Omaruru and the Erongo Mountains

Undoubtedly the best bushveld birding in Namibia is available in the Omaruru area. This small town, some 2 hours from Windhoek, is surrounded by dry acacia savanna. Traversing this are two major west-flowing rivers, the Omaruru and the Khan. The riparian woodlands are a magnet for a variety of species otherwise not found in the drier parts of the country. The granitic Erongo Mountains to the West of the town are home to a variety of endemics and near-endemics, and a range of accommodation to suit every budget is at hand. Visitors should spend at least 2 nights in the area.

Specials
Hartlaub's Spurfowl, Orange River Francolin, Rockrunner, White-tailed Shrike, Rüppell's Parrot, Violet Wood-Hoopoe, Monteiro's Hornbill, Carp's Tit, Rosy-faced Lovebird, Bradfield's Swift, Chestnut Weaver and numerous raptors.

Birding

1. An early morning out on the Paula’s Cave Road should get most birders Hartlaub's Spurfowl. Do not climb through fences and go onto farmland here. This is a newly established conservancy area and the farmers get justifiably irritated by birders taking off onto farms without permission. Rockrunner, Hartlaub's Spurfowl and White-tailed Shrike are all possible from the road.

2. Some of the best birding can be done along the bed of the Omaruru River in the town itself. Woodpeckers, owls and migrant warblers all favour the big acacia along the river margin. Bat Hawk are regularly seen over the river in the late evenings in summer.

3. If you have missed Herero Chat around the Spitzkoppe, an easy run to Karibib (around the golf course and on the road to Otjimbingwe) or Usakos (on small road past the old private hospital) is doable from here.

General
There is a well organised campground on the northern side of the town on the road to Otjiwarongo. Small serviced units are also available here. Omaruru Rest Camp 064-570516.

A number of inexpensive hotels can be found in town.

Some of the best birding in the area is to be had at the upmarket Erongo Wilderness Lodge website: http://www.erongowilderness-namibia.com . Hartlaub's Spurfowl, Rockrunner and White-tailed Shrike are all garden birds here and the setting is absolutely magnificent.

Chris Hines 2002
The Namibian Naturalist
Tel: +264-(0)-61-227077
Fax: +264-(0)-61-227088
E-mail: rockrun@iafrica.com.na