Namib-Naukluft National Park is a great birding destination for southern Africa’s desert birds, with more than 250 species recorded. The popular area of Sossusvlei is extremely dry and there are some interesting species to be found there, such as the dune lark. For excellent birding, head for the Naukluft Mountains where more species are present and are easier to spot. On the coast, Sandwich Harbour is great for Palearctic waders in the Wet season, including greater and lesser flamingo. Migratory birds are present from November to April.
Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
(E) endemic = only lives in Namibia(NE) near-endemic = lives in Namibia and neighboring countries
- African black duck
- Arctic tern
- Bar-tailed godwit
- Black stork
- Cardinal woodpecker
- Chestnut weaver
- Cinnamon-breasted warbler
- Dune lark (E)
- Golden-tailed woodpecker
- Gray’s lark (NE)
- Greater flamingo
- Herero chat (NE)
- Karoo long-billed lark
- Karoo scrub robin
- Lanner falcon
- Layard’s tit-babbler
- Lesser flamingo
- Lesser honeyguide
- Long-billed crombec
- Ludwig’s bustard (NE)
- Monteiro’s hornbill (NE)
- Rockrunner (NE)
- Rosy-faced lovebird
- Rüppell’s bustard (NE)
- Rüppell’s parrot (NE)
- Swallow-tailed bee-eater
- Tractrac chat
- Verreaux’s eagle
Best Time for Bird Watching
Bird watching in Namib-Naukluft is best during the Wet season (November to April), when migrants from Eurasia are present. However, most birds of prey are resident and can be seen throughout the year.