Waterberg Plateau Park is an excellent birding destination, with more than 250 species recorded in a relatively small area. This diversity is due to the different habitats: broad-leafed woodland on top of the plateau, thornbush below the plateau, and cliffs. The park has nine self-guided walking trails that are very productive for bird watching. It is also home to Namibia’s only breeding colony of Cape vultures. Migratory birds are present from November to April.
Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
(NE) near-endemic = lives in Namibia and neighboring countries- Alpine swift
- Augur buzzard
- Bennett’s woodpecker
- Booted eagle
- Bradfield’s hornbill
- Cape vulture
- Carp’s tit (NE)
- Hartlaub’s francolin (NE)
- Lanner falcon
- Monteiro’s hornbill (NE)
- Peregrine falcon
- Rockrunner (NE)
- Rosy-faced lovebird
- Rüppell’s parrot (NE)
- Short-toed rock thrush
- Verreaux’s eagle
- Violet wood-hoopoe (NE)
- White-crested helmet-shrike
Best Time for Bird Watching
The Waterberg Plateau can be visited throughout the year. Bird watching is best in the Wet season (November to April), when summer migrants from Europe and Asia are present. Most birds of prey, and many other species, are resident in the park and can be seen year-round.