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Namibia and Botswana plus Victoria Falls in Zambia
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| July 5 | International flights to Windhoek, Namibia. |
| July 6 | Arrive in Windhoek and overnight at the Olive Grove Guesthouse. |
| July 7 | Dean Viljoen Game Reserve and the NamibGrens Guest Farm with views over the Namib Desert. |
| July 8 - 9 | Walvis Bay. Overnights at Langholm Hotel beside a lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. |
| July 10 - 11 | Erongo Wilderness Lodge in a setting of granite boulders and views of the Erongo Mountains. |
| July 12 - 15 | Okaukuejo, Halali and Naumatoni areas in Etosha National Park with overnights in park lodging. |
| July 16 | N'Kwazi Lodge in lush riverine vegetation on the banks of the Okavango River. |
| July 17 - 19 | Xaro Lodge for three nights beside the Kavango River in the Okavango Delta of Botswana. |
| July 20 - 21 | The Caprivi Strip at N'Dhovu Lodge on the west side, then east to Namushasha Lodge. |
| July 22 - 23 | Chobe National Park with boat trip two nights at Mowana Lodge near Kasane. |
| July 24 | To Zambia with beautiful views of Victoria Falls. Night at Taita Falcon Lodge in Livingstone. |
| July 25 | Depart Livingstone on the late morning flight to Johannesburg for international flights homeward. |
| July 65 | Arrive home. |
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July 5 - 6, Saturday - Sunday Travel Days and overnight in Windhoek at the Olive Grove
Plan to arrive in time for dinner on July 6 in Windhoek, Namibia. If you arrive by mid-morning on the 6th of July at the Johannesburg International Airport (JNB), connect with South African Airways 1735 from Johannesburg at 5:10 pm and arrive in Windhoek at 6:10 pm. (There is an hour time difference between Johannesburg and Windhoek, the flight actually takes two hours.) After arrival at the Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek, meet our guide and naturalist, Charles Chigodo, and transfer to a charming lodge, the Olive Grove Guesthouse for a welcome dinner and overnight.
Lodging on July 6: Olive Grove Guesthouse
July 7, Monday: Daan Viljoen Game Reserve to Namibgrens
We'll start early to arrive for the best action of the morning in the dry acacia woodland and rocky grassland of Daan Viljoen Game Reserve. Mammals are prolific and we hope to see the endangered Hartman's Mountain Zebra, the regal Gemsbok and herds of Springbok. A number of central Namibian avian endemics may be found here and we will search for Monteiro's Hornbill, Carp's Tit, Short-toed Rock Thrush and the charismatic Damara Rockjumper. Other spectacular and interesting species include Red-billed and Orange River francolins, White-backed Mousebird, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, Black-fronted Bulbul, the diminutive Southern Penduline-Tit, Mountain Wheatear, Long-billed Pipit, Pririt Batis, Red-headed Finch, Violet-eared Waxbill and Yellow Canary. From there we will continue our journey across the Central Highlands of Namibia. The scenery is dotted with huge, golden Social Weaver nests and we may be fortunate in locating the Pygmy Falcon, which utilizes the Social Weavers' nests as a convenient home. In the late afternoon we will arrive at an idyllic guest farm set in acacia woodland on the edge of the Namib Desert, the Namibgrens Guesthouse. Birds we'll be on the lookout for are Ashy Tit, Yellow-bellied Eremomela, Scaly Finch, Brubru, and the brilliant Crimson-breasted Gonolek.
Lodging: Namibgrens Guesthouse
July 8, Tuesday: Namibgrens to Walvis Bay
After an early breakfast, we head for the scenic Spreegshoogte Pass. Take time to see the elusive Herero Chat and the spectacular Cinnamon-breasted Warbler (Kopje Warbler), which bounds around on the rocks like a miniature rockjumper. We then descend towards the coast, where the terrain becomes increasingly desolate, until we reach the seemingly lifeless gravel plains. We will make frequent stops in the desert to scan for Ostrich. These wild, desert Ostriches represent one of the few genetically pure populations in southern Africa. The endemic Ruppell's Bustard and the almost white desert race of Tractrac Chat reside here. However, our main hope on these plains is to locate the endemic and localized Gray's Lark. This diminutive and inconspicuous bird forages in small groups over the most inhospitable of terrain, where it blends in with the gravel itself. In the late afternoon we will arrive at Walvis Bay for a two-night stay at the Langholm Hotel.
Lodging: Langholm Hotel
July 9, Wednesday: Walvis Bay and environs
The marine coast, offshore guano islands, saltpans and estuaries around Walvis Bay and Swakopmund to the north literally teem with water birds. Migrant waders form huge flocks, thousands of Lesser and Greater flamingos feed along the fringes of the bay and lines of marine cormorants (of three endemic species - Cape, Bank and Crowned) stream out over the cold ocean in search of food. Great White Pelicans are prominent throughout the area and specialties of the pans include the localized Chestnut-banded Plover, Hartlaub's Gull and Damara Tern, the latter being a breeding endemic. The striking African Oystercatcher may be seen along the rocky shores and waders to be expected on the extensive mudflats in the lagoon include Common Ringed, Kittlitz's, White-fronted and Black-bellied plovers, Ruddy Turnstone, Marsh Sandpiper, Red Knot, Sanderling, Bar-tailed Godwit, Eurasian Curlew, Whimbrel and Pied Avocet. Freshwater pans at the edge of town are home to other wetland inhabitants such as Little Bittern, Cape Teal, Red-billed Duck, Cape Shoveler and Cape Wagtail. If we are very fortunate, we may come across the erratic Black Harrier. The dunefields south of Walvis Bay are home to another endemic lark, the handsome Dune Lark. Like many of the desert larks, its plumage coloration perfectly matches that of its environment: the deep ochre sands of the Namib dune sea. Other birds that we may encounter while searching for this bird are Rufous-vented Warbler, Black-chested Prinia, Dusky Sunbird, Cape White-eye (the distinctive local form recently split as Orange River White-eye) and Common Waxbill. We won't neglect the beautiful scenery that makes for great photography in the late afternoon. Also in the late afternoon, we will stop at the coast to scan the cold Atlantic Ocean from a good lookout for pelagic seabirds. We may find Cape Gannet, White-chinned Petrel and Sooty Shearwater and, if we are lucky, Jackass Penguin, Yellow-nosed, Shy and Black-browed albatrosses, Cape Petrel, migrant jaegers and skuas. We should also see Cape Fur Seal, schools of Bottle-nosed Dolphins and possibly other cetaceans.
Lodging: Langholm Hotel
July 10, Thursday: Walvis Bay to the Erongo Mountains, via Spitzkoppe
Today we leave early for the Spitzkoppe, a series of impressive granite inselbergs rising out of the desert plains. The agile Klipspringer and Koakoveld Rock Hyrax may be encountered, and brilliantly colored Namibia Rock Agamas are common. This is one of the premier sites in the country for Herero Chat, Namibia's most elusive endemic and we will require luck and patience to find this localized bird. While searching around the base of the mountains, we may also find Augur Buzzard, the attractive Rosy-faced Lovebird, the near-endemic Bradfield's Swift, Pied Barbet, Sabota and Karoo Long-billed larks, Red-headed Cisticola, Layard's Warbler, Yellow-bellied Eremomela, Bokmakierie - a near-endemic bush-shrike, White-browed Sparrow-Weaver, White-throated Canary and Cinnamon-breasted and Cape Buntings. The White-tailed Shrike, arguably Namibia's most striking endemic, should also entertain us here.
We will seek out San (Bushman) rock-paintings in secluded overhangs, a reminder of the original inhabitants of this region. The surrounding gravel plains occasionally produce Ludwig's Bustard, but Namaqua Sandgrouse, Stark's Lark and Gray-backed Sparrow-Lark are more regular. We will continue northwards, stopping at a site for Burchell's Courser. It will require luck to find this species, as it is nomadic and unpredictable, though we should locate White-quilled Bustard, Double-banded Courser and flocks of Spike-heeled Larks. If time permits, we may visit a site for the recently split and very localized Benguela Long-billed Lark and Damara Hornbill. Again enjoy the impressive scenery in this picturesque area. Our destination for the next two nights is Erongo Wilderness Lodge, situated in spectacular surroundings within huge boulders in the ancient Erongo Mountains.
Lodging: Erongo Wilderness Lodge
July 11, Friday: Erongo Mountains and surroundings
With a pre-dawn walk to a vantage point near the lodge, we should find the rock-loving Freckled Nightjar, but the bird in question is another endemic, the bizarre Hartlaub's Francolin, which is only likely to be seen at first light when coveys emerge to vocalize atop prominent boulders. Other birds likely at this locality are Gabar Goshawk, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, Barred Wren-Warbler, Kalahari Scrub-Robin, the wing-flicking Familiar Chat, White-tailed Shrike (particularly approachable individuals reside around the lodge) and Black-cheeked Waxbill. The strange Dassie Rat may be seen poking its whiskered nose from a crevice while a variety of reptiles scurry over the rocks. In the heat of the day we can relax at the pool. Later there will be an excursion to look for the scarce Ruppell's Parrot, the localized Violet Woodhoopoe and the Southern Pied-Babbler.
Lodging: Erongo Wilderness Lodge
July 12, Saturday: Erongo Wilderness to Okaukuejo, Etosha National Park
We will continue northwards to the great Etosha National Park and arrive at the main camp of Okaukuejo in time for drinks at the famous floodlit waterhole. Birds are abundant here and we may see Gray Go-away-bird, Eurasian Hoopoe, Southern Yellow-billed and Red-billed Hornbills, Cardinal Woodpecker, Wattled Starling and the ubiquitous Red-shouldered Glossy-Starling, Brubru, Mariqua, White-breasted and Scarlet-chested Sunbirds and Green-winged Pytilia. A pair of Pygmy Falcons sometimes roost in the camp's Social Weaver colony. In the evening large mammals frequent the waterhole and we have a good chance of seeing Black Rhinoceros, African Elephant, Lion and Black-backed Jackal. Also at this time hundreds of Double-banded and Namaqua sandgrouse come to drink, as the Rufous-cheeked Nightjars and Barn Owls hunt throughout.
Lodging: Park lodging in Etosha National Park
July 13, Sunday: Okaukuejo area, to Halali, Etosha National Park
Amazing numbers of mammals frequent the plains around Okaukuejo, though their concentration depends on the timing of the rains. We should find large herds of Burchell's Zebra, Springbok, Blue Wildebeest and Gemsbok. African Elephant can be observed near the waterholes. We may also encounter Steenbok, Red Hartebeest, Giraffe, Lion, Cheetah, African Wild Cat, Caracal, Yellow and Slender mongoose, Ground Squirrel and Cape Fox. The word "Etoshaandquot; means "Great White Placeandquot; in the local Herero language and nowhere else is the "great whitenessandquot; of the enormous pan more evident than around Okaukuejo. This morning search the open grasslands and sparse Acacia savanna for the huge Martial and Tawny eagles, the Red-necked Falcon, Greater Kestrel, the Kori Bustard (the world's heaviest flying bird), Spotted Thick-knee, Temminck's Courser, Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark, Red-capped and Pink-billed larks, Capped Wheatear, Rufous-eared Warbler (the latter representing an isolated population restricted to the park) and flocks of angry-looking Scaly Weavers.
In the afternoon we will drive to Halali Camp, famous among birders as a site for Violet Wood-hoopoe and Bare-cheeked Babbler, both denizens of the taller Mopane Woodland (Mopane trees being the dominant species) in the central part of the park. Other species in this area include the spectacular Bateleur, Shikra, flocks of Helmeted Guineafowl, Meyer's Parrot, Fawn-colored Lark, flocks of quizzical White Helmet-shrikes, White-crowned Shrike and Yellow-throated Petronia. The camp itself is an excellent location for finding roosting owls and we hope to locate Southern White-faced and African Scops Owls and Pearl-spotted Owlet.
Here too, we will have an opportunity for an exciting time at a floodlit waterhole after dark. The evening's pageant is likely to commence again with hundreds of sandgrouse flying in to drink with later visitors, including nightjars, owls and a plethora of mammalian possibilities. African Elephant, Black Rhinoceros and Greater Kudu are regular. Porcupine, African Wild Cat, Leopard and even the bizarre Aardvark have all been seen drinking here. Honey Badgers (very difficult to observe elsewhere) often make a nuisance of themselves in the camp, rummaging through rubbish bins in search of scraps. We hope to track down the local family of these curious and remarkably tough mammals, also often called Ratels.
Lodging: Park lodging in Etosha National Park
July 14, Monday: Halali to Namutoni still in Etosha National Park
We will spend this morning birding the productive mixed woodland and grassland mosaic around Halali. As we travel eastwards from Halali towards Namutoni, the scenery becomes ever greener and the vegetation taller. We will be searching for a number of species that we may not yet have encountered: Red-crested Bustard, Crowned Lapwing, Burchell's Sandgrouse, Namaqua Dove, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Red-faced Mousebird, African Gray Hornbill, Kurrichane and Groundscraper thrushes, Red-backed Scrub-Robin, Burnt-neck Eremomela, Chinspot Batis, Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver, Chestnut Weaver, flocks of Red-billed Quelea, sometimes numbering many thousands and Blue-breasted Cordonbleu. Vultures are often numerous in this area and may include Lappet-faced, White-headed and wheeling flocks of White-backed.
Lodging: Park lodging in Etosha National Park
July 15, Tuesday: Namutoni area of Etosha National Park
Today we drive to the shallow Fischer's Pan, which lies to the north of Namutoni Camp and is an eastern extension of the main Etosha Pan. Water levels vary tremendously and the pan is sometimes completely dry, but if water is present, we may find flamingos, huge Saddle-billed and Yellow-billed storks, Red-billed Teal, South African Shelduck and large numbers of migratory waders.
Further to the north of Namutoni lie extensive grassy plains, home to large herds of Gemsbok, Springbok and Blue Wildebeest. The unique Secretary Bird and elegant Blue Crane are likely here and we may find both Eastern Clapper Lark and the diminutive Desert Cisticola performing their aerial display flights. Here too we will search for the most elusive of the five babbler species occurring in Namibia, the Black-lored Babbler. Mammals are plentiful in the dense woodland south of camp and include Spotted Hyena, African Elephant, Giraffe, Black-faced Impala and two antelope largely restricted to this part of the park: the huge Eland and the diminutive Damara Dikdik. If we are very lucky, we may also find Cheetah, Lion, Leopard, or Aardwolf.
Lodging: Park lodging in Etosha National Park
July 16, Wednesday:Samburu to Mountain Lodge in the Kenya Highlands
and night viewing
After some final birding in the Omguma area, we will depart eastward to Rundu, gateway to the famous Caprivi Strip. Our route takes us through the dense thorn savanna east of Etosha National Park and then traverses increasingly well-developed tropical woodland. We arrive at our lodge on the banks of the Kavango River in the late afternoon with time to explore some of the rich woodland close to Rundu, where we will search for such specials as Coqui Francolin, Common Scimitar-bill, White-breasted and Black cuckoo-shrikes, African Golden-Oriole, the richly-coloured Rufous-bellied Tit, White-headed Black-Chat, Greencap Eremomela and Red-headed Weaver. N'Kwazi Lodge, a great camp in a wonderful location to the east of Rundu, overlooks wetlands situated across the Kavango in Angola and scanning this area may produce Spur-winged Goose, Rufous-bellied Heron, Dwarf Bittern and both African and Lesser jacanas.
Lodging: N'Kwazi Lodge
July 17, Thursday: Rundu to the Shakawe area in the Okavango Delta at Xaro Lodge
Following the Kavango River eastwards towards the Caprivi Strip, we will begin to encounter birds typical of the Okavango Delta including White-rumped Babbler and Gabon Boubou. The rich Teak woodlands in this area support a highly specialized avifauna, many of these typical of the extensive Miombo broad-leafed woodlands of Central Africa. We will stop to search for such specials as Bradfield's Hornbill, Green-backed Honeyguide, the seldom-recorded Gray Cisticola and the rare Sharp-tailed Glossy-Starling. In the afternoon, we cross into Botswana to the idyllic Xaro Lodge for three nights, situated on the banks of the Okavango River at the "pan handleandquot; of the Okavango Delta. Set in pristine riverine forest overlooking the endless waterways and papyrus swamps of the Okavango Delta, the lodge is a wildlife paradise and we will be based here for three nights. Begin exploring the area right on the lodge grounds, where the extensive woodland behind camp supports Crested Francolin, African Green-Pigeon, Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, Green Wood-hoopoe, the beautiful Narina Trogon, Striped Kingfisher, Black-collared Barbet, Lesser Honeyguide, Arrow-marked Babbler, Sulphur-breasted Bushshrike, Retz's Helmet-shrike, Violet-backed and Meves's glossy-starlings, both Yellow-billed and Red-billed oxpeckers, African Yellow White-eye, Lesser Masked-Weaver, and three species of firefinch, including the localized Brown Firefinch, Terrestrial Brownbul and White-browed Robin-Chat.
Very interesting mammals may be found around the lodge and we will search for day roosts of the tiny Banana Bat and grotesque Botswana Long-eared Bat, as well as keep an eye on the river for the resident Spotted-necked Otters. Another animal we hope to see here is the amazing, but elusive, swamp-dwelling Sitatunga - a nocturnal antelope perfectly adapted to its semi-aquatic existence.
A wide variety of herons, egrets and kingfishers occur along the river and the extensive papyrus reedbeds adjacent to the lodge are home to Chirping Cisticola, Greater Swamp-Warbler, Southern Brown-throated and Holub's Golden Weavers, and Fan-tailed Widowbird. A number of special birds, rare or difficult elsewhere in Africa, are regular around the Shakawe area, where Xaro is located. Small flocks of African Pygmy-Goose may be found in quiet backwaters with extensive lily-cover. Very few people have seen White-backed Night-Heron and it is regularly seen here stalking along the river in front of the lodge pub at night. A walk through the well-developed riverine forest may reward us with the elusive Banded Snake-Eagle and the magnificent and much sought-after Pel's Fishing-Owl, an owl that will stay in your memory forever!
Lodging: Xaro Lodge
July 18 - 19, Friday - Saturday: Shakawe area of the Okavango Delta
Most of these two days will be spent exploring the channels and floodplains below the lodge, aboard motorized launches looking for Sitatunga and photographing the fantastic waterbirds. We will search for Pink-backed Pelican, Darter, Goliath, Purple, Black, Striated and Squacco herons, the rare and localized Slaty Egret, African Openbill and Marabou storks, the Hamerkop, Sacred, Glossy and Hadada ibises, Black Crake, African Snipe, Blacksmith and Three-banded plovers, Wattled and Long-toed lapwings, Water Thick-knee, Collared Pratincole, African Skimmer, Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, Pied, Giant and Malachite kingfishers, the huge Coppery-tailed Coucal, African Pied Wagtail and African Stonechat. African Fish-Eagles are ubiquitous and African Marsh-Harriers are commonly seen quartering the reedbeds. After dinner, we will search for nocturnal birds on the lodge grounds, including African Wood-Owl, African Barred-Owlet and Fiery-necked Nightjar.
Lodging: Xaro Lodge
July 20, Sunday: Mahango Game Reserves in Namibia
After some final birding in the Shakawe area, we will depart on the short drive back across the border into Namibia and spend the day in Mahango Game Reserve. Situated along the Kavango River just north of Botswana, this unique park protects habitats ranging from attractive papyrus swamps to climax teak woodland. Despite the presence of large mammals, one is allowed to get out of one's vehicle in Mahango and it is this freedom that makes wildlife viewing here so special! We will be careful while walking, since Hippopotamus, Elephant and Nile Crocodile are all common. Elegant Red Lechwe graze on the floodplain and if we are very lucky, we may also see the shy Chobe Bushbuck. Other special mammals occurring here are the majestically proud Sable, Roan and Kudu and rare Tsessebe (same species as the Topi in the northern Serengeti eco-system).
We will search the open floodplain here for Woolly-necked Stork, African Spoonbill, Fulvous, White-faced and Knob-billed ducks and the regal and endangered Wattled Crane. Hirundines are abundant and we will search the wheeling flocks for Lesser Striped, Rufous-chested, Mosque,Wire-tailed and Gray-rumped swallows and the large Banded Martin. The adjacent woodland is home to amazing numbers of birds, including Lizard Buzzard, Dark Chanting-Goshawk, Dickinson's Kestrel, Crested Barbet and Bearded Woodpecker. More open areas support Flappet and Rufous-naped larks, African, Buffy and Plain-backed pipits and African Quailfinch.
We then continue on to wonderful N'Dhovu Lodge, where we will spend the night. Species widespread throughout this region which we may see include African Cuckoo-Hawk, Greater Honeyguide, Bennett's and Golden-tailed woodpeckers, Wood Pipit (split from Long-billed Pipit), several species of cisticolas (including Rattling, Croaking, Piping and Zitting), Miombo Wren-Warbler, Southern Black-Tit, African Penduline-Tit, African Black-headed Oriole, Magpie Shrike, both Black-crowned and Brown-crowned Tchagra, the impressive Gray-headed Bush-Shrike and both Greater Blue-eared and Burchell's glossy-starlings.
A night drive will also be available after dinner and we may see Spotted and Verreaux's eagle-owls, Marsh Owl, Square-tailed Nightjar, Bronze-winged Courser and mammals including the very unusual Zorilla, related to skunks, this fascinating black and white striped mustelid as a high metabolic rate. Our drives may produce several species of snakes, which have previously included Eastern Tiger-Snake, Puff Adder and Black Mamba!
Lodging: N'Dhovu Lodge
July 21, Monday: Caprivi Game Reserves in Namibia
On Monday leave the Kavango River and continue eastwards through the Caprivi Game Reserve, a narrow strip of land almost 400 km long and similar to the well watered Okavango Delta. Broad-leafed Mopane woodland is the most abundant tree, which hosts the Mopane worm, a delicacy to the local people. En route we will keep an eye out for the rare and elusive African Hobby Falcon and Racket-tailed Roller. As we approach Katima Mulilo midway through the Caprivi, we will bird nearby wetlands for such gems as Hottentot Teal, Purple Swamphen, African Rail, Baillon's Crake, Senegal Coucal, Red Bishop, Grosbeak Weaver and Zebra Waxbill. We will keep a look out in the surrounding woodland for African Mourning-Dove, impressive family groups of Southern Ground-Hornbill, Pale, Southern Black and Ashy flycatchers, Gray Tit-Flycatcher, Shaft-tailed and Eastern Paradise whydahs, Yellow-fronted and Brimstone canaries and Golden-breasted Bunting. Overnight in charming bungalows at luxurious Namushasha Lodge in the eastern Caprivi.
Lodging: Namushasha Lodge
Hippopoptamus © Doug Cheeseman
July 22 - 23, Tuesday - Wednesday: Chobe National Park in Botswana
The beautiful Chobe River gives the park its name and flows in an easterly direction to join the Zambezi en route to the Indian Ocean. The Chobe River is presided over by an impressive sand-ridge. Along this sand-ridge broad-leafed woodland (miombo) is the dominant vegetation. As you move into the valley, the impact of the high elephant population is felt with the paucity of large trees that typically line the rivers of sub-tropical Africa. Instead there are the dense tangled masses of knobbly combretum, Combretum mosambicesne and wooly caper bush, Caparis, that appear impervious to the constant onslaught of browsers. The river itself is broad and meandering. Much of Chobe's wildlife comes to drink in the latter half of the morning and early afternoon when the heat excites their thirst. Morning game drives and an amazing afternoon boat ride in the world famous Chobe National Park will be highlights. We may well be overwhelmed by the vast quantity of large mammals that we will encounter! Vast herds of African Elephant and African Buffalo and pods of lazing Hippopotamus will vie for our attention and the diversity of antelopes is astounding: Greater Kudu, Impala, Roan, Sable, Waterbuck, Reedbuck, Red Lechwe and Puku (the last two being floodplain specialists). Sable and Greater Kudu are resident in the mopane woodlands, but well camouflaged, a contrast to open savannas. This is one of the best places to see Roan and Sable antelope. Chobe also has one of the highest Lion densities of any national park or reserve in southern Africa. We have very good chances of seeing Lion if the big pride of about 22 is hunting at the river, waiting for unsuspecting young elephants or flanking buffalo that might be their next prey. Chobe is the only known site in southern Africa for Puku, a very rare antelope that is active around sunrise and sunset and can be seen grazing on the floodplains. Chances exist of finding Leopard, Cheetah and African Wild Dog.
The birding is superb and we will find a wide range of waterside species, especially herons, egrets and bitterns. The reedbeds support populations of Winding (recently split as Luapula) Cisticola. This area is also particularly well known for raptors and we will look out for Long-crested and Booted eagles, African and Ayres' hawk-eagles, Brown Snake-Eagle, African Harrier-Hawk, Black and African goshawks, Ovampo Sparrowhawk and Peregrine and Lanner falcons. Bat-Hawk and Cuckoo Hawk are also possible raptors there. Approximately 300 species of birds have been recorded, including Black, Coppery-tailed, Senegal and White-browed coucals and several kingfishers. The striking Crimson-breasted Shrike often gives itself away by its metallic call. African Rail, Luapula Cisticola, Quail Finch and Rosy-throated Longclaw are found on the edges of the floodplain. Large flocks of Great White Pelican investigate the drying pools, and large flocks of the nomadic Red-winged and Black-winged pratincoles, numbering in the thousands, can be found on the drying floodplains. The woodlands support Racket-tailed Roller and Stierling's Wren-Warbler.
We'll have two nights at Mowana Lodge near the town of Kasane on the banks of the Chobe River in Botswana. After thoroughly enjoyable days of wildlife watching, we will relax in the comfort of our lodge.
Lodging: Mowana Lodge
Victoria Falls at Sunset
July 24, Thursday: Chobe to Livingstone and Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River
Morning birding around Mowana Lodge is fantastic with possible specialties, including Collared Palm-Thrush, Cut-throat, Orange-winged Pytilia and Brown and Jameson's firefinches. The surrounding teak woodland provides us with the chance of many sought-after birds, including Wahlberg's Honeyguide, Miombo Rock-Thrush and the crepuscular Bat Hawk. Today we drive to Livingstone to take in one of nature's most awesome spectacles, the legendary Victoria Falls. These falls have rightly been considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and we will spend some time appreciating the immense spectacle of the Zambezi River plunging 300 ft into the gorge below. There is a lot of great birding around this area, as we enter a true riverine habitat for the first time. Our journey along the southern border of Zambia is a beautiful one. Miombo woodland on high, rolling dunes makes up the scenery for the majority of the drive. The woodlands are comprised of Zambezi teak, Baikea and Brachystegia. . The Zambezi comes into view as we cross the crests of the higher dunes. The crossing of the Zambezi at the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers by ferry is one of the highlights of the day, despite the frequent delays one can expect while waiting for the ferry. We may see crocodile or hippo and along the Kazangula/ Livingstone road there is always the chance of more elephant sightings.
The majority of the areas we pass through are settled to some extent by rural people and as a result much of the wildlife is shy or has been eradicated. The best birding habitat that we pass today requires a slight detour to the fabulous riverine forest bordering the Zambezi. Here we have a good chance of seeing species, such as Narina Trogon, Schalow's Turaco, Western Banded Snake-Eagle, African Goshawk, Red-faced Crombec, Tropical Boubou and on the river itself, the African Finfoot, Thick-billed Weaver and Rock Pratincole. Along the road-side there is always the chance of spotting Racket-tailed Roller, Lizard Buzzard and Cuckoo-Hawk. The miombo woodland holds a few specials from a southern Africa perspective, such as the Miombo Pied Barbet that has never been seen on the south side of the Zambezi. Our accommodation at Taita Falcon Lodge for two nights is in reed chalets in a most dramatic settings, perched 300 feet above the Batoka Gorge.
Lodging: Taita Falcon Lodge
July 25 - 26, Friday - Saturday: Livingstone - Johannesburg - Homeward
In the early morning, we will scour the grounds before heading to an excellent spot for Greater Painted-Snipe and Lesser Jacana, usually in residence at the Livingstone Perc Ponds! Reedbeds support populations of skulking Red-faced Cisticola, African Bush-Warbler and Lesser Swamp-Warbler. Both Gray-headed and Cape sparrows, a recent taxonomic split, can be found together in the town of Livingstone. There will be time to enjoy a little shopping today and even view the Falls one more time. Livingstone is one of the meccas for purchasing traditional African art and crafts and we will have time to browse through the markets, which offer a wide range of carvings (in both wood and stone), kitchen utensils and basket-ware.
The flight on Friday is South African Airways 49 from Livingstone to Johannesburg, which departs at 4:15 pm and arrives at 6:05 pm in time to connect with your international flights on the evening of July 25, arriving home on July 26.
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Reservations: Please contact us to assure space availability and to let us answer your questions. Then, fill out our reservation form, and mail it to us with your deposit:
Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris
20800 Kittredge Road
Saratoga, CA 95070
Toll Free: (800) 527-5330
Local: (408) 741-5330
Fax: (408) 741-0358
Email: info@cheesemans.com
Costs, Payments and Cancellations: Upon receiving your deposit, we will send trip materials, including a travel guide with trip essentials, reading list, species lists, and maps. Deposits are refundable before the final payment date, except for $150. The $150 may go toward another tour if a reservation is made within six months of the departure date of this trip. There are no refunds given after the final payment date. Trip cancellation insurance applications are available. Trip options, if any, and singles are extra.
| Cost per Person | |
| Trip cost | $7100 |
| Payment Schedule | |
| Deposit - to reserve your space | $1000 |
| August 1, 2007 - second payment | $1000 |
| April 1, 2008 - final payment | remaining balance |
Included: All meals from dinner on July 6 through lunch on July 25. All lodgings, ground transportation during the tour, boat cruises and other excursions mentioned in the itinerary. Park entrance fees and all guiding services. Some bottled water and soft drinks are also included. The tip to our driver/guide is included.
Not Included: Airfare (see approximate airfare). Extra bottled beverages and water. Laundry services and personal expenses. Tips to porters at hotels and airports (at most $1 per bag carried) as it's best that you keep your eye on your bags, so that they are not left unattended at lodges or when making airport transfers.
Meal preparations in Etosha and lunches throughout: Our vehicle, the Toyota Dyna, has a refrigerator/kitchen nook in the rear of the vehicle and is well organized for the safari group to prepare lunches without having to return to the lodge, which in turn allows for more field time. With everyone assisting, the lunch is soon set out with choices each day and to enjoy an hour to relax at midday. Breakfasts and dinners are very well prepared by the lodge staff at the lodges, except for one or two breakfasts in Etosha that are also eaten in the field.
Travel Insurance: There are many types of travel insurance, including emergency medical and evacuation insurance, and also trip cancellation insurance. Unless you specifically decline it, Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris requires, at a minimum, insurance to cover emergency medical care and evacuation for the duration of the tour. We have had good experience with Access America. Visit their website for complete details and we will also send you their brochure with your trip materials. You can purchase a policy via their website, phone or by mail. If you choose, separate trip cancellation insurance to cover trip costs is also available. Whatever insurance you purchase, be sure to review the terms of all available policies carefully in order to buy the policy that you need.
Birding practices: Bird song tapes may be used very sparingly to view elusive birds on this tour, always keeping in mind not to disturb the birds we seek to see, as this is not their breeding season.
Health: Consult your physician or travel clinic about vaccinations, inoculations, and other medications. Malaria prophylactic is recommended, please check with your travel clinic. We recommend drinking bottled water or bring a water filter. Bring any specific medicine that you require to cover the entire trip. When you send your tour deposit and signed reservation form, you certify to us that you do not knowingly have any physical or other conditions that would create a risk for yourself or for other trip participants. If you use corrective lenses, it is a good idea to bring an extra pair.
Climate: Temperatures vary greatly. The weather will be cool at this season, especially in the evening when it will be quite cool. Bring a warm jacket or windbreaker with a sweater underneath for the evening game drives and for early morning drives, plus gloves and a hat. Bring a flashlight. We will send you a travel guide with more details about what to bring.
Mailing List: If you would like to be on our mailing list or request information, please use our online request form or send us your name, address, email address and phone number. Please note we will never share your personal information with anybody!
Reading and Field Guides: Some favorites are Craig Packer's Into Africa, describing his lion research in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater and Cynthia Moss' Elephant Memories and Portraits in the Wild. We recommend that you consider buying a book on mammals of East Africa and a field guide to the birds. Jonathan Kingdonand#8217;s Field Guide to the Mammals is the most complete and up to date guide, and now is published in a pocket sized edition. Excellent East Africa bird books, one by Terry Stevenson and the other by Zimmerman and Turner, are available. With receipt of your reservation and deposit we will send a reading list, travel guide, and much more info.
Baggage: When packing for your trip, please try to limit your checked bag to 40 pounds total per person. We ask that you keep it to one checked bag per person. The less weight the better, because of space restrictions in the baggage compartment of the vehicles. Also some international flights now limit checked luggage to 20 kilo (44 pounds) to avoid paying any excess baggage fees. As for the carry-on bags, this is standard as in all flights. Your bag will need to fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin above. It is also going to have to fit with you throughout your trip, so packing lighter is recommended. However plan to bring whatever you require, as there is plenty of space in the vehicles for carry-ons and camera equipment. On safari we pay extra to give you more room in the Landcruiser stretch vehicles with a maximum of four people per vehicle, plus our drivers and guides.
Responsibility: Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris, Saratoga, California, act only as agents and shall not be responsible or become liable for any delay incurred by any person in connection with any means of transportation, nor for the loss, damage, or injury to person or property by reason of any event beyond the control of the agency or default of such agency suppliers. We reserve the right to cancel the tour prior to departure in which case full refund will constitute full settlement to the passenger. No refund will be made for any unused portion of the tour unless arrangements are made at the time of booking. All rates are based on current tariffs, exchange rates and fuel prices and are subject to adjustment in the event of any change therein. By sending your initial deposit, you agree to accept our payment schedule as a contract. If payments are still outstanding two weeks after the due date, your space may be forfeited. Baggage is at the owner's risk.
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