Originally posted on roncorylus:
Our proposed route in blue.  The red route was in November. Having completed an extensive trip around eastern and northern SA in November, we decided to try our luck in the arid western portion of the area, including southern and central Namibia.  Our first leg was to drive to Springbok, a long, hot drive with little opportunity to see new species. … Continue reading Arid Areas Birding – Part 1, Hermanus to Aus

Originally posted on roncorylus:
The drive from Aus to Savanna Farm, our next stop was uneventful.  We decided to go via Keetmanshoop as we were told that the gravel road from Seeheim to Grunau was really bad.  We have stayed at Savanna Farm previously and knew what to expect.  Strangely it was quite cool as a cold front was blowing through. We wanted to see… Continue reading Arid Areas Birding – Part 2, Aus to Swakopmund

Originally posted on roncorylus:
It was a pleasure arriving in Swakopmund and being able to enjoy some cooler weather after the inland heat.  Swakopmund is a sophisticated destination where one can stay in first class accommodation and enjoy very good food.  Added to that, the area, especially around Walvis Bay, is a birder’s paradise. We had our first taste of what was to come with… Continue reading Arid Areas Birding – Part 3, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay

Originally posted on roncorylus:
Leaving Swakopmund, we drove inland again on our way to Hohenstein Lodge.  We detoured via the Spitzkoppe, where we were able to enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery.  The white-tailed Shrike made its appearance, but we were disappointed not to see the Carp’s Tit, a local special. Hohenstein Lodge is situated below the highest peaks of the Erongo Mountains and the cliffs… Continue reading Arid Areas Birding – Part 4, Swakopmund to Ashkam

Originally posted on roncorylus:
We entered the park through the Twee Rivieren Gate and proceeded to our first stop at Nossob Camp where we had a river front chalet for three nights.  There were the usual stops along the way to look at sleeping lions, a leopard half hidden under a bush and a stretching cheetah.  It was very hot and the few birds that… Continue reading Arid Areas Birding – Part 5, Kgalagadi National Park

Originally posted on roncorylus:
We drove to Upington from the Kgalagadi and stayed in the very well-appointed River Place, on the banks of the Orange River.  Sitting on the lawn, we were wowed by the Orange River White-Eyes that came to drink at the pool, along with many Red-eyed Bulbuls and Karoo Thrushes. From there we proceeded to Augrabies Park.  We could not get in… Continue reading Arid Areas Birding – Part 6, Upington to Hermanus

Originally posted on roncorylus:
Our walk this morning along the beach from Kleinmond, east towards the mouth of the Bot River Lagoon was attended by 9 Hurriers.  We had perfect walking weather with overcast cool conditions and no wind at all.  Of great interest was the proliferation of small jellyfish that have washed up on the beach.  There were literally millions of them and at… Continue reading Beach walk at Sandown Bay