101 Reasons to visit Namibia: Birdwatching in Namibia

I close my eyes and take a deep breath. The sound of birdsong travels inward and settles deep within me, taking me to a place of peace. The early morning light is warm and the air is still. Then it begins – a bubbling trill that rises and tumbles forward in a bright cascade: krrrr-ki-ki-ki-ki. I scan the trees around me, trying to find this tiny singer in the branches, but without any luck. He refuses to reveal himself. For a moment it is silent — then a vibrant call echoes through the woodland again. Then as quick as a wink he darts to another perch. I lift my camera just in time to snap a streak of green and blue blur. This is not the end, my little friend. One day, I will manage to photograph you perfectly in frame!

Photo credits: Janke Murray

Namibia is unique in many ways, but one of the reasons that makes this country special 
is the many different types of habitats. There are the red dunes and Namib Desert in the 
southern and western parts of the country, the lush waterways of the north and the 
savannas in the east, which makes this ideal for many different species of birds.

Photo credits: Janke Murray

Each habitat is home to unique birds. There are not a lot of places in the world that are
home to so many different species of birds. To me, each part of Namibia is embodied by 
a single bird species and whenever I hear their song, I am transported to that specific 
place, almost as if the sound carries the landscape within it. The Namaqua sandgrouse 
takes me to the south, near Sossusvlei, the Crowned lapwing screams Etosha and the 
Woodland Kingfisher should be the Caprivi Strip’s national bird. The Great White 
Pelicans, Greater and Lesser flamingos are, of course, characteristic of Walvis Bay.

Photo credits: Janke Murray

There are roughly 680 to 700 confirmed bird species in Namibia. Only one of these
species, the Dune Lark, is endemic to Namibia and is usually found in the Namib 
Desert. Then there are 13 bird species that are near-endemic. These birds are easily 
found in Namibia and only marginally extend into Angola. The wide variety of migratory 
birds and resident birds of Namibia offers fantastic birding opportunities. Etosha 
National Park, Waterberg Plateau, Caprivi, Sossusvlei and Walvis Bay lagoon are but a 
few birding destinations that bird lovers can visit. Each destination is home to many 
different species. The best time for birdwatching in Namibia would be between 
November and April when food is plentiful and mating season has started. 

Photo credits: Janke Murray

If birdwatching is what you love, Namibia is a must visit destination. There are ample 
opportunities, from the smallest, Scaly feathered Finch to the Fish Eagle. The African Fish Eagle is also our national bird. It symbolizes strength, freedom and majesty which
representing all that Namibia is and giving a voice to Namibia!

Author: Janke Murray