falls and the Kunene River
After our time in Hobatere, we made the long drive to Epupa Falls, nestled near the border with Angola. The falls themselves were breathtaking and were one of the most awe-inspiring stops on our trip. The river cascades over multiple tiers of rocky ledges, creating a series of dramatic waterfalls that stretch across a wide area. Surrounded by towering baobab trees and lush palm groves, Epupa has an almost otherworldly feel to it. The birdlife here was equally spectacular. We were treated to sightings of Chestnut Weavers flocking in their thousands, as well as the unique Rufous-tailed Palm-Thrush, whose calls echoed through our campsite.
From there, we followed the Kunene River, with one of the most memorable sightings being the Rüppel’s Parrots that filled the fig trees and the Cinderella Waxbill, a delicate bird that looks as magical as its name suggests. Calvin spotted a rare Herero Chat along the way, and we were also delighted by Olive Bee-eaters, Swamp Boubous, and Bare-cheeked Babblers. Traversing this rugged landscape, with towering fig trees and riverine woodland, truly felt like a journey into the wild.
Photo credit: Calvin van der Merwe.
Photo credit: Calvin van der Merwe.
Our afternoon adventure truly began when we consulted with the lodge staff about our journey ahead. They shared tales of many who had attempted but failed to reach the wild camping site at the base of the Zebra Mountains, known for its rare Angolan Cave Chat.
Undeterred, we set off in our 4×4, navigating rivers and woodlands along old communal roads and crossings to reach our wild campsite. The heat was intense, and we quickly discovered that the Mopane Bees were abundant that afternoon.
The following morning, we embarked on a long hike that rewarded us with the beautiful sounds of birds calling in the distance. Nicola and I decided to head back down the mountain, while Calvin and Timothy pressed on, managing to spot two fairly average glimpses of the hidden Angolan Cave Chat, a bird that is notoriously hard to find.
Photo credit: Anika Vermaak.
African Skimmer
Photo credit: Calvin van der Merwe.
Day 4-6: Ruacana and Rundu
Our birding expedition led us further into the northern border regions, with Ruacana and Rundu offering some of the best birdwatching of the trip. At Ruacana, we hoped for a glimpse of the rare Ross’s Turaco. Early the next morning, just as the sun peeked over the horizon, we finally saw a stunning flash of green and red amidst the trees. The excitement of finally finding this bird, after the previous afternoon of searching, was palpable.
We continued our journey through Rundu, heading toward the habitat of the Caprivi 3. Despite the sweltering midday heat, we scoured the woodlands and were rewarded with our first sighting: the Souza’s Shrike. We put in a determined effort to locate the Rufous-bellied Tit as well, but the oppressive heat worked against us.
Next, we visited a known spot where the Sharp-tailed Starlings often gather during the day and were fortunate enough to find a lively flock. To our delight, perched in the same tree was a Green-backed Honeybird, an exciting find, as this bird is quite rare in Namibia!
Arriving at Nunda Safari Lodge, we found ourselves amidst rich habitat. Here, the birdlife was incredible. We were lucky enough to spot the Rock Pratincole and African Skimmer along the riverbanks and even caught a glimpse of the elusive Pel’s Fishing Owl during a boat trip.
The following afternoon, we entered Buffalo Game Reserve, and within minutes, we were treated to sightings of both Black-faced and Hartlaub’s Babblers, a promising start to an incredible day. Our grandest sighting came in the form of a stunning dark-maned lion and his beautiful lioness, lounging in the floodplain. It was a moment of awe, enhanced by the presence of a pair of Wattled Cranes, a solitary Rufous-bellied Heron, and several majestic elephants. Buffalo and roan antelope roamed the landscape, while red lechwe added a splash of colour, making this one of the most thrilling afternoons of the trip.
Photo credit: Anika Vermaak.
Racket-tailed Roller
Photo credit: Calvin van der Merwe.
Days 7-10: The Caprivi Strip and Waterberg
The next morning, we crossed the Caprivi Strip in search of a special, localised Greenbul. Our destination was Caprivi Houseboat Safari Lodge, where, within the hour, we spotted a group of Yellow-throated Leafloves (now known as Pale-throated Greenbuls). A quick stop at the Protea Hotel served up a glance at the rare Copper Sunbird, a real treat for birders. On our return across the Caprivi, we stretched our legs by the Kwando River, where we were rewarded with views of a Western Banded Snake-Eagle and a pair of Racket-tailed Rollers; two epic sightings that made the detour well worth it. We also ticked off Arrow-marked Babblers, bringing our babbler count to 4 out of 5 for the trip.
That afternoon, we crossed into Botswana to stay at Drotsky’s Cabin. First thing in the morning, a Bat Hawk perched above our camp, a striking omen for the day ahead. A boat trip along the Okavango Panhandle followed, and we were met with incredible sightings, including a White-backed Night Heron, Chirping Cisticola, and Greater Swamp Warbler. The real showstopper, though, was spotting four species of Kingfisher—Malachite, Pied, Brown-hooded, and Giant—all within minutes of each other. The stunning papyrus habitat along the delta was breathtaking, offering a serene backdrop to these avian treasures.
Lappet-faced Vulture
Photo credit: Calvin van der Merwe.
On our last full day, we journeyed to the Waterberg Plateau, a stunning landscape where Swallow-tailed Bee-eaters and Pied Babblers filled the air with their vibrant colours and sounds. Our campsite was even visited by a curious honey badger, a comical and somewhat mischievous visitor that made our final night in Namibia all the more memorable.
Luapula Cisticola
Photo credit: Calvin van der Merwe.
Over the course of ten days, we covered an incredible distance across northern Namibia, travelling over 3,750 kilometres. This trip was more than just a birding expedition, it was an adventure that pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to witness Namibia’s raw beauty. The landscapes were diverse, ranging from the arid desert to lush riverbanks, and the birds were a constant reminder of the incredible biodiversity that thrives in these environments.
Travelling through Namibia, camping under the stars in our rooftop tents, and experiencing the wilderness firsthand gave me a new appreciation for the delicate balance of nature. It’s a photographer’s dream, each location we visited provided countless opportunities to capture the perfect shot, whether it was a bird in flight, a vast landscape, or simply wildlife in their natural habitat.
For any nature enthusiast, birder, or photographer, Namibia offers a wealth of opportunities to explore and discover. For me, this trip was about the connection to nature, the memories made, and the way each moment challenged me to grow.
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