Sand dunes, Walvis Bay— Photo: K. David Bishop

The coastal strip of Namibia—the Namib Desert—is regarded as one of the oldest and most arid desert regions in the world, and is characterized by a surprising number of uniquely adapted plant and animal species. We will explore this fascinating region and look for many of the endemic species that manage to survive in this harsh environment.

Our activities will focus on the bird-rich areas of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, and our targets will include endemics and near-endemics such as Cape and Bank cormorants, African Black Oystercatcher, Hartlaub's Gull, and Damara Tern. We can also expect numbers of Greater and Lesser flamingos, and Great White and possibly Pink-backed pelicans, as well as a host of shorebirds. Our trip coincides with the arrival of large numbers of waders from the Northern Hemisphere, and Curlew Sandpiper, Ruddy Turnstone, and Bar-tailed Godwits are all likely, amongst others. The area also regularly attracts vagrants, and almost anything is possible.

Away from the bays, estuaries, and lagoons on the coast, we will search for the endemic Dune Lark, as well as the near-endemic Gray's Lark and Tractrac Chat.

Swakopmund, our base for this pre-trip, has a strong German colonial history and character dating back to the days of German South West Africa.