Birdlife in Namibia

Namibia's 3 major biomes - and the variety of habitats within them - has resulted in a diverse range of bird species totaling some 630 recorded species.

The 3 major biomes are: Zambezian (arid to moist woodland in the extreme north and Caprivi); Kalahari highveld (the arid savannah and thornveld covering most of the north and east) and the Namib/Karoo (desert and semi-desert habitats in the south and west).

Seemingly dominated by flat stony or sandy plains, Namibia has a central escarpment that runs down the centre of the country throwing up large mountains and broken hilly country covered in arid woodland.

Extensive coastal wetlands and north-eastern swamps plus a long coastline and numerous rocky offshore islands complete a fine mosaic of habitats - it's a great country for bird watching.

Where to go Bird Watching

The arid southern and western deserts and mountains host only the hardiest birds but the better-watered woodlands of the central escarpment and north are home to a far more cosmopolitan mix. The Etosha National Park and the Caprivi Strip are rich in birdlife with the tiny Mahango Game Reserve in the Caprivi boasting 420 species alone.

For those in or around Windhoek, the Daan Viljoen Game Reserve offers a great introduction to the arid woodland birds of the country.

The western coastal wetlands around Swakopmund and Walvis Bay are densely populated with waders, wildfowl, flamingos and pelicans.

In addition to its resident birds, the rains (December to April) bring many intra-African and Palaeartic migrants to Namibia, thus making this time of year the best time to go birdwatching.

Interestingly, the country boasts only a single true endemic - the rather dull-looking Dune Lark - but Namibia is a great destination for those with a life list in hand: there are some 40 near-endemics, most of which can only be found in Namibia or difficult-to-access Angola.

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