Southern African Birding

Birding Accommodation in Southern Africa
	WesternCape, EasternCape, NorthernCape, KwazuluNatal, Gauteng, Limpopo Province, NorthWest, Mpumalanga, FreeState Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Mozambique, Lesotho, Zambia Establishments with a particular interest in accommodating birders are invited to submit details for inclusion.

Namibia


ERONGO WILDERNESS LODGE is located In the heart of Namibia, encircled by the Erongo Mountains, where the desert, mountain, and bushveld ecosystems combine. This is one of Namibias most diverse and rewarding environments, and Erongo Wilderness Lodge provides the ideal way to experience it. The lodge has 10 tented chalets, built on stilts, set against towering granite formations. The spacious dining-room overlooks a bird bath and flood-lit waterhole. Views down across the valley to the granite mountains are spectacular. Nearby is a plunge pool and outdoor lounge. Many of Namibia's endemics and special birds are found in and around the camp, including Hartlaub's Francolin, Rockrunner, White-tailed Shrike and Monteiro's Hornbill. "The combination of outstanding scenery, luxury lodge, good cuisine, and awesome birding, make this one of Namibia's top birding spots. Highly recommended". Guy Gibbon. Tel: +264 (0)64 570537 and Fax: +264 (0)64 570536 . Email: info@erongowilderness.com or www.erongowilderness.com

HOBATERE LODGE is strategically located 65 km north of Kamanjab on the western border of Etosha National Park. The lodge is situated in a concession area of 32 000 ha which is home to a wide selection of game. Hobatere offers the visitor the opportunity to experience game drives in open vehicles and nature walks with experienced rangers. Early morning and night drives are offered when many nocturnal animals are found. Accommodation is in comfortably furnished chalets and twin-bedded rooms all under thatch, each with en-suite bathrooms. About 300 meters from the swimming pool there is a hide overlooking a waterhole where elephants are often seen. "Owner Steve Brain and his guides are so familiar with their territory that they can show you many of Namibia's endemic and special birds in a single drive, including Hartlaunb's Francolin, Rockrunner, Rueppel's Parrot, Monteiro's Hornbill and Violet Woodhoopoe, while Bare-cheeked Babbler and Damara Hornbill are found in camp. The camp is also great for owls, including Scops, Whitefaced, Peralspotted, and Giant Eagle-Owl. A scenic, comfortable lodge, with good cuisine. One of Namibia's top birding spots. Highly recommended". Guy Gibbon. Tel: +264 (0)67 687066 and Fax: +264 (0)67 687067. Email: hobatere@mweb.com.na or http://resafrica.net/hobatere-lodge/

KUNENE RIVER LODGE has a lot to offer. Situated on the banks of the Kunene River, 50km west of the Ruacana Falls and 100 east of the Epupa Falls, the rustic Kunene River Lodge is an excellent destination. The Lodge offers bungalows with en-suite facilities, campsites, restaurant, bar, pool, shop and much more. Activities include white water rafting and river boarding, bird watching, sundowner cruises, canoeing, hiking, fishing and mountain biking. Kunene River Lodge is very popular for its bird life. Although the Riverine Forest offers a rich and varied bird life, many people actually find the bird life more concentrated in the camp itself. You can also spoil yourself with an early morning birding trip downstream with the sun rising behind you and enjoy a cup of coffee while you watch the bird life drifting in a raft towards the Ondoto river. "Ruacana Falls, the scenery down the Kunene River, and sightings of Rufous-tailed Palm-Thrush, Cinderella Waxbill, Grey Kestrel and Olive Bee-eater, make this a worthwhile destination. Avoid Feb-April when the river is in flood. Recommended". Guy Gibbon. Tel: +264 (0)65 2743000 and Fax: +264 (0)65 274301. Email: info@kuneneriverlodge.com or www.kuneneriverlodge.com

NDHOVU SAFARI LODGE is located opposite the well-known Caprivi Game Park. It offers luxury tented accommodation and each tent is fully equipped with en suite shower and toilet. The thatched communal "lapa" overlooks the banks of the river where elephants and hippo often congregate, giving residents unforgettable game and bird viewing opportunities while they enjoy sundowners at the bar and delicious buffet meals. The nearby Mahango Park (only 2 km from Ndhovu) is one of Southern Africa's top birding spots, with over 400 bird species recorded. Big game includes elephant, lion, buffalo, lechwe and sable antelope, to name but a few. Boat trips and fishing excursions can be arranged. "Ndhovu is an excellent base from which to explore Mahango and Popa Falls. Highly recommended". Guy Gibbon. Tel/Fax: +264 (0)64 463979. Email: gogga4@mweb.com.na

ROY'S CAMP is perfectly situated on the B8 main road from Grootfontein - Rundu, 56 km north of Grootfontein. An ideal stop over to northern Namibia, Caprivi and Bushman land, being just 230 km from Tsumkwe Whether coming from the North, South, East or West, you will find Roy's a clean, hospitable and welcoming experience. The individual bungalows each has its own character and is placed to enhance your bush experience. "The easiest place to find Blackfaced Babbler in Southern Africa. Recommended". Guy Gibbon. Tel/Fax: +264 (0)67 240302. Email: royscamp@iway.na or http://www.swiftcentre.com/roys/

SHAMVURA RESTCAMP is situated about midway between Rundu and Popa Falls/Mahango, on a large forested sand dune, and offers spectacular views over the Okavango River and surrounding flood plains. The treetop cottage affords the visitor a birds-eye view of one of the last remnants of natural riverine forest comprising mainly "Knobthorn Acacia". There are also several strategically placed and individualized 2 - 4 bed cabin Tents, with boat cruises and a host of other activities offered. The surrounding flood plains are vital breeding areas for more than 80 species of fish and a habitat for over 60 species of wetland birds. The area has a bird list of almost 400 other bird species. Owner Mark Paxton, is an ex game ranger and personally conducts fishing and birding expeditions. Recommended. Guy Gibbon. Tel: +264 (0)66 256179 / 686055 Fax: +264 (0)66 258297 / 686054. Email: shamvura@iway.na or www.shamvura.com

SPIZKOPPE REST CAMP hosts a variety of very secluded campsites around the mountain, some with toilets and braai facilities, and four thatched bungalows with 2 beds, basic furniture and external shower & toilet. Bar with cold drinks. Services of local guides. Take own food and water. Overnighting at Spitzkoppe is an awesome experience. Recommended. Guy Gibbon Contact Nacobta Bookings Tel: +264 (0)61 250 558 Fax: +264 (0)61 222 647. Email: office.nacobta@iway.na or www.nacobta.com.na/en/Projects/Spitzko.htm