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It may be established and countable around Phoenix, AZ now, but if you want to see Rosy-faced Lovebird in its native habitat, Namibia is the place to go. (Photo by tour participant Ken Havard)
Once again our long-standing Namibia and Botswana tour had great success finding virtually all the region's endemic and near endemic birds, plus some of our best mammal sightings ever! At a glance, just a few of the birding highlights were Hartlaub's Francolin, Dune Lark, White-tailed Shrike, and Bare-cheeked Babbler, while the mammals included Aardwolf, Hunting Dog, Lion, a mother Leopard with her cub (right next to the vehicle), Black Rhino, and many close encounters with African Elephants!
We followed our usual itinerary where our first afternoon in Windhoek gave us over 60 species with South African Shelduck, Hamerkop, Booted Eagle, Gray Go-away-bird, White-backed Mousebird, Pririt Batis, Short-toed Rock-Thrush, and Red-headed Finch being just a few of the favorites.
Next we headed for three days in the Namib Naukluft Desert, and the world's largest sand dunes at Sossusvlei. What a wonderful experience to stand before these giant red dunes where endemic Dune Larks run between the sparse grassy tufts, Rueppell's Bustard and Burchell's Courser walk the gravel plains, and Gemsbok and Springbok survive without a drop of water in sight.
Heading to the coast we picked up African Hawk-Eagle, Greater Kestrel, Ludwig's Bustard, Stark's and Karoo Long-billed larks, Tractrac Chat (yes, pale gray can be really beautiful), and the uncommon Mountain Zebra. And then at the coast itself, Walvis Bay was alive with literally thousands of cormorants, flamingos,
and migrant shorebirds, however, it was the more resident Chestnut-banded Plover, African Oystercatcher, and Damara Tern that were the group favorites here.
The Swakopmund area gave us great views of Gray's Lark. Then it was on to Spitzkoppe for Herero Chat (one of the more difficult endemics) and to a river bed near the Erongo Mountains, where, within literally 10 minutes, we saw Rueppell's Parrot and Damara Red-billed Hornbill - our two most wanted birds at this site.
We continued on and based ourselves at the lovely Erongo Wilderness Lodge, where Hartlaub's Francolins and dozens of Rosy-faced Lovebirds came to the feeding station. Carp's Tit and White-tailed Shrike moved through the bushes around our tents, and 'eventually' Rockrunner (yet another virtually endemic bird) showed beautifully right by the swimming pool!
Our three days in the Etosha area were once again 'just great', with a totally unexpected Aardwolf zigzagging across the plains, and also Lion, African Elephant, Black Rhino, numerous Zebra, Warthog, Giraffe, Greater Kudu, Blue Wildebeest, Impala, and Springbok. Birdlife varied from Ostrich and Kori Bustards in the open areas, Bateleur and Tawny Eagles crossing the skies, Double-banded Sandgrouse drinking at a waterhole, African Scops-Owl by our rooms at night, and White Helmetshrike, Crimson-breasted Gonolek, and numerous other passerines in the acacia bushes.
We then headed on to Hakusembe in the far north, but not with out a stop at our usual spot for the endemic Bare-cheeked Babbler - and once again had great views and photo opps. The Hakusembe-Mahango area holds a totally different avifauna from what we had experienced so far, and we were all soon enjoying a variety of storks, herons (including Goliath and Rufous-bellied), African Fish-Eagle, Wattled Crane, kingfishers, Gabon Boubou, Magpie Shrike, Dusky Lark, Burnt-necked Eremomela, and Hartlaub's Babbler. Mahango was particularly good for mammals too, with Lechwe and both Roan and Sable antelopes being particular favorites here.
The final part of our tour took us to two of the very best areas in the Okavango. Firstly at Xaro, where we saw no fewer than four different Pel's Fishing-Owls, and then at Stanley's Camp where birds included Red-billed and Swainson's francolins, Slaty Egret, Dickinson's Kestrel, Small Buttonquail, African Barred Owlet, and Southern Ground-Hornbill. Over 20 species of mammals were seen, and varied from nocturnal Moholi Bushbaby and African Civet to a stand-off between Hunting Dogs and Spotted Hyaenas, a very close Leopard and her cub, hippos in a seasonal pool, African Buffalo, and more elephants, zebras, giraffe, reedbuck, kudu, topi and steenbok.
It was a wonderful trip- thanks for being a part if it!
-Terry
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
BIRDS
Struthionidae (Ostrich)
There's no mistaking the distinctive flight silhouette of the striking Bateleur. These beautiful raptors were especially numerous in the Okavango region. (Photo by tour participant Ken Havard)
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata) – Fifteen at Hakusembe and about a dozen at Mahango.
COMB DUCK (Sarkidiornis melanotos) – One at Mahango.
EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Alopochen aegyptiaca) – About 30 at the Windhoek Sewage Works, 10 at Okaukuejo, and 6 at Mahango.
SOUTH AFRICAN SHELDUCK (Tadorna cana) – We saw about 30 of these attractive shelducks at Windhoek Sewage Works, and then 2 on the way to Guisis, and 8 in Etosha.
SPUR-WINGED GOOSE (Plectropterus gambensis) – About 160 were along the shore of a drying out flood plain at Mahango.
AFRICAN PYGMY-GOOSE (Nettapus auritus) – Five fly-by's in the Xaro area.
RED-BILLED DUCK (Anas erythrorhyncha) – Ten at Windhoek Sewage Works, 1 near Guisis, and 2 at Mahango.
CAPE TEAL (Anas capensis) – Small numbers were at Windhoek, Walvis Bay, and Okaukuejo; in all we saw about 30.
Numididae (Guineafowl)
HELMETED GUINEAFOWL (Numida meleagris) – A few near Windhoek, in the Erongo Mountains, and at Mahango, but most common at Etosha where we saw 400+.
Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies)
CRESTED FRANCOLIN (Francolinus sephaena) – Heard by everyone and seen briefly by a couple of the group at Mushara Lodge.
HARTLAUB'S FRANCOLIN (Francolinus hartlaubi) – We all had fantastic views of this localized endemic when they came to the feeding station in the Erongo Mountains.
RED-BILLED FRANCOLIN (Francolinus adspersus) – Small numbers were widespread from Etosha and through into Botswana at both Xaro Lodge and Stanley's Camp.
SWAINSON'S FRANCOLIN (Francolinus swainsonii) – Four at Etosha, 1 at Mahango, and about 10 in the Stanley's Camp area.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
LITTLE GREBE (Tachybaptus ruficollis) – Eight at Windhoek, 3 at Etosha, and 1 at Mahango.
EARED GREBE (Podiceps nigricollis) – About 30 on the lagoon at Walvis Bay.
Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)
GREATER FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus roseus) – At least 4000 were in the Walvis Bay and Swakopmund area.
LESSER FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus minor) – Rather less than the previous species (perhaps 3000?) in the Walvis Bay and Swakopmund area.
Ciconiidae (Storks)
AFRICAN OPENBILL (Anastomus lamelligerus) – One at Hakusembe, and then 30+ in the Stanley's Camp area.
ABDIM'S STORK (Ciconia abdimii) – About a dozen as we approached Hakusembe.
WOOLLY-NECKED STORK (Ciconia episcopus) – Small groups totalling about a dozen in the Stanley's Camp area.
SADDLE-BILLED STORK (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis) – Fantastic looks at about 14 of these huge storks in the Stanley's Camp area.
As always in Africa, there were also plenty of mammalian highlights on this tour. This female Leopard, which strolled alongside our vehicles with her cub, was definitely one of them! (Photo by tour participant Ken Havard)
YELLOW-BILLED STORK (Mycteria ibis) – One in flight near Stanley's Camp.
Sulidae (Boobies and Gannets)
CAPE GANNET (Morus capensis) – A single immature bird flew along the coast just north of Walvis Bay.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
GREAT CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo) – Six at Windhoek, and about 200 at Walvis Bay.
CAPE CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax capensis) – Many thousands (especially on the guano platforms) near Walvis Bay and Swakopmund.
LONG-TAILED CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax africanus) – Fairly common on fresh water around Windhoek, Hakusembe, Mahango, and in the Okavango Delta; we saw a total of about 170.
CROWNED CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax coronatus) – Ten on the rocky shore to the north of Walvis Bay.
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
AFRICAN DARTER (Anhinga rufa rufa) – Three at Windhoek Sewage Works, and then about 45 in the Okavango Delta.
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
GREAT WHITE PELICAN (Pelecanus onocrotalus) – Two at Windhoek Sewage Works, 20 near Walvis Bay, and 100+ near Stanley's Camp.
Scopidae (Hamerkop)
HAMERKOP (Scopus umbretta) – Two singles near Windhoek, and then about 10 in the Okavango Delta.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
LITTLE BITTERN (Ixobrychus minutus) – One briefly at Hakusembe, and then good long looks at 1 in flight near Xaro Lodge.
GRAY HERON (Ardea cinerea) – Small numbers were widespread (though mainly at fresh water wetlands) throughout the tour; in all we saw about 45.
BLACK-HEADED HERON (Ardea melanocephala) – Singles at Windhoek Sewage Works and Okaukuejo.
GOLIATH HERON (Ardea goliath) – Nice views of singles at Mahango and Xaro.
PURPLE HERON (Ardea purpurea) – Three in the Xaro Lodge area.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba) – One near Stanley's Camp.
LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta) – Small numbers at Windhoek, Walvis Bay, Hakusembe and Mahango.
SLATY EGRET (Egretta vinaceigula) – It took a long time this year, but eventually we all got good looks at 1 near Stanley's Camp, and later we also saw a single flying bird there.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – Several hundred around Hakusembe and in Botswana, but uncommon elsewhere.
SQUACCO HERON (Ardeola ralloides) – Three singles in Xaro Lodge area.
RUFOUS-BELLIED HERON (Ardeola rufiventris) – Three at Hakusembe, and 2 near Stanley's Camp.
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata) – About 7 between Hakusembe, Xaro, and Stanley's.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) – We saw a single adult at Windhoek Sewage Works.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus) – One at Mahango and 6 near Stanley's Camp.
SACRED IBIS (Threskiornis aethiopicus) – Six over our hotel in Johannesburg, and about 40 in the Stanley's Camp area.
The White-quilled Bustard is arguably one of the most attractive species in its family; it was also the most numerous of the 6 bustards we saw. (Photo by tour participant Ken Havard)
AFRICAN SPOONBILL (Platalea alba) – Two at Mahango.
Sagittariidae (Secretary-bird)
SECRETARY-BIRD (Sagittarius serpentarius) – Nice looks at a single and a pair at Etosha.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE (Elanus caeruleus) – Singles at Windhoek, near Halali, and near Xaro.
WHITE-HEADED VULTURE (Trigonoceps occipitalis) – Good look at this rather uncommon vulture; first a single at Mahango, and then a pair near Stanley's Camp.
LAPPET-FACED VULTURE (Torgos tracheliotus) – Seven at Sossusvlei, pairs near Spitzkoppe and Etosha, and 6 at Mahango.
WHITE-BACKED VULTURE (Gyps africanus) – By far the most common vulture, with a total of about 70 between Outjo, Mahango, and in the Okavango Delta.
BATELEUR (Terathopius ecaudatus) – Four at Etosha, 6 at Mahango, and about 20 in the Okavango Delta.
BLACK-BREASTED SNAKE-EAGLE (Circaetus pectoralis) – We saw single adults near Solitaire and Uris.
BROWN SNAKE-EAGLE (Circaetus cinereus) – One near Stanley's Camp.
BOOTED EAGLE (Hieraaetus pennatus) – Good looks at a light morph at the Windhoek Sewage Works.
TAWNY EAGLE (Aquila rapax) – One near Outjo, 6 at Etosha, 1 at Mahango, and 3 in the Okavango Delta.
AFRICAN HAWK-EAGLE (Aquila spilogaster) – A distant pair near at Tropic of Capricorn, and then a much closer bird at Mahango.
PALE CHANTING-GOSHAWK (Melierax canorus) – Very common in the arid country from Windhoek to Sossusvlei, across to the coast and then north to Etosha; in all we saw about 80.
GABAR GOSHAWK (Micronisus gabar) – Singles at Guisis, Etosha, Hakusembe, and Mahango.
AFRICAN MARSH-HARRIER (Circus ranivorus) – Six singles over the reed beds in the Xaro Lodge area.
SHIKRA (Accipiter badius) – We saw an immature at Erongo Wilderness Lodge, and then an adult near Outjo.
LITTLE SPARROWHAWK (Accipiter minullus) – Fantastic close views of a bird chasing a variety of small passerines at Xaro Lodge.
BLACK KITE (YELLOW-BILLED) (Milvus migrans parasitus) – Three singles between Uris and Mahango.
AFRICAN FISH-EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer) – Repeated good looks from Mahango to the Okavango Delta; in all we saw about 50, including a close bird that we fed a fish to near Xaro.
Otididae (Bustards)
KORI BUSTARD (Ardeotis kori) – Five were scattered across the grasslands at Etosha.
LUDWIG'S BUSTARD (Neotis ludwigii) – Three in the Namib Naukluft Desert as we headed towards Walvis Bay.
RUEPPELL'S BUSTARD (Eupodotis rueppellii) – Difficult at first, but then great views of 4 at Sossusvlei, and 4 to the north-west of Solitaire.
RED-CRESTED BUSTARD (Eupodotis ruficrista) – We saw a single female on the way to Okaukuejo.
WHITE-QUILLED BUSTARD (Eupodotis afraoides) – We saw this attractive species near Solitaire, and then in the Etosha area; in all we saw 8.
BLACK-BELLIED BUSTARD (Lissotis melanogaster) – Good looks at 2 males near Stanley's Camp.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
AFRICAN RAIL (Rallus caerulescens) – Heard in the flooded grasslands near Hakusembe Safari Lodge.
BLACK CRAKE (Amaurornis flavirostra) – Heard at Hakusembe, and then two pairs were seen well in the Okavango.
EURASIAN MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus) – About 40 at the Windhoek Sewage Works, and then singles at Guisis, Walvis Bay, and Hakusembe.
RED-KNOBBED COOT (Fulica cristata) – One hundred and fifty at Windhoek Sewage Works, and 1 at Walvis Bay.
Gruidae (Cranes)
WATTLED CRANE (Bugeranus carunculatus) – Nice looks this year, with 3 at Mahango, and 3 near Stanley's Camp.
Burhinidae (Thick-knees)
WATER THICK-KNEE (Burhinus vermiculatus) – About a dozen in the Okavango Delta.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
LONG-TOED LAPWING (Vanellus crassirostris) – Four in the flooded area along the road near Hakusembe.
BLACKSMITH PLOVER (Vanellus armatus) – Three at Windhoek, and then about 200 between Etosha and the Okavango.
CROWNED LAPWING (Vanellus coronatus) – Ten in the dry country near the Erongo Mountains, 1 at Etosha, and then about a dozen in the Stanley's Camp area.
WATTLED LAPWING (Vanellus senegallus) – Three at Hakusembe.
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola) – About 20 at Walvis Bay, included some in full breeding plumage.
KITTLITZ'S PLOVER (Charadrius pecuarius) – Two next to a drying up pond in the Okavango Delta.
COMMON RINGED PLOVER (Charadrius hiaticula) – About 30 at Walvis Bay.
THREE-BANDED PLOVER (Charadrius tricollaris) – Small numbers were widespread at a variety of ponds and streams throughout the tour.
The gorgeous Gemsbok is the iconic antelope of the Kalahari Basin. We saw loads of them at the Namib Naukluft Desert and Etosha. (Photo by tour participant Ken Havard)
CHESTNUT-BANDED PLOVER (Charadrius pallidus) – We saw 6 of these very localised plovers at Walvis Bay.
Haematopodidae (Oystercatchers)
AFRICAN OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus moquini) – Normally quite difficult in Namibia, but we were lucky this year and saw at least 15 at Walvis Bay.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus) – About 80 at Walvis Bay, singles at Etosha and Mahango, and then a dozen near Stanley's Camp.
PIED AVOCET (Recurvirostra avosetta) – About 200 at Walvis Bay; only black and white but simply stunning!
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
LESSER JACANA (Microparra capensis) – Can be very difficult, but we had excellent and extremely close views near Xaro Lodge.
AFRICAN JACANA (Actophilornis africanus) – Singles at Windhoek Sewage Works and Okaukuejo, and then about 80 between Mahango and the Stanley's Camp area.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
COMMON SANDPIPER (Actitis hypoleucos) – Two singles along the river at Hakusembe.
COMMON GREENSHANK (Tringa nebularia) – Eight at Walvis Bay, and 4 at a drying up pool near Stanley's Camp.
WOOD SANDPIPER (Tringa glareola) – We saw a total of 9 between Okaukuejo, Hakusembe, and near Stanley's Camp.
WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus) – We saw a single of the nominate form near Walvis Bay.
BAR-TAILED GODWIT (Limosa lapponica) – Three at Walvis Bay included 1 in near full breeding plumage.
RUDDY TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres) – About 150 in the Walvis Bay to Swakopmund area.
SANDERLING (Calidris alba) – About 20 in the Walvis Bay to Swakopmund area.
LITTLE STINT (Calidris minuta) – Two hundred and fifty around Walvis Bay, and then 2 singles at Mahango and near Stanley's Camp.
CURLEW SANDPIPER (Calidris ferruginea) – At least four hundred at Walvis Bay (included many in near breeding plumage).
RUFF (Philomachus pugnax) – Six at Walvis Bay, 1 at Mahango, and 2 near Stanley's Camp.
AFRICAN SNIPE (Gallinago nigripennis) – We saw a single (perhaps injured bird) near Hakusembe Safari Lodge.
Turnicidae (Buttonquail)
SMALL BUTTONQUAIL (Turnix sylvaticus) – One was flushed (and then re-flushed) in the grasslands near Stanley's Camp airstrip.
Glareolidae (Pratincoles and Coursers)
BURCHELL'S COURSER (Cursorius rufus) – This nomadic wanderer can be very difficult, but we were lucky this tour and saw at least 12 at Sossusvlei, and then 3 at Etosha.
DOUBLE-BANDED COURSER (Smutsornis africanus) – Six at Sossusvlei, and a few others totalling about 6 at Etosha.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
GRAY-HOODED GULL (Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus) – One at Johannesburg, and 9 over the flood plains near Xaro.
HARTLAUB'S GULL (Chroicocephalus hartlaubii) – At least 300 in the Walvis Bay area.
KELP GULL (CAPE) (Larus dominicanus vetula) – At least 200 in the Walvis Bay area.
DAMARA TERN (Sternula balaenarum) – This very small and localised tern can be hard to find, but we all had repeated close views at Walvis Bay this year.
Usually among the most-wanted of birds on this tour, Pel's Fishing-Owls came through in spades this year, with an unprecedented 4 owls seen during our stay at Botswana's Xaro Lodge! (Photo by tour participant Ken Havard)
WHITE-WINGED TERN (Chlidonias leucopterus) – Four, in at least partial breeding plumage at Walvis Bay.
COMMON TERN (Sterna hirundo) – About 200 along the shore at Walvis Bay.
GREAT CRESTED TERN (Thalasseus bergii) – Three at Walvis Bay, and 4 near Swakopmund.
Pteroclidae (Sandgrouse)
NAMAQUA SANDGROUSE (Pterocles namaqua) – We all had brief fly-overs at the Namib Desert Lodge, but then and good looks at about 40 as we were leaving there, and 10 at Etosha.
DOUBLE-BANDED SANDGROUSE (Pterocles bicinctus) – About 800 (coming to drink at the Okaukuejo water hole) was probably the largest single total we've ever seen, and then we had about another 10 at Etosha and near Stanley's Camp.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Small numbers in a variety of towns and villages early in the tour.
SPECKLED PIGEON (Columba guinea) – Very common and widespread from Windhoek to Etosha; in all we saw about 250.
MOURNING COLLARED-DOVE (Streptopelia decipiens) – Heard (and seen by one of the group) near Xaro Lodge.
RED-EYED DOVE (Streptopelia semitorquata) – We saw a total of about 70 between Hakusembe and the Okavango Delta.
RING-NECKED DOVE (Streptopelia capicola) – Very common and numerous throughout the tour.
LAUGHING DOVE (Streptopelia senegalensis) – Very common and numerous throughout the tour.
EMERALD-SPOTTED WOOD-DOVE (Turtur chalcospilos) – We saw a total of about 30 between Uris, Hakusembe, and in the Okavango Delta.
NAMAQUA DOVE (Oena capensis) – Widespread throughout the tour; with a total of about 60.
AFRICAN GREEN-PIGEON (Treron calvus) – About 12 between Mahango, Xaro, and near Stanley's Camp.
Musophagidae (Turacos)
GRAY GO-AWAY-BIRD (Corythaixoides concolor) – We had just a few early on, and then they were common from Uris to the Botswana border and throughout the Okavango Delta.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
COPPERY-TAILED COUCAL (Centropus cupreicaudus) – One at Hakusembe, and then about 25 in the Okavango Delta.
SENEGAL COUCAL (Centropus senegalensis) – Three near Stanley's Camp.
WHITE-BROWED COUCAL (Centropus superciliosus) – One near Stanley's Camp.
Tytonidae (Barn-Owls)
BARN OWL (Tyto alba) – Great close looks at a pair in the grounds of Halali Camp, Etosha.
Strigidae (Owls)
AFRICAN SCOPS-OWL (Otus senegalensis) – We saw 2 very responsive birds at Halali Camp, and then others were 'heard only' near Stanley's Camp.
VERREAUX'S EAGLE-OWL (Bubo lacteus) – A distant bird at Okaukuejo, and then good looks at 2 in Mahango.
PEL'S FISHING-OWL (Scotopelia peli) – Star of the tour! With a record of 4 individuals this year, including the incredibly tame full grown immature near Xaro Lodge.
PEARL-SPOTTED OWLET (Glaucidium perlatum) – Singles at Windhoek, Etosha, and near Stanley's Camp.
AFRICAN BARRED OWLET (Glaucidium capense) – A total of 4 were seen during our 'late evening drives' in the Okavango Delta.
AFRICAN WOOD-OWL (Strix woodfordii) – Great looks at a 'staked-out' bird at Xaro Lodge.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
FRECKLED NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus tristigma) – Two distant birds were attracted to the lights at Erongo Wilderness Lodge.
Apodidae (Swifts)
ALPINE SWIFT (Apus melba) – Two at Guisis.
BRADFIELD'S SWIFT (Apus bradfieldi) – Six at Windhoek, and then about 100 drinking at a drying up pool near Guisis.
LITTLE SWIFT (Apus affinis) – About 20 at Okaukuejo.
WHITE-RUMPED SWIFT (Apus caffer) – Two near Grootfontein.
AFRICAN PALM-SWIFT (Cypsiurus parvus) – Small numbers around Windhoek, Etosha, Mahango and in the Okavango Delta; in all we saw about 120.
Coliidae (Mousebirds)
WHITE-BACKED MOUSEBIRD (Colius colius) – About 40 between Windhoek and the Solitaire area.
RED-FACED MOUSEBIRD (Urocolius indicus) – Six at Windhoek, and 20+ in the Erongo Mountains.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
MALACHITE KINGFISHER (Corythornis cristatus) – Singles at Hakusembe and near Xaro.
GRAY-HEADED KINGFISHER (Halcyon leucocephala) – About 8 in the Stanley's Camp area.
WOODLAND KINGFISHER (Halcyon senegalensis) – One at Hakusembe, and then about 6 others in the Okavango.
STRIPED KINGFISHER (Halcyon chelicuti) – Two near Stanley's Camp.
Brilliant, conspicuous, and quite common, the amazing Lilac-breasted Roller even impresses complete non-birders on African safaris! (Photo by tour participant Ken Havard)
PIED KINGFISHER (Ceryle rudis) – About 80 along the Okavango River, and then another 30+ in the delta itself.
Meropidae (Bee-eaters)
WHITE-FRONTED BEE-EATER (Merops bullockoides) – At least 300 were in the Xaro Lodge area.
LITTLE BEE-EATER (Merops pusillus) – We saw a total of about 70 between Uris and Stanley's Camp.
SWALLOW-TAILED BEE-EATER (Merops hirundineus) – Three near Windhoek, 6 at Etosha, and then 4 near Stanley's Camp.
EUROPEAN BEE-EATER (Merops apiaster) – Some of the group saw a single bird near Windhoek.
Coraciidae (Rollers)
LILAC-BREASTED ROLLER (Coracias caudatus) – Common from the Erongo Mountains to the Okavango Delta, with a few others elsewhere.
RUFOUS-CROWNED ROLLER (Coracias naevius) – About a dozen between the Erongo Mountains and Etosha.
Upupidae (Hoopoes)
EURASIAN HOOPOE (AFRICAN) (Upupa epops africana) – We saw the African form 'africana' at Guisis and Etosha.
Phoeniculidae (Woodhoopoes and Scimitar-bills)
GREEN WOODHOOPOE (Phoeniculus purpureus) – Six along the acacia-lined river at Okombahe, and about 25 in the Okavango Delta.
COMMON SCIMITAR-BILL (Rhinopomastus cyanomelas) – Pairs and singles at Windhoek, in the Erongo Mountains, Etosha, and near Stanley's Camp.
Bucerotidae (Hornbills)
MONTEIRO'S HORNBILL (Tockus monteiri) – Three near Windhoek, 2 at Spitzkoppe, and 4 near Outjo.
SOUTHERN RED-BILLED HORNBILL (Tockus rufirostris) – Common at Etosha and in the Okavango Delta.
DAMARA RED-BILLED HORNBILL (Tockus damarensis) – Three in the river bed near Okombahe.
SOUTHERN YELLOW-BILLED HORNBILL (Tockus leucomelas) – Widespread in small numbers, with a total of about 40.
AFRICAN GRAY HORNBILL (Tockus nasutus) – Common from the Erongo Mountains onwards, including the Okavango Delta.
Bucorvidae (Ground-Hornbills)
SOUTHERN GROUND-HORNBILL (Bucorvus leadbeateri) – Four near Stanley's Camp.
Lybiidae (African Barbets)
CRESTED BARBET (Trachyphonus vaillantii) – One at Xaro, and 4 near Stanley's Camp.
YELLOW-FRONTED TINKERBIRD (Pogoniulus chrysoconus) – Heard at Xaro Lodge.
PIED BARBET (Tricholaema leucomelas) – Small numbers were common in acacia country from Windhoek to Etosha.
BLACK-COLLARED BARBET (Lybius torquatus) – Singles at Xaro and Stanley's Camp.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
BENNETT'S WOODPECKER (Campethera bennettii) – Two at Xaro Lodge.
GOLDEN-TAILED WOODPECKER (Campethera abingoni) – One at Xaro Lodge.
CARDINAL WOODPECKER (Dendropicos fuscescens) – Singles at Windhoek and Xaro Lodge.
BEARDED WOODPECKER (Dendropicos namaquus) – One at Okombahe, and 2 near Stanley's Camp.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
GREATER KESTREL (Falco rupicoloides) – We saw a total of about 25 in the Namib Naukluft Desert.
DICKINSON'S KESTREL (Falco dickinsoni) – Great looks this year in the Stanley's Camp area.
RED-NECKED FALCON (Falco chicquera) – One to the south of Solitaire.
LANNER FALCON (Falco biarmicus) – Two in the Sossusvlei area, and 1 hunting over the waterhole at Okaukuejo.
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – One at Windhoek.
Psittacidae (Parrots)
ROSY-FACED LOVEBIRD (Agapornis roseicollis) – Most common at Erongo Wilderness Lodge where we saw at least 100, and also a few small flocks around Sossusvlei and Okombahe.
MEYER'S PARROT (Poicephalus meyeri) – About 15 in the Okavango Delta.
RUEPPELL'S PARROT (Poicephalus rueppellii) – Great looks at 3 of these uncommon endemic parrots in the river bed at Okombahe.
Platysteiridae (Wattle-eyes and Batises)
CHINSPOT BATIS (Batis molitor) – One at Xaro Lodge.
PRIRIT BATIS (Batis pririt) – Small numbers in the acacia country around Windhoek and the Erongo Mountains.
WHITE-TAILED SHRIKE (Lanioturdus torquatus) – Fantastic looks at this striking endemic in the Erongo Mountains.
Prionopidae (Helmetshrikes and Allies)
WHITE HELMETSHRIKE (Prionops plumatus) – One of the group saw a small flock at Halali, and then we all saw about 8 at Mushara.
RETZ'S HELMETSHRIKE (Prionops retzii) – Good looks at 5 in a mixed species flock at Xaro Lodge.
Malaconotidae (Bushshrikes and Allies)
BRUBRU (Nilaus afer) – Small numbers in the acacia country around Outjo, Etosha, and Mahango.
BLACK-BACKED PUFFBACK (Dryoscopus cubla) – One at Erongo Wilderness Lodge, and 2 at Mahango.
If the White-tailed Shrike, which is endemic to Namibia and Angola, reminds you a lot of a batis, there's good reason for that, it's closely related to the batises and wattle-eyes, and is not a shrike at all. (Photo by tour participant Ken Havard)
GABON BOUBOU (Laniarius bicolor) – More commonly known as Swamp Boubou, we saw about half a dozen in the Xaro Lodge area.
CRIMSON-BREASTED GONOLEK (Laniarius atrococcineus) – Small numbers of these striking birds were widespread in acacia country.
Laniidae (Shrikes)
LESSER GRAY SHRIKE (Lanius minor) – Thee in the Namib Naukluft Desert, and then about 15 between Outjo and Mahango.
SOUTHERN FISCAL (Lanius collaris subcoronatus) – This is the fiscal with the broad white superciliary stripes; it is often lumped with Common Fiscal, but also split and known as Latakoo Fiscal (or this case Southern Fiscal), we saw one near Solitaire.
MAGPIE SHRIKE (Corvinella melanoleuca) – Six at Hakusembe, and 4 near Stanley's Camp.
WHITE-CROWNED SHRIKE (Eurocephalus anguitimens) – Four at Halali, and 1 at Mahango.
Oriolidae (Old World Orioles)
AFRICAN GOLDEN ORIOLE (Oriolus auratus) – We saw a single male high in the canopy at Xaro Lodge.
Dicruridae (Drongos)
FORK-TAILED DRONGO (Dicrurus adsimilis) – Fairly common and widespread; in all we saw about 200.
Monarchidae (Monarch Flycatchers)
AFRICAN PARADISE-FLYCATCHER (Terpsiphone viridis) – One during our picnic lunch at Mahango.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
CAPE CROW (Corvus capensis) – Small numbers in the arid country from Windhoek to Walvis Bay, and then at Etosha.
PIED CROW (Corvus albus) – Fairly common and widespread.
Alaudidae (Larks)
SABOTA LARK (Calendulauda sabota naevia) – About 10 at Etosha, and 1 near Solitaire.
DUSKY LARK (Pinarocorys nigricans) – One at Uris, and 1 briefly at Hakusembe.
GRAY'S LARK (Ammomanopsis grayi) – When you look almost identical to the habitat you live on it can take a while, but eventually we all got great views of 2 of these endemic larks.
SPIKE-HEELED LARK (Chersomanes albofasciata) – Four near Spitzkoppe, and then about 25 at Etosha.
KAROO LONG-BILLED LARK (Certhilauda subcoronata) – We had 2 very responsive birds to the north-west of Solitaire.
CHESTNUT-BACKED SPARROW-LARK (Eremopterix leucotis) – About 20 at a couple of the Etosha waterholes.
GRAY-BACKED SPARROW-LARK (Eremopterix verticalis) – Eight at Sossusvlei, and then at least 400 at Etosha.
RED-CAPPED LARK (Calandrella cinerea) – About 40 at Etosha, and 20 near Stanley's Camp.
STARK'S LARK (Spizocorys starki) – Sometimes a bit tricky, but we had good looks on several occasions this year, including about 20 at the Tropic of Capricorn, and a dozen at Etosha.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
PLAIN MARTIN (Riparia paludicola) – Six at Windhoek Sewage Works, and about 70 along the river in the Xaro Lodge area.
ROCK MARTIN (Ptyonoprogne fuligula) – Small numbers in rocky country around Windhoek, Spitzkoppe, and Etosha.
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) – Two at Windhoek, 2 on the way to Walvis Bay, and about 40 in the Okavango Delta.
WHITE-THROATED SWALLOW (Hirundo albigularis) – One at Windhoek Sewage Works, 1 at Okaukuejo, and 6 at Hakusembe.
WIRE-TAILED SWALLOW (Hirundo smithii) – We saw a total of about 10 between Hakusembe and Stanley's Camp.
LESSER STRIPED-SWALLOW (Cecropis abyssinica) – Ten at Mahango, and about 25 at Xaro Lodge.
Paridae (Chickadees and Tits)
SOUTHERN BLACK-TIT (Melaniparus niger) – Two at Xaro Lodge.
CARP'S TIT (Melaniparus carpi) – Five in the bush country around Erongo Wilderness Lodge.
ASHY TIT (Melaniparus cinerascens) – Three near Windhoek, and 1 in the Erongo Mountains.
Pycnonotidae (Bulbuls)
YELLOW-BELLIED GREENBUL (Chlorocichla flaviventris) – One at Xaro Lodge.
TERRESTRIAL BROWNBUL (Phyllastrephus terrestris) – One at Stanley's Camp.
COMMON BULBUL (DARK-CAPPED) (Pycnonotus barbatus tricolor) – Common along the Okavango River and in the delta.
BLACK-FRONTED BULBUL (Pycnonotus nigricans) – More commonly known as Red-eyed Bulbul, and common throughout Namibia; we saw a total of about 300.
Macrosphenidae (African Warblers)
CAPE CROMBEC (Sylvietta rufescens) – One at Sossusvlei, 6 at Etosha, and 2 near Stanley's Camp.
ROCKRUNNER (Achaetops pycnopygius) – Surprisingly difficult this year, but we eventually all got super looks at the Erongo Wilderness Lodge (right by the swimming pool too!).
Phylloscopidae (Leaf-Warblers)
WILLOW WARBLER (Phylloscopus trochilus) – One at Xaro Lodge.
Acrocephalidae (Reed-Warblers and Allies)
AFRICAN REED-WARBLER (Acrocephalus baeticatus) – One at Windhoek Sewage Works.
GREATER SWAMP-WARBLER (Acrocephalus rufescens) – One in the tall reed beds near Xaro Lodge.
Cisticolidae (Cisticolas and Allies)
YELLOW-BREASTED APALIS (Apalis flavida) – Good looks at a pair in the acacia trees behind Xaro Lodge.
GREEN-BACKED CAMAROPTERA (GRAY-BACKED) (Camaroptera brachyura brevicaudata) – Firstly seen in the Erongo Mountains, and then quite commonly in Etosha and Botswana.
The very local Bare-cheeked Babbler is another species endemic to SW Angola and Namibia. We had nice views of several at our regular stakeout. (Photo by tour participant Ken Havard)
RATTLING CISTICOLA (Cisticola chiniana) – Very common in the Stanley's Camp area, and just a few prior to that near Windhoek and at Etosha.
WINDING CISTICOLA (LUAPULA) (Cisticola galactotes luapula) – One in the flooded marshland near Hakusembe.
CHIRPING CISTICOLA (Cisticola pipiens) – Good looks at one near Xaro lodge.
TAWNY-FLANKED PRINIA (Prinia subflava) – We saw a total of about 15 along the Okavango River.
BLACK-CHESTED PRINIA (Prinia flavicans) – Common and widespread in small numbers throughout most of Namibia.
YELLOW-BELLIED EREMOMELA (Eremomela icteropygialis) – Small numbers at Windhoek, in the Erongo Mountains, and at Etosha.
BURNT-NECK EREMOMELA (Eremomela usticollis) – Rather localised, so we were lucky to see very responsive birds at Mahango.
Sylviidae (Sylviids, Parrotbills and Allies)
LAYARD'S WARBLER (Parisoma layardi) – Two in a rocky gulley to the west of Guisis.
RUFOUS-VENTED WARBLER (Parisoma subcaeruleum) – Small numbers (particularly in acacia country) from Windhoek to Etosha.
Zosteropidae (Yuhinas, White-eyes, and Allies)
AFRICAN YELLOW WHITE-EYE (Zosterops senegalensis) – Four at Hakusembe.
CAPE WHITE-EYE (ORANGE RIVER) (Zosterops pallidus pallidus) – Most African authorities now split this as Orange River White-eye; we saw 4 at Walvis Bay.
Leiothrichidae (Laughingthrushes)
HARTLAUB'S BABBLER (Turdoides hartlaubii) – Common along the Okavango River from Hakusembe to around Stanley's Camp.
BLACK-FACED BABBLER (Turdoides melanops) – Eight at Mushara.
SOUTHERN PIED-BABBLER (Turdoides bicolor) – Seven in the river bed at Okombahe, and 2 near Halali.
ARROW-MARKED BABBLER (Turdoides jardineii) – We saw a single flock of 5 near Stanley's Camp.
BARE-CHEEKED BABBLER (Turdoides gymnogenys) – We saw a flock of 7 of these endemic babblers at Uris.
Muscicapidae (Old World Flycatchers)
CHAT FLYCATCHER (Bradornis infuscatus) – Small numbers were widespread in the Namib Naukluft Desert.
MARIQUA FLYCATCHER (Bradornis mariquensis) – Widespread in bush country, with a total of about 30.
SOUTHERN BLACK-FLYCATCHER (Melaenornis pammelaina) – Three at Mahango.
SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa striata) – One at Hakusembe.
ASHY FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa caerulescens) – Two at Xaro Lodge.
GRAY TIT-FLYCATCHER (Myioparus plumbeus) – One at Xaro Lodge.
KALAHARI SCRUB-ROBIN (Cercotrichas paena) – Brief views at Windhoek, but then much better for everyone on the way to Etosha, and at Mushara.
RED-BACKED SCRUB-ROBIN (Cercotrichas leucophrys) – Some of the group saw 1 at Stanley's Camp.
HERERO CHAT (Namibornis herero) – One of the more difficult endemics; we saw a single bird at Spitzkoppe.
WHITE-BROWED ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha heuglini) – One at Xaro Lodge.
SHORT-TOED ROCK-THRUSH (Monticola brevipes) – Singles at Windhoek and Solitaire, and then another 2 in the Erongo Mountains.
AFRICAN STONECHAT (Saxicola torquatus) – One deep in the marshes near Xaro Lodge.
SOUTHERN ANTEATER-CHAT (Myrmecocichla formicivora) – About 4 to the north of Outjo.
KAROO CHAT (Cercomela schlegelii) – One at the Tropic of Capricorn.
TRACTRAC CHAT (Cercomela tractrac) – Great looks at Bird Feather Mountain, and then another 2 to the north of Swakopmund.
FAMILIAR CHAT (Cercomela familiaris) – Widespread in small numbers.
MOUNTAIN WHEATEAR (Oenanthe monticola) – Four in the Namib Naukluft Desert, and then about 6 in the Erongo Mountains.
CAPPED WHEATEAR (Oenanthe pileata) – One at Namib Desert Lodge, and then about 30 at Etosha.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
GROUNDSCRAPER THRUSH (Psophocichla litsitsirupa) – Two at Okombahe, and 5 at Etosha.
Sturnidae (Starlings)
WATTLED STARLING (Creatophora cinerea) – At least 300 were at the Windhoek Sewage Works, and then small numbers at Etosha and near Xaro.
On most tours to this part of Africa, the views we had of 9 Hunting Dogs right next to the vehicle would have been the undisputed mammalian highlight. The dogs may have been upstaged by our views of a rarely seen Aardwolf, but at least the dogs allowed great photographic opportunities. (Photo by tour participant Ken Havard)
GREATER BLUE-EARED GLOSSY-STARLING (Lamprotornis chalybaeus) – About 40 between Hakusembe and Mahango.
MEVES'S GLOSSY-STARLING (Lamprotornis mevesii) – About 40 in the Xaro and Stanley's Camp area.
BURCHELL'S GLOSSY-STARLING (Lamprotornis australis) – First seen at Okombahe, and then at Etosha, Hakusembe, and in Botswana.
VIOLET-BACKED STARLING (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster) – Two at Xaro Lodge.
PALE-WINGED STARLING (Onychognathus nabouroup) – Fairly common in the rocky desert around Sossusvlei, and in the Erongo Mountains.
Buphagidae (Oxpeckers)
RED-BILLED OXPECKER (Buphagus erythrorhynchus) – A dozen at Hakusembe, and about 50 in the Stanley's Camp area.
YELLOW-BILLED OXPECKER (Buphagus africanus) – Three at Mahango, and about 50 in the Stanley's Camp (especially on giraffe and buffalo).
Nectariniidae (Sunbirds and Spiderhunters)
SCARLET-CHESTED SUNBIRD (Chalcomitra senegalensis) – About 10 near Windhoek.
MARIQUA SUNBIRD (Cinnyris mariquensis) – A dozen around Windhoek, and then small numbers from Etosha to Uris.
DUSKY SUNBIRD (Cinnyris fuscus) – Very common from Windhoek to Etosha, with a total of about 250.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
CAPE WAGTAIL (Motacilla capensis) – Widespread, in a variety of areas from gardens and stream sides, to open seashore and seasonally flooded grasslands.
AFRICAN PIED WAGTAIL (Motacilla aguimp) – Two at Hakusembe, and 5 at Xaro Lodge.
AFRICAN PIPIT (Anthus cinnamomeus) – We saw a total of about 25 between Hakusembe and the Stanley's Camp airstrip.
BUFFY PIPIT (Anthus vaalensis) – One near Okaukuejo.
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
LARK-LIKE BUNTING (Emberiza impetuani) – Common and numerous in dry country throughout Namibia.
CINNAMON-BREASTED BUNTING (Emberiza tahapisi) – Four at a waterhole at Etosha.
CAPE BUNTING (Emberiza capensis) – Four at Erongo Wilderness Lodge.
GOLDEN-BREASTED BUNTING (Emberiza flaviventris) – One at Uris.
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)
BLACK-THROATED CANARY (Serinus atrogularis) – Small numbers at Windhoek, and around the Erongo Mountains.
YELLOW CANARY (Serinus flaviventris) – We saw a nice male near Windhoek, and then about 6 in the Sossusvlei area, and 1 at Okaukuejo.
WHITE-THROATED CANARY (Serinus albogularis) – Two in a gulley west of Guisis, and then 1 at Spitzkoppe.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – Common in towns and villages from Windhoek to Walvis Bay.
GREAT RUFOUS SPARROW (Passer motitensis) – Six at Guisis, 2 at Erongo Wilderness Lodge, and about 20 at Etosha.
CAPE SPARROW (Passer melanurus) – Very common from Windhoek to Spitzkoppe.
SOUTHERN GRAY-HEADED SPARROW (Passer diffusus) – Most common in the Erongo Mountains and at Etosha, and a few others elsewhere.
YELLOW-THROATED PETRONIA (Petronia superciliaris) – Two at Mahango.
Ploceidae (Weavers and Allies)
RED-BILLED BUFFALO-WEAVER (Bubalornis niger) – Singles at Windhoek and Okombahe, and then about 10 near Stanley's Camp.
SCALY WEAVER (Sporopipes squamifrons) – More commonly known as Scaly-feathered Finch; we saw about 40 in the Namib Naukluft Desert, and then about 50 at Etosha.
WHITE-BROWED SPARROW-WEAVER (Plocepasser mahali) – Widespread in acacia country throughout the tour.
SOCIAL WEAVER (Philetairus socius) – More commonly known as Sociable Weaver; these birds (and their truly massive nests) were notable throughout much of Namibia.
RED-HEADED WEAVER (Anaplectes rubriceps) – One at Mushara.
HOLUB'S GOLDEN-WEAVER (Ploceus xanthops) – Three in the woodland behind Xaro Lodge.
SOUTHERN MASKED-WEAVER (Ploceus velatus) – Very common and widespread.
CHESTNUT WEAVER (Ploceus rubiginosus) – Five (including some males in fine breeding plumage) at Erongo Wilderness Lodge.
RED-BILLED QUELEA (Quelea quelea) – Small numbers early in the tour, and then flocks of many hundreds in the Stanley's Camp area.
FAN-TAILED WIDOWBIRD (Euplectes axillaris) – We saw a single male and then a female during a boat trip near Xaro Lodge.
With species like this fantastic male Green-winged Pytilia (not to mention the Blue-breasted Cordonbleus and Violet-eared Waxbills we saw) is it any wonder the African waxbills are such popular cagebirds? (Photo by tour participant Ken Havard)
Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies)
COMMON WAXBILL (Estrilda astrild) – About 30 near Guisis, and then 10 at the Welwitschia Reserve near Swakopmund.
BLACK-CHEEKED WAXBILL (Estrilda erythronotos) – Six in the Windhoek area, and then 4 at Etosha.
BLUE-BREASTED CORDONBLEU (Uraeginthus angolensis) – Four at Etosha, 30 at Xaro, and about 10 near Stanley's Camp.
VIOLET-EARED WAXBILL (Granatina granatina) – We saw these gorgeous waxbills near Windhoek, in the Erongo Mountains, and at Etosha.
GREEN-WINGED PYTILIA (Pytilia melba) – Another beautiful waxbill, we saw a total of about 30 in widespread areas of acacia woodland.
RED-BILLED FIREFINCH (Lagonosticta senegala) – One at Stanley's Camp.
BROWN FIREFINCH (Lagonosticta nitidula) – Three at Xaro Lodge.
RED-HEADED FINCH (Amadina erythrocephala) – Fairly common around Windhoek and Sossusvlei, and then at Etosha; in all we saw about 75.
Viduidae (Indigobirds)
PIN-TAILED WHYDAH (Vidua macroura) – Great looks at a pair in breeding plumage near Guisis.
SHAFT-TAILED WHYDAH (Vidua regia) – Very difficult due to the dry conditions this year, but we finally saw about 6 (including a few in breeding plumage) at Etosha.
MAMMALS
MOHOLI BUSHBABY (Galago moholi) – Two at Etosha, and 1 near Stanley's Camp.
BLACK-FACED VERVET MONKEY (Cercopithecus aethiops) – About 10 at the border crossing, and then a another 6 at Xaro Lodge.
CHACMA BABOON (Papio ursinus) – Widespread throughout the tour; in all we saw about 400.
CAPE GROUND SQUIRREL (Xerus inaurius) – Ten at Solitaire, 1 at Okombahe, and about 60 at Etosha.
TREE SQUIRREL (Paraxerus cepapi) – Very common at Etosha, Hakusembe, and in the Botswana woodlands.
FOUR-STRIPED GRASS MOUSE (Rhabdomys pumilio) – One at Solitaire.
OLD WORLD PORCUPINE SP. (Hystrix africaeaustralis) – Great looks at this huge nocturnal porcupine at Erongo Wilderness Lodge.
DASSIE RAT (Petromus typicus) – A highlight of our visit to the Erongo Mountains.
BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN (Tursiops truncatus) – One of the group saw 1 at Walvis Bay.
CAPE FOX (Vulpes chama) – Not really common, so we were all surprised to see one at Solitaire.
BLACK-BACKED JACKAL (Canis mesomelas) – One at Walvis Bay, and about 40 at Etosha.
HUNTING DOG (Lycaon pictus) – One of Africa's most endangered mammals, so we were lucky to see 9 right next to our vehicle on a drive from Stanley's Camp - great interactions with Spotted Hyaena's too!
AFRICAN CIVET (Civettictis civetta) – One as we returned to Stanley's Camp one evening.
COMMON (SMALL-SPOTTED) GENET (Genetta genetta) – Two (or 3) at Erongo Wilderness Lodge.
SLENDER MONGOOSE (Herpestes sanguineus) – Two at Etosha, and 4 near Stanley's camp.
YELLOW MONGOOSE (Cynictis penicillata) – Three at Solitaire.
SLENDER-TAILED MEERKAT (Suricata suricatta) – Surprisingly difficult on this itinerary, but just great this year, with 3 at Swakopmund, and then another 3 near Okombahe.
AARDWOLF (Proteles cristatus) – Rarely seen on any tour, and certainly a highlight for most of us; we watched one zigzagging across the plains near Okaukuejo.
SPOTTED HYAENA (Crocuta crocuta) – Ten feeding on a baby giraffe near Stanley's Camp.
LEOPARD (Panthera pardus) – Great looks as a mother and her cub walked right next to our vehicle near Stanley's Camp.
LION (Panthera leo) – We saw a large maned male and a female at Etosha.
AFRICAN ELEPHANT (Loxodonta africana) – Some great experiences with about 70 at Etosha, 6 at Mahango, and then another 60+ in the Okavango Delta.
ROCK HYRAX (Procavia capensis) – Ten near Guisis, and 200+ in the Erongo Mountains.
MOUNTAIN ZEBRA (Equus zebra) – About 40 in the Tropic of Capricorn area.
BURCHELL'S ZEBRA (Equus burchelli) – Very common at Etosha, and then a few small herds in the Okavango Delta.
BLACK RHINOCEROS (Diceros bicornis) – Great close looks at 1 at Etosha.
WARTHOG (Phacochoerus aethiopicus) – Common in the Etosha area and Botswana.
HIPPOPOTAMUS (Hippopotamus amphibius) – Heard (right next to our tents) at Xaro, and then 23 were seen well at a 'hippo pool' near Stanley's Camp.
COMMON GIRAFFE (Giraffa camelopardalis) – One near Windhoek, 65 at Etosha, and about 40 in the Stanley's Camp area.
BUSHBUCK (Tragelaphus scriptus) – Three at Stanley's Camp.
GREATER KUDU (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) – Two at Erongo Wilderness Lodge, about 80 at Etosha, 30 at Mahango, and 5 near Stanley's Camp.
AFRICAN BUFFALO (Syncerus caffer) – Three at Mahango, and then a single herd of about 100 near Stanley's Camp airstrip.
LECHWE (Kobus leche) – About 10 at Mahango.
REEDBUCK (Redunca arundinum) – Three near Stanley's Camp.
ROAN ANTELOPE (Hippotragus equinus) – About 15 at Mahango.
SABLE ANTELOPE (Hippotragus niger) – Two glorious males at Mahango.
GEMSBOK (Oryx gazella) – Common in the Namib Naukluft Desert (300+) and then at Etosha (about 120).
TOPI (Damaliscus lunatus) – The near Stanley's Camp.
HARTEBEEST (KONGONI) (Alcelaphus buselaphus) – More commonly known as Red Hartebeest; we saw about 15 at Etosha.
BLUE WILDEBEEST (Connochaetes taurinus) – About 70 at Etosha, 10 at Mahango, and 60+ near Stanley's Camp.
KLIPSPRINGER (Oreotragus oreotragus) – Three at Spitzkoppe.
STEENBOK (Raphicerus campestris) – Small numbers were widespread in bush country; were we saw a total of about 10.
KIRK'S DIK-DIK (Modoqua kirki) – Six in the Erongo Mountains.
IMPALA (Aepyceros malampus) – The black-faced race was common at Etosha (200+), and then fairly plain-faced individuals were at Mahango (100+), and finally the widespread plain-faced race were common near Stanley's Camp (300+).
SPRINGBOK (Antidorcas marsupialis) – About 300 in the Sossusvlei area, and 1000+ at Etosha.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Reptiles seen on the tour included;
Namaqua Chameleon: 1 in the gravel plains north of Swakopmund.
Namib Rock Agama: about 30 at Spitzkoppe and in the Erongo Mountains.
Water Monitor: 3 in the Xaro Lodge area.
Totals for the tour: 316 bird taxa and 45 mammal taxa