This is the final part of my trip to Namibia in Nov 2011
Namib Desert is one of the world’s oldest deserts and has the highest sand dune on earth. Arrived in the early morning you will be rewarded with the amazing colours of the sand. Out of all the sand dunes, Dune 45 is the most famous one which allows people to climb up to the top to appreciate the beauty of wilderness. Dead Vlei is another highlight that shouldn’t be missed. It has 500 years old dead acacia trees on the lime clay which were deprived of water when the river changed course, but still stand to tell the tale.
Out of people’s imagination, the desert has living creatures. The only true endemic bird of Namibia, Dune Lark, is found living here. We have seen 3 Dune Larks in the same area but they ran very quickly. To have a glimpse is not a problem but taking picture is a challenge.
Looking for Dune Lark
Got it
Apart from Dune Lark, Ruppell’s Korhaans were also found living in such harsh environment.
Three Burchell’s Coursers were there to bare the scorching sun
Ostrich was also found walking there
Two Bat-eared Foxes were crossing the desert in a distance
At the entrance of the desert, there was a big nest of Sociable Weaver
Sociable Weaver
Dead Vlei
Wanna to climb up to the top?
The Kulala Wilderness Camp is a nice place to stay. It seems that it was built in the middle of nowhere. It’s also a fabulous place to star gazing.
Waterberg Plateau Park is famous for its walking trails although birdlife is less impressive than Etosha National Park. It’s about 2.5 hours drive to Windhoek. As there is no dangerous animal in the vicinity, you can walk freely by yourself but driving is not permitted inside the park (except joining their tour to the top of the plateau). Here are some of the birds we have seen:
On arrival, we have seen this Brubru perched on the dead tree at the entrance.
And this Acacia Pied Barbet at the same trunk.
Rock Martin also at the entrance to welcome guests on arrival
Saw this pair of Ruppell’s Parrots on roadside
Pearl-spotted Owlet was also accidentally found while looking for a good position to picture the Ruppell’s Parrot. This is the back of the owlet (with the false eyes)
The “real” face
Purple Roller is abundant and they used a tree hole as the nest.
Bearded Woodpecker
Marico Sunbird
Burchell’s Starling is also abundant
Groundscaper Thrush
On the way to the top of the plateau, two White Rhinos were approaching and confronting us.
the plateau
On the top of the plateau, we have seen this group of Sable Antelope
Darmara Dik-dik is the smallest antelope and is endemic to Namibia. They are quite approachable and grazed freely around the lodging area.
Banded Mongoose and Baboon are abundant
