Kaokoland does not appear on most birding itineraries, which is an oversight. The Kunene River corridor, the mountain ranges, and the desert interior between them support a suite of near-endemic and range-restricted species that are difficult or impossible to find elsewhere.
The Key Targets
Cinderella waxbill (Hypargos margaritatus): Also known as the pink-throated twinspot; found in dense riverine vegetation along the Kunene River. A small, colourful finch restricted to the Kunene River corridor in Namibia and southern Angola. The Epupa Falls area and the river sections upstream are the most reliable locations.
Herero chat (Namibornis herero): A near-endemic to Namibia found in rocky thornbush in the Kaokoland interior. A dull brown chat that is nevertheless a sought-after tick for Namibia listing birders; regularly recorded around Opuwo and in the dry river courses.
Rüppell’s korhaan (Eupodotis rueppellii): A bustard restricted to the Namib Desert and adjacent zones; found on the stony desert plains of the Kaokoland interior.
Hartlaub’s francolin (Pternistis hartlaubi): A mountain francolin of the rocky ranges; found in the Kaokoland highlands and the escarpment areas.
Rufous-tailed palm-thrush (Cichladusa ruficauda): Along the Kunene River in the vicinity of Makalani palms; a near-endemic to the Kunene River corridor.
Birding Routes
The Kunene River at Epupa: The riverine vegetation holds the Cinderella waxbill, palm-thrush, and a range of kingfisher species (including the spectacular giant kingfisher and the pied kingfisher). Dawn walks along the river bank.
The Opuwo area: The dry thornbush around Opuwo is productive for Herero chat, Rüppell’s korhaan, and a range of dry-country species.
The Marienfluss approaches: The mountain species (Hartlaub’s francolin, Rüppell’s korhaan, various larks) are found on the approach tracks from Orupembe.
Equipment
10×42 binoculars minimum; a spotting scope adds value for the river species. Newman’s Birds of Southern Africa or Roberts’ Birds of Southern Africa covers all Kaokoland species. A recording of the Cinderella waxbill call (available on Xeno-canto) assists identification.