Bird-Watching in and around Kunene River Lodge
Unlike the wild animals and game which suffered so seriously
during the war from the 1960s to 1988, birdlife has continued to flourish in this virtually unspoilt north-west
corner of Namibia. The region hosts some endemic species, and several near-endemics, making
it a very exciting area for bird enthusiasts to visit and explore.
Of considerable interest, and principal among the endemics,
are the Cinderella Waxbill and
Rufous-tailed Palm Thrush.
One breeds well in the grounds of Kunene River Lodge,
whilst the first Cinderella nest to be found in the wild was discovered close to the lodge in June 2008.
For ornithologists, Kunene River Lodge is ideally situated for sighting the elusive Cinderella Waxbill, of
which little is known. After the first nest site was discovered, five chicks were successfully raised.
Since locating the resident population, very high sighting success rates have been achieved.
To further whet your appetite, other rare species you might tick off include:-
Bare Cheeked
Babbler • White Tailed Shrike
Madagascar (Olive) Bee-eater • Grey Kestrel
Bennett's Woodpecker (Capricorni variant)
Violet Wood-Hoopoe • Rüppell's Parrot
• Carp's Tit
Remember, because the area is sparsely populated and comparitively 'less-travelled', you may make
some really exciting sightings or discover something quite out of the ordinary ! ! !
