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Namibia, Botswana & Zimbabwe Namibia, Botswana & Zimbabwe Namibia, Okavango & Victoria Falls Overland VI 19th September to 6th October 2019 (18 days) Trip Report African Pygmy Goose pair by Heinz Ortmann Trip Report compiled by Tour Leader: Heinz Ortmann Rockjumper Birding Tours View more tours to Namibia, Botswana or Zambia Trip Report – RBL Namibia, Botswana & Zambia - Overland Adventure VI 2019 2 Tour Summary This incredible tour covered a truly special array of amazing African landscapes and provided the group with many unforgettable memories throughout. Beginning in Zimbabwe at the world-famous Victoria Falls, before exploring the panhandle area of arguably Africa’s greatest wetland, the Okavango, and then moved through the vast wildernesses of Etosha National Park and the Namib Desert before concluding in Windhoek. Altogether, an excellent 364 species of birds were recorded, along with an amazing 50 species of mammals. There were many highlights, from the much sought-after Pel’s Fishing Owl, Namibia’s first record of Variable Sunbird, White-backed Night Heron and Namibia’s only endemic bird, the Dune Lark, to some incredible mammals that included the regal Roan and Sable Antelopes, as well as extended views of an African Wild Cat amongst many others. ___________________________________________________________________________________ The Tour in Detail Day 1: This exciting adventure began with an afternoon visit to the world-renowned Victoria Falls. Although we decided to visit the falls in the late afternoon, it was still incredibly hot. The prevailing drought meant that there was not as much water as usual, but the falls remain incredibly impressive and breathtaking regardless of the water levels. Overhead we had several interesting sightings, none more impressive than the scarce Black Stork as well as a pair of the attractive African Harrier-Hawk a short while later. The dense, almost rainforest-like vegetation along the falls, produces several interesting birds including point-blank views of a very confiding Bearded Scrub Robin, Giant Kingfisher, Lesser Honeyguide, White- browed Robin-Chat, Yellow-bellied Greenbul, Jameson’s Firefinch and Emerald- Schalow’s Turaco by Heinz Ortmann spotted Wood Dove amongst others. The undoubted highlight was finding three very relaxed Schalow’s Turaco, a highly sought-after and fairly range-restricted species that we would end up being very fortunate to see on several occasions in the following days. More common species that we had first views of included the dainty Blue Waxbill, Village Weaver, Black-backed Puffback, Yellow-breasted Apalis, noisy Grey Go-away-bird and Black- collared Barbet. Birds were not the only attractions as the afternoon also produced good views of Chacma Baboon, Vervet monkeys, Common Warthog (feeding in their unusual crouched position), the impressively large and stunning Greater Kudu as well as fantastic views of the usually shy Bushbuck. It truly was a fantastic first afternoon! Day 2: The second day of the trip entailed a lengthy drive, crossing several borders, from Zimbabwe into Botswana and, eventually, to Namibia and our lovely lodge in the Caprivi strip. Crossing the borders went rather smoothly, with many good birds, interesting landscapes and a great bit of late afternoon birding along the river to round off a great day. Rockjumper Birding Tours View more tours to Namibia, Botswana or Zambia Trip Report – RBL Namibia, Botswana & Zambia - Overland Adventure VI 2019 3 In the early morning, we did some birding along the Zambezi River near the town of Victoria Falls. From the lodge grounds, we had views of the scarce African Finfoot, localized Western Banded Snake Eagle, attractive White-crowned Lapwing, several Water Thick-knees, noisy Trumpeter Hornbill and the striking African Pied Wagtail. A group of Banded Mongoose also provided for some great entertainment whilst we searched this species-rich area. The surrounding woodland was also very rewarding, as we connected with Collared Palm Thrush, Bradfield’s, Southern Red- billed and African Grey Hornbills, Brown- crowned Tchagra, Common Scimitarbill, and the dazzling male Scarlet-chested Sunbird. Hooded and White-backed Vultures were Golden-tailed Woodpecker female by Heinz Ortmann also present in decent numbers. Vultures, in general, are in steep and worrying decline and seeing these birds is always special. A small group of African Elephant bulls also provided the group with a superb bonus sighting on this early morning adventure. Having had an exceptional morning in the Victoria Falls area, we began the journey towards our lodge in the Caprivi strip of Namibia. Still, in Zimbabwe, we managed to find a Brown Snake Eagle, Lizard Buzzard and the first of many Southern Carmine Bee-eaters. We eventually made our way into Botswana and through Chobe National Park in a westerly direction, toward the Ngoma border post into Namibia. The oppressive heat meant that we had very few sightings of any significance whilst driving through this beautiful area. The highlight was finding a Bateleur overhead. This is arguably Africa’s most attractive eagle and always a delight to see. Another interesting sight whilst in Botswana was that of a large number of Marabou Stork at a refuse dump whilst we continued to see a number of Southern Carmine Bee-eater perched on roadside wires with the odd Lilac-breasted Roller also making an appearance. Reaching the Ngoma Bridge area and entering into Namibia, we managed to find a number of interesting birds as well as our first views of several large mammals. The little bit of water present attracted Yellow-billed Stork, African Openbill, African Spoonbill, the unbelievably large Goliath Heron, shorebirds that included Ruff and Little Stint, Southern Carmine Bee-eater by Heinz Ortmann whilst other birds in the area included the striking Lesser Striped Swallow and both Red-billed and Yellow-billed Oxpecker on the livestock present on the floodplain. Plains Zebra, Impala, Common Warthog, and Greater Kudu were all present on the floodplain. A quick visit to a patch of woodland nearby produced a group of Magpie Shrike, flight views of Meyer’s Parrot and great looks at the comical- Rockjumper Birding Tours View more tours to Namibia, Botswana or Zambia Trip Report – RBL Namibia, Botswana & Zambia - Overland Adventure VI 2019 4 looking White-crested Helmetshrike but precious little else in the intense heat. Continuing onwards, we reached our wonderful accommodation in the late afternoon and settled in. A short walk and some relaxed birding along the river produced an impressive number of new birds that included widespread species that we would become well-acquainted with over the next few days, such as Squacco and Purple Heron, Little Egret, African Jacana, White-faced Whistling Duck, the beautiful African Fish Eagle, White-fronted Bee-eater, Pied Kingfisher, and the striking Blacksmith Lapwing. The surrounding floodplain that had been recently burnt had Swainson’s Spurfowl, African Wattled Lapwing; Little Bee-eater and Red-breasted Swallow hawking the numerous small flying insects, and the fourth species of Snake Eagle flying overhead, the rather attractive Black-chested Snake Eagle. Thicket and woodland around the lodge allowed us our first views of Black- Hartlaub’s Babblers by Heinz Ortmann headed Oriole, African Green Pigeon and noisy groups of Hartlaub’s and Arrow-marked Babblers. Whilst having a delicious dinner later that evening we heard several African Scops Owl but unfortunately were unable to get any views in amongst the dense canopy of the overhead trees. All in all, it had been a rewarding day. Day 3: We had a full day to explore the woodlands, river and surrounding area of the lodge the next day. An early morning pre-breakfast stint of birding in nearby woodland proved incredibly rewarding with unbeatable views of a Racket-tailed Roller, a very co-operative pair of Bennett’s Woodpecker, Green- capped Eremomela, Southern Black Flycatcher, Violet-backed Starling, Chinspot Batis, Long-billed Crombec and the striking Golden-breasted Bunting among others. After breakfast, we enjoyed some relaxed birding in the lodge grounds as it began to heat up significantly. Schalow’s Turaco, Swamp Boubou, Retz’s Helmetshrike, Lesser Honeyguide, Brown-hooded Kingfisher, Crested and Black- collared Barbets and a pair of Ashy Flycatcher were all seen well. The most surprising sighting of the day came around lunchtime and in serious heat. An African Barred Owlet began calling and we eventually managed fantastic extended views of this beautiful little owl, much to the delight of the group. The late afternoon boat trip was an absolute delight with Coppery-tailed Coucal, Malachite Kingfisher, Striated Heron, Black Crake, Long-crested Eagle, African Marsh Harrier, African Skimmer and Pink- backed Pelican as well as great views of the resident Hippopotamus herd being the highlights. It brought to an end another wonderful day in the African bush. Okavango at sunset by Heinz Ortmann Rockjumper Birding Tours View more tours to Namibia, Botswana or Zambia Trip Report – RBL Namibia, Botswana & Zambia - Overland Adventure VI 2019 5 Day 4: Due to the significant heat that was inevitable during the later morning hours, it was decided to start with some very early morning birding before breakfast. Searching, what at first appeared to be sub- optimal woodland, produced a number of new birds before breakfast. Black-crowned Tchagra, White- browed Scrub Robin and Southern Black Tit were the first additions to the trip list on this morning. An open area then produced the main target of the morning, a beautiful pair of Arnot’s Chat! This striking back and white bird is usually fond of mature broad-leaved woodland and it was therefore rather surprising to find these birds in an open clearing. In the immediate vicinity, we were also spoilt by wonderful views of both Cardinal and Bearded Woodpecker as well as a pair of Red-headed Weavers before heading back to the lodge for a well-deserved breakfast.
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