birdingadventures
New member
This is my report on an unforgetable trip I had a few months ago - I just want to thank Rod and the crew at Birding Adventures for this great trip again. :t: To those of you who want to experience what I have - visit their website at birdingadventures.us
Trip Report: 1 to 18 March 2006
Day 1 - 3: March 2006
Our trip began when we were transferred to the Hotel Furstenhof in Windhoek and introductions made to the New Hampshire Audubon Group. After a brief run through the itinerary we set off in two vehicles for Omaruru and the Hotel Staebe. Along the way we stopped to take in some birds, visiting a Sociable Weaver's Nest where we found signs of a Pygmy Falcon roosting in the nest. We arrived at the hotel around early evening and enjoyed dinner at the hotel. Night at Hotel Staebe.
Day 2 - 4: March 2006
An early morning start at Staebe Hotel saw us depart with packed breakfasts and a picnic lunch to head off to the spectacular Spitzkoppe. Along the way we were treated to sights of buck grazing on the dusty plains and arrived after 8:00am at the Inselberg (Island mountains) Spitzkoppe. En route we birded the gravel plains and rocky valleys, encountering several larks including Herero Chat, Bradfield's Lark and heard the Eastern Long-billed Lark calling in the distance. Our investigation of the plains upset a horned adder from underneath his rock, with several sand lizards and small geckos making their hasty retreats. Other birds included a fleeting glimpse of a Rosy-face Lovebird.
We left the Spitzkoppe to make our way down towards the coast, stopping on the beach just south of Swakopmund to enjoy our picnic lunch while enjoying the sight of Common, Swift and Sandwich Terns flying far out to sea.
We continued on our way to Walvis Bay, stopping at the guano platform to be rewarded with the spectacular sight of terns roosting on the beach and millions of cormorants roosting on the platforms along with many White Pelicans.
We arrived in the late afternoon at Casa Mia Hotel in Walvis Bay. Night at Casa Mia Hotel.
Day 3 - 5: March 2006
An unseasonable drizzle greeted us in the morning as we set off early for the sand dunes at Rooibank. As we walked across the field, the mist enveloping the dunes lifted and the day held a promise of a good day of birding.
We found the very special Dune Lark, everyone getting spectacular views of the bird, before we all headed in our own directions to enjoy the dunes at leisure. We returned to the hotel for breakfast before departing for our Molo Molo boat trip in the Walvis Bay harbour. We cruised the harbour, specifically keeping an eye out for Heavyside dolphins and appreciated great views of Cape Fur Seals especially when one landed on the boat intent on raiding the fish bucket.
Lunch was served while we drifted along in the boat, enjoying the feast of oysters, snacks and champagne.
The group took an hour's rest at the hotel before we set off for the saltpans for a fantastic afternoon of shorebird watching. Amongst many great shorebirds we saw the Greater and Lesser Flamingos, several White Pelicans and Black-necked Grebes. The highlight of the shorebird watching was the sight of fifteen Northern Phaloropes as well as over fifty Chestnut Banded Plovers, the most that I have seen in one place. We returned to Casa Mia Hotel for dinner.
Day 4 - 6: March 2006
After breakfast at the hotel we headed off for the desert with a picnic lunch, travelling inland from Swakopmund to the Welwitschia plains to study the intriguing Welwitschia mirabilis plant. This bizarre plant can live for 2000 years or longer, with most specimens living for 500 to 600 years. Our picnic lunch was enjoyed at Gawani Cuntas followed by birding in the hot midday sun where African Hoepoe, Pirit Battis, Acacia Pied Barbet, White-backed Mousebird, Southern Masked Weaver and several chats were seen. We continued our journey towards the Erongo Mountains and reached the Erongo Wilderness Lodge in the late afternoon. As the sun set in the west we relaxed with a cold drink in hand and watched as many birds came down to the Lodge's waterhole to drink. Bird's seen up close included Rosy-face Lovebirds, Pale-winged Starlings and Red-eyed Bulbuls.
A pleasant dinner was followed by calling up a Freckled Nightjar, which sat close by on a rock allowing us to take spectacular photographs. Those who stayed up late into the evening at the waterhole were rewarded with the sight of an African Civet Cat coming in to drink.
Night in Erongo Wilderness Lodge.
Day 5 - 7: March 2006
An early walk in the morning before breakfast allowed us to observe Hartlaubs Francolin and spot a Rockrunner. After a hearty breakfast part of the group took on a second walk, this time encountering Acacia Grey Tit, African Barred Warbler and Rockrunner. The rest of the group went on a drive to explore some bushman art nearby. Lunch was enjoyed at the lodge, once more enjoying the many species of birds that would come in to drink, including Violet-Eared Waxbill and Black-Cheeked Waxbill as well as Red-Headed Finches.
We left the Erongo Wilderness lodge for Omaruru en route to the Waterberg, our journey slowed by a sudden puncture, arriving at the Waterberg in the early evening.
Day 6 - 8: March 2006
Before breakfast some of us set off on our early morning walk while the more adventurous climbed the Waterberg Mountain, staying in radio contact with us so that we all managed to meet on top of the mountain. The climb was rewarded with great views of Crimson Breasted Gonolek, Acacia grey Tit, Pearl Spotted Owl and Rupells Parrot.
The bird highlight of the day was seen at breakfast when we had great views of a Paradise Flycatcher.
We left the Waterberg to continue onwards to Ochiwarongo, spending an hour birding on the road where we saw Shafttailed and Narrow Tailed Paradise Whydah, Scaly Feathered Finch and several other species. It was a great birding morning and the road between the Waterberg and Otchiwarongo a pleasure to travel on.
After a brief stop in Otchiwarongo to replace our tire and order lunch, we set off for the Etosha National Park, arriving in the afternoon and taking a slow drive though the Park to our camp at Halali.
Dinner at Halali with a few people staying up in the evening at the waterhole; their vigil rewarded with the sighting of several animals coming down to drink including a hyena, porcupine, 3 rhinos and a leopard.
Night at Halali Camp.
Day 7 - 9: March 2006
An early morning game drive before returning to camp for breakfast. Birding around the camp with sightings of White-Faced Owl and African Scops Owl in the daytime. The rest of the day was spent at leisure.
We returned to the large waterhole in the evening, spotting a Double Banded Sandgrouse, an impressive sight, as well as a Hyena.
Enjoyed dinner at the camp before returning to the waterhole, hoping to catch another glimpse of the leopard from the previous night. Within fifteen minutes of our arrival the leopard returned and we all enjoyed spectacular views of the leopard. Night at Halali Camp.
Day 8 - 10: March 2006
Began the day with an early morning game drive to the Gouws waterhole where we found a White Rhino. We headed back for breakfast, packed and continued on to Okaukuejo. We stopped en route when we noticed circling vultures and followed them to a kill where scavengers were fighting over what was left. We reached Okaukuejo for lunch and then set off for Okendeka where there had been reports of a pride of lions spotted in the area. We spotted the lions hiding in the shade of a very dense Acacia tree. Checked into the superb Toshari Inn.
Day 9 - 11: March 2006
A few of us left Toshari Inn early in the morning with a packed breakfast keen to catch a better sighting of the lions at Okendeka. Our early rise was rewarded with magnificent views of a pride of eight lions making half-hearted attempts to hunt. In the meantime game had started coming down to the waterhole to drink, keeping a wary distance from the lions.
We arrived back at Toshari Inn for lunch, packed and drove to Ghaub Guest farm where we would be staying the night, en route seeing Swanson's Franklin, Guinea Fowl and Red-billed Franklin.
The evening after dinner was spent walking the grounds spotting Giant Eagle Owls, African Scopp's Owl and hearing the call of the Pearl Spotted Owl.
Day 10 - 12: March 2006
Early morning walk around the grounds, followed by breakfast. We set off for the Roter Kamm Meteor Crater, the largest meteor crater in the world, where we saw Crimson Breasted Garnerlink amongst various other species. We headed off for Grootfontein before driving to Shakawe Lodge for our evening stay-over at the lodge.
Day 11 - 13: March 2006
An early morning walk around Shakawe lodge gave us great views of a Rufous Bellied Heron, White Rummed Babbler, Senegal Coucal, Green-backed Heron and several other species.
Breakfast followed by our departure for Mahangu Game Reserve. On entering the game reserve we immediately spotted a Puku along with Wildebeest and several other animals. We crossed the border into Botswana in the afternoon and drove through to Shakawe Lodge.
The weather in the evening turned windy and began to rain so our boat trip and search for the Fish Owl was postponed till the next day.
Night at Shakawe Lodge.
Day 12 - 14: March 2006
Breakfast before spending the morning out on the water with the boats. It was a fantastic trip with many interesting birds seen around the water including Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, White fronted Bee-eaters, b, several heron species, all in all a wonderful day spent on the boats.
Day 13 - 15: March 2006
Early breakfast before leaving for Namibia.
Two kilometres down the road the first vehicle broke down, followed very shortly by the second vehicle; both had very wet distributors so had to dry them out. Birded on the spot, seeing Burchell's Starling. We headed back into the Mahangu Game Reserve for some game viewing, arriving at Suclabo lodge for lunch before returning to the reserve to do the river circuit of the park. Returned to Suclabo Lodge for dinner.
Day 14 - 16: March 2006
An early morning rise to pack the vehicle so that we could head off for Caprivi to enter into Botswana and continue on to Chobe Lodge. On entering Chobe there was a tremendous rain downpour, cooling everything down magnificently as we traveled on towards our lodge, marveling at the elephants drinking water from pools made on the road. Arrived at Chobe Lodge in the late afternoon. Night in Chobe Lodge.
Day 15 - 17: March 2006
We went on an early game drive into Chobe, taking the river loop. We spotted hyenas, a honey badger as well as some hippos up close along with many great birds including Black Egret and several heron species.
After breakfast we packed and set off for the Kazungula Ferry and for Zambia. We arrived in Livingstone, checked into the Ngolide Lodge and enjoyed lunch near the spectacular Victoria Falls. Dinner was enjoyed at an excellent Indian restaurant where we celebrated the birthday of one of the tour members with a special cake arranged for her day.
Day 16 - 18: March 2006
The last day of the trip began with early morning birding in the Miombo woodland. A little bit disappointing although we did manage to add several new bird species to the bird list including Yellow Throated Sparrow. We headed back to hotel around mid-morning to pack bags and were transferred to the airport for the conclusion of the trip and our flight home.
Trip Report: 1 to 18 March 2006
Day 1 - 3: March 2006
Our trip began when we were transferred to the Hotel Furstenhof in Windhoek and introductions made to the New Hampshire Audubon Group. After a brief run through the itinerary we set off in two vehicles for Omaruru and the Hotel Staebe. Along the way we stopped to take in some birds, visiting a Sociable Weaver's Nest where we found signs of a Pygmy Falcon roosting in the nest. We arrived at the hotel around early evening and enjoyed dinner at the hotel. Night at Hotel Staebe.
Day 2 - 4: March 2006
An early morning start at Staebe Hotel saw us depart with packed breakfasts and a picnic lunch to head off to the spectacular Spitzkoppe. Along the way we were treated to sights of buck grazing on the dusty plains and arrived after 8:00am at the Inselberg (Island mountains) Spitzkoppe. En route we birded the gravel plains and rocky valleys, encountering several larks including Herero Chat, Bradfield's Lark and heard the Eastern Long-billed Lark calling in the distance. Our investigation of the plains upset a horned adder from underneath his rock, with several sand lizards and small geckos making their hasty retreats. Other birds included a fleeting glimpse of a Rosy-face Lovebird.
We left the Spitzkoppe to make our way down towards the coast, stopping on the beach just south of Swakopmund to enjoy our picnic lunch while enjoying the sight of Common, Swift and Sandwich Terns flying far out to sea.
We continued on our way to Walvis Bay, stopping at the guano platform to be rewarded with the spectacular sight of terns roosting on the beach and millions of cormorants roosting on the platforms along with many White Pelicans.
We arrived in the late afternoon at Casa Mia Hotel in Walvis Bay. Night at Casa Mia Hotel.
Day 3 - 5: March 2006
An unseasonable drizzle greeted us in the morning as we set off early for the sand dunes at Rooibank. As we walked across the field, the mist enveloping the dunes lifted and the day held a promise of a good day of birding.
We found the very special Dune Lark, everyone getting spectacular views of the bird, before we all headed in our own directions to enjoy the dunes at leisure. We returned to the hotel for breakfast before departing for our Molo Molo boat trip in the Walvis Bay harbour. We cruised the harbour, specifically keeping an eye out for Heavyside dolphins and appreciated great views of Cape Fur Seals especially when one landed on the boat intent on raiding the fish bucket.
Lunch was served while we drifted along in the boat, enjoying the feast of oysters, snacks and champagne.
The group took an hour's rest at the hotel before we set off for the saltpans for a fantastic afternoon of shorebird watching. Amongst many great shorebirds we saw the Greater and Lesser Flamingos, several White Pelicans and Black-necked Grebes. The highlight of the shorebird watching was the sight of fifteen Northern Phaloropes as well as over fifty Chestnut Banded Plovers, the most that I have seen in one place. We returned to Casa Mia Hotel for dinner.
Day 4 - 6: March 2006
After breakfast at the hotel we headed off for the desert with a picnic lunch, travelling inland from Swakopmund to the Welwitschia plains to study the intriguing Welwitschia mirabilis plant. This bizarre plant can live for 2000 years or longer, with most specimens living for 500 to 600 years. Our picnic lunch was enjoyed at Gawani Cuntas followed by birding in the hot midday sun where African Hoepoe, Pirit Battis, Acacia Pied Barbet, White-backed Mousebird, Southern Masked Weaver and several chats were seen. We continued our journey towards the Erongo Mountains and reached the Erongo Wilderness Lodge in the late afternoon. As the sun set in the west we relaxed with a cold drink in hand and watched as many birds came down to the Lodge's waterhole to drink. Bird's seen up close included Rosy-face Lovebirds, Pale-winged Starlings and Red-eyed Bulbuls.
A pleasant dinner was followed by calling up a Freckled Nightjar, which sat close by on a rock allowing us to take spectacular photographs. Those who stayed up late into the evening at the waterhole were rewarded with the sight of an African Civet Cat coming in to drink.
Night in Erongo Wilderness Lodge.
Day 5 - 7: March 2006
An early walk in the morning before breakfast allowed us to observe Hartlaubs Francolin and spot a Rockrunner. After a hearty breakfast part of the group took on a second walk, this time encountering Acacia Grey Tit, African Barred Warbler and Rockrunner. The rest of the group went on a drive to explore some bushman art nearby. Lunch was enjoyed at the lodge, once more enjoying the many species of birds that would come in to drink, including Violet-Eared Waxbill and Black-Cheeked Waxbill as well as Red-Headed Finches.
We left the Erongo Wilderness lodge for Omaruru en route to the Waterberg, our journey slowed by a sudden puncture, arriving at the Waterberg in the early evening.
Day 6 - 8: March 2006
Before breakfast some of us set off on our early morning walk while the more adventurous climbed the Waterberg Mountain, staying in radio contact with us so that we all managed to meet on top of the mountain. The climb was rewarded with great views of Crimson Breasted Gonolek, Acacia grey Tit, Pearl Spotted Owl and Rupells Parrot.
The bird highlight of the day was seen at breakfast when we had great views of a Paradise Flycatcher.
We left the Waterberg to continue onwards to Ochiwarongo, spending an hour birding on the road where we saw Shafttailed and Narrow Tailed Paradise Whydah, Scaly Feathered Finch and several other species. It was a great birding morning and the road between the Waterberg and Otchiwarongo a pleasure to travel on.
After a brief stop in Otchiwarongo to replace our tire and order lunch, we set off for the Etosha National Park, arriving in the afternoon and taking a slow drive though the Park to our camp at Halali.
Dinner at Halali with a few people staying up in the evening at the waterhole; their vigil rewarded with the sighting of several animals coming down to drink including a hyena, porcupine, 3 rhinos and a leopard.
Night at Halali Camp.
Day 7 - 9: March 2006
An early morning game drive before returning to camp for breakfast. Birding around the camp with sightings of White-Faced Owl and African Scops Owl in the daytime. The rest of the day was spent at leisure.
We returned to the large waterhole in the evening, spotting a Double Banded Sandgrouse, an impressive sight, as well as a Hyena.
Enjoyed dinner at the camp before returning to the waterhole, hoping to catch another glimpse of the leopard from the previous night. Within fifteen minutes of our arrival the leopard returned and we all enjoyed spectacular views of the leopard. Night at Halali Camp.
Day 8 - 10: March 2006
Began the day with an early morning game drive to the Gouws waterhole where we found a White Rhino. We headed back for breakfast, packed and continued on to Okaukuejo. We stopped en route when we noticed circling vultures and followed them to a kill where scavengers were fighting over what was left. We reached Okaukuejo for lunch and then set off for Okendeka where there had been reports of a pride of lions spotted in the area. We spotted the lions hiding in the shade of a very dense Acacia tree. Checked into the superb Toshari Inn.
Day 9 - 11: March 2006
A few of us left Toshari Inn early in the morning with a packed breakfast keen to catch a better sighting of the lions at Okendeka. Our early rise was rewarded with magnificent views of a pride of eight lions making half-hearted attempts to hunt. In the meantime game had started coming down to the waterhole to drink, keeping a wary distance from the lions.
We arrived back at Toshari Inn for lunch, packed and drove to Ghaub Guest farm where we would be staying the night, en route seeing Swanson's Franklin, Guinea Fowl and Red-billed Franklin.
The evening after dinner was spent walking the grounds spotting Giant Eagle Owls, African Scopp's Owl and hearing the call of the Pearl Spotted Owl.
Day 10 - 12: March 2006
Early morning walk around the grounds, followed by breakfast. We set off for the Roter Kamm Meteor Crater, the largest meteor crater in the world, where we saw Crimson Breasted Garnerlink amongst various other species. We headed off for Grootfontein before driving to Shakawe Lodge for our evening stay-over at the lodge.
Day 11 - 13: March 2006
An early morning walk around Shakawe lodge gave us great views of a Rufous Bellied Heron, White Rummed Babbler, Senegal Coucal, Green-backed Heron and several other species.
Breakfast followed by our departure for Mahangu Game Reserve. On entering the game reserve we immediately spotted a Puku along with Wildebeest and several other animals. We crossed the border into Botswana in the afternoon and drove through to Shakawe Lodge.
The weather in the evening turned windy and began to rain so our boat trip and search for the Fish Owl was postponed till the next day.
Night at Shakawe Lodge.
Day 12 - 14: March 2006
Breakfast before spending the morning out on the water with the boats. It was a fantastic trip with many interesting birds seen around the water including Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, White fronted Bee-eaters, b, several heron species, all in all a wonderful day spent on the boats.
Day 13 - 15: March 2006
Early breakfast before leaving for Namibia.
Two kilometres down the road the first vehicle broke down, followed very shortly by the second vehicle; both had very wet distributors so had to dry them out. Birded on the spot, seeing Burchell's Starling. We headed back into the Mahangu Game Reserve for some game viewing, arriving at Suclabo lodge for lunch before returning to the reserve to do the river circuit of the park. Returned to Suclabo Lodge for dinner.
Day 14 - 16: March 2006
An early morning rise to pack the vehicle so that we could head off for Caprivi to enter into Botswana and continue on to Chobe Lodge. On entering Chobe there was a tremendous rain downpour, cooling everything down magnificently as we traveled on towards our lodge, marveling at the elephants drinking water from pools made on the road. Arrived at Chobe Lodge in the late afternoon. Night in Chobe Lodge.
Day 15 - 17: March 2006
We went on an early game drive into Chobe, taking the river loop. We spotted hyenas, a honey badger as well as some hippos up close along with many great birds including Black Egret and several heron species.
After breakfast we packed and set off for the Kazungula Ferry and for Zambia. We arrived in Livingstone, checked into the Ngolide Lodge and enjoyed lunch near the spectacular Victoria Falls. Dinner was enjoyed at an excellent Indian restaurant where we celebrated the birthday of one of the tour members with a special cake arranged for her day.
Day 16 - 18: March 2006
The last day of the trip began with early morning birding in the Miombo woodland. A little bit disappointing although we did manage to add several new bird species to the bird list including Yellow Throated Sparrow. We headed back to hotel around mid-morning to pack bags and were transferred to the airport for the conclusion of the trip and our flight home.
