The Brandberg area has a possible 134 species of birds, 35 species of mammals, and many species of reptiles, the area also has the largest diversity of scorpions in Africa!
The Brandberg is the largest mountain in Namibia at 2573m above sea level. It comprises a large massive granite inselberg and has numerous valleys and gorges which offer great birding and herping opportunities. Larger mammals such as Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra, Oryx(Gemsbok), Springbok, Kudu, Klipspringer, Leopard and Desert-adapted elephants also occur in the Ugab River at the northern foot of the mountain.
There is a rich diversity of reptiles, scorpions, and plant life including the unique Welwitschia. Considered to be a living fossil and the only member in the family Welwitschiaceae, it is one of the most bizarre plants on the planet and Namibia’s national plant.
Raptors are plentiful including Verreaux’s Eagle, Martial Eagle, Booted Eagle, Black-chested Snake Eagle, Lanner Falcon, Peregrine Falcon and Rock Kestrel. We will search for the near-endemic Herero Chat, Benguela Long-billed Lark and Rüppell’s Korhaan. Other commonly encountered bird species such as Mountain Wheatear, Familiar and Karoo Chat, Pale-winged Starling, Rosy-faced Lovebird, Red-faced and White-backed Mousebird, Bokmakierie, Grey-backed Cisticola, Black-chested Prinia and Sabota Lark are common. After good rainfall thousands of Namaqua Sandgrouse can be found drinking at the many seeps and springs that run off the mountain. The Ugab riverbed also attracts a few of the sought after near endemic birds namely Bare-Cheeked Babbler, Damara Hornbill, Carp’s Tit, Rüppell’s Parrot and Violet Woodhoopoe.
The key species which we will focus on while on this tour will be Herero Chat, Benguela Long-billed Lark, Rüppell’s Korhaan, Ludwig’s Bustard, Gray’s Lark, and the various birds of prey.
Information
Costs: On Request
Pick up Time: 07h00 – 15h00 from your hotel in Swakopmund
Duration: Approximately 8 hours
Included: Guide, Vehicle, Light Picnic Lunch, Bottled Water & Soft drinks, Entrance
Fees
What to bring: Walking Shoes & Warm Jacket, Sunblock Cream & Hat, Binoculars & Photographic Equipment
- Minimum 4 adults required for a tour, single travelers are welcome to join existing bookings.
- Children’s rates apply to children under the age of 12 years.
- Tours are guided in English unless otherwise pre-arranged.
- All activities are weather-dependent.
ECO DUNE TOUR ROCKY DESERT DESERT NIGHT WALK DUNE LARK, KUISEB DUNES & WALVIS LAGOON GRAYS LARK & COASTAL WETLANDS BIRDING SPITZKOPPE BRANDBERG
