Desert, Rivers & Woodlands 14 Day Birding Tour. Namibia / Botswana / Zambia

Transcription

1 Desert, Rivers & Woodlands 14 Day Birding Tour Namibia / Botswana / Zambia

2 Desert, Rivers & Woodland - 14 Day Birding Tour Tour Overview: This wonderful birding itinerary offers some of the best birding in Southern Africa and is one of the most popular regional birding tours. This tours starts in Livingstone Zambia, where you will enjoy a visit to the majestic Victoria Fall s to witness one of the seven wonders of the worlds. Birding will take place along the Zambezi River and within the surrounding miombo woodland. After 2 nights in Zambia you will cross the mighty Zambezi into Namibia s Caprivi Strip. In the Caprivi you will enjoy birding alongside the Zambezi river once more and move into the broad-leaf woodland. A quick crossing into Botswana to bird in the Okavango pan-handle for a few Okavango specials such as the elusive Pel s Fishing Owl. On day 7 you will leave the tropical woodlands and rivers and move to Etosha Game Reserve for 3 nights, known for it s vastness, great birding and wildlife. You will then make your way South birding for Namibia s near-endemic s Damaraland and the Erongo Wilderness area. The tour end s in Walvis bay on the West Coast of Namibia apart from a visit to Walvis Bay lagoon which has been declared a Ramsar site of global importance for it s thousands of waders you will also go in search of Namibia s only true endemic species the Dune Lark. This will be found in a riverbed set amongst Sand Dune s which Namibia is famous for. These Dunes are enormous and roll-off onto the shoreline and provide for some outstanding scenerary. A commercial flight from Walvis Bay to Windhoek will be required for your international exit flight from Namibia.

3 Date Service / Activity Description International Flight (Arrival) Arrival at Livingstone International Airport, Zambia Day 1 Birding Some local birding around the lodge Camp Nkwazi, Livingstone, Zambia (DBB) Day 2 Birding Victoria Falls and Zambezi River Camp Nkwazi, Livingstone, Zambia (DBB) Day 3 Birding Birding en-route to Katima Mulilo Miombo Woodland, Muchile IBA & Zambezi River Kalizo Lodge, Katima Mulilo, Namibia (DBB) Day 4 Birding Morning birding on the Zambezi floodplain and birding en-route to the Okavango Xaro Lodge, Okavango pan-handle, Botswana (DBB) Day 5 Birding Birding in the Riverine Forest and a morning boat cruise followed by afternoon birding and game viewing in the Mahangu National Park Mahangu Safari Lodge, Namibia (DBB) Day 6 Birding General birding in the broadleafed woodland of the Caprivi Shamvura, Northern Namibia, Kavango River (DBB) Day 7 Birding / Game viewing Travel to Etosha and enjoy birding and wildlife in the eastern section of the park. Mokuti Lodge, Etosha National Park, Namibia Day 8 Birding / Game viewing Birding and wildlife viewing through out central Etosha Halali Resort, Etosha National Park, Namibia Day 9 Birding / Game viewing Birding and wildlife in western Etosha Okaukuejo Resort, Etosha National Park, Namibia

4 Date Service / Activity Description Day 10 Birding Morning birding and game drive in Etosha and then journey onto guest house in Kamanjab with local birding Toko Lodge, Kamanjab, Namibia (DBB) Day 11 Birding Birding around the Brandberg mountains for specific target birds Brandberg White Lady Lodge (DBB) Day 12 Birding Morning birding in the Brandberg and journeying onto the Erongo Mountains with some birding in the surrounds. Erongo Wilderness Lodge, Namibia (DBB) Day 13 Birding Morning birding in the nearby surrounds and then journeying onto Walvis Bay to bird in the famous Walvis bay Lagoon. Lagoon Lodge, Walvis bay, Namibia (B&B) Day 14 Birding Birding for Namibia s Endemic the Dune Lark within the Kuiseb Riverbed Lunch time flight from Walvis bay to Windhoek (Not included in quote)

5 Desert, Rivers & Woodland - 14 Day Birding Tour 2017 Rate ZAR / N$ 59,900 per person sharing Single supplement ZAR 4,000 Group Size: 6 guests required (Min & Max size) Set Departure Date: 04 November 2016 Tour End Date: 17 November 2016 Route: Tour start: Livingstone International Airport, Zambia Tour end: Walvis Bay International Airport, Namibia Includes: All meals except for dinner in Windhoek and Walvis Bay Private Guide Private Vehicle Fuel Vehicle Cross border charges Drinking water in the vehicle Park fees Activities as per itinerary Emergency Excludes International Flights Domestic flights (Walvis Bay Windhoek IA) Transfer to Windhoek Hotel from Airport Drinks Dinner in Walvis Bay Visa fees if applicable Pre and post trip accommodation Extra optional activities Gratuities Items of a personal nature Travel & medical insurance

6 Desert, Rivers & Woodlands 14 Day Birding Tour Map Link to Google Maps:

7 Detailed itinerary Day 1 Arrival at Livingstone International Airport After meeting you at Livingstone International Airport we will make our way to our lodge situated on the banks of the Zambezi River where we will spend the next two nights. After settling in we will start our birding with a birding walk around the lodge where we will look for Collared Palm-thrush, Red-faced Cisticola, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Orange-breasted Bush-shrike, African Yellow White-eye, Brown-hooded Kingfisher, Eastern Bearded Scrub-robin, Holub s Golden Weaver, Arrow-marked Babbler, White-browed Coucal, African Emerald, Jacobin, Red-chested, Levailant s, Klaas s and Diderick Cuckoo. We will enjoy a sun-downer drink and welcome dinner listening to the wildlife that live along the Zambezi. : Camp Nkwazi, Livingstone, Zambia Website: Meal plan: Dinner & Breakfast

8 Day 2 Victoria Falls & Zambezi River We will enjoy a fresh morning cup of coffee and start the day scanning the river hoping to see the resident African Finfoot pair. We will then make our way to the Victoria Falls where we will spend the morning enjoying one of the World s Natural Wonders. Birding in the Riverine Woodland around the falls should deliver Schalow s Turaco, Trumpeter Hornbill, White-browed Robin-chat, Red-winged Starling, Terrestrial Brownbul, Yellow-bellied Greenbul, Rock Martin and a variety of water birds. If time allows we might visit the Livingstone water treatment works where we can expect to find to species like African Rail, African Purple Swamphen, Orange-breasted Waxbill and several raptors might be seen. We will also enjoy a late afternoon boat cruise on the Zambezi River where we hope to see African Skimmer, Rufous-bellied Heron, African Finfoot, Western Banded Snake-eagle, Half-collared, Malachite, Pied and Giant Kingfishers. : Camp Nkwazi, Livingstone, Zambia Website: Meal plan: Dinner & Breakfast

9 Day 3 Eastern Caprivi, Zambezi River We will start with a pre breakfast birding walk in the Miombo Woodland close to the lodge where we might see Miombo Rock-thrush, Racket-tailed Roller, Miombo Pied Barbet, Retz and White-crested Helmet-shrikes, Striped Kingfisher, Kurrichane Thrush, Lizzard Buzzard and a variety of woodland birds before returning for breakfast. From here we will make our way to the Namibian border where we will cross close to Katima Mulilo with several birding stops along the way. Depending on the time of the year we could arrange to drive to the Muchile Important Bird Area to look for the localised Black-cheeked Lovebird. Other birds found in the Mopane Woodland are Arnott s Chat, Bennett s Woodpecker, Meve s Starling and Southern Ground Hornbill. Our lunch stop in Katima might produce Northern Grey-headed Sparrow and Bronze Mannikin and we will finish off the day at the spectacular Southern Carmine Bee-eater colony close to our lodge. : Kalizo Lodge, Katima Mulilo, Namibia Website: Meal plan: Dinner & Breakfast

10 Day 4 Zambezi Floodplains & Okavango River After a cup of coffee enjoying the Wire-tailed, Lesser Striped, Grey-rumped Swallows, Brownthroated and Banded Martins flying over the river we will depart for a pre breakfast birding between the various lily-covered pans and Zambezi Floodplain. Our key specials here include Lesser Jacana, African Pygmy Geese, White-backed Duck, Slaty Egret, Rosy-throated Longclaw, Coppery-tailed Coucal, Saddle-billed Stork, Black Heron, Rufous-bellied Heron, White-crowned Lapwing and even Black Coucal if we are very lucky. After breakfast we will embark for lengthy drive across the Caprivi Strip to the Botswana border and to our lodge with a beautiful setting on the Okavango River. Before crossing we will first stop at a well-known stake-out for Rock Pratincole. If time allows we will enjoy the variety of the resident birds in the garden that include Hartlaub s Babbler, Southern Brown-throated Weaver, Green Woodhoopoe, Goldentailed Woodpecker and Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird while African Wood and African Barred Owlet are often seen here as well. : Xaro Lodge, Okavango Pan-handle, Botswana Website: Meal plan: Dinner & Breakfast

11 Day 5 Okavango Pan-handle We will start off with a morning walk in the Riverine Forest where we will try to find Narina Trogon, Grey-headed Kingfisher, Grey-headed Buh-shrike, Bradfield s Hornbill, Swamp Boubou, Brubru, Black-backed Puffback, Bennett s, Golden-tailed, Cardinal and Bearded Woodpecker. After breakfast we will depart for a boat cruise on the Okavango River which will be one of the highlights of the trip. Our main targets here will be Pel s Fishing-owl, White-backed Nightheron, Luapula Cisticola, Chirping Cisticola, Greater Swamp Warbler, Little Rush Warbler, Little Bittern, Allen s Gallinule and Purple Heron with the more common birds being Squacco Heron, Grey Heron, Tawny-flanked Prinia, White-winged Tern, Hamerkop, African Openbill, African Fish-eagle, African Marsh Harrier and Village Weaver. Our afternoon will be dedicated to exploring the productive Mahangu National Park which offers an incredible number of species for a small park. We hope to see Wattled Crane, Long-toed Lapwing, Slaty Egret, Collared Pratincole, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Violet-eared Waxbill, Verreaux s Eagle-owl, Crested Francolin, Yellow-billed Oxpecker, Greater and Lesser Honeyguide, Long-billed Crombec, Greytit Flycatcher, Broad-billed Roller, African Cuckoo-hawk, Ayre s Hawk-eagle and smaller raptors like Lizzard Buzzard, Little Sparrowhawk, Ovambo Sparrowhawk and Shikra. Mahangu offers excellent game viewing as well and we hope to see Sable, Roan, Tsessebe, Elephant, Buffalo, Hippo, red Lechwe, Kudu, Impala and even Lion or Leopard if we are lucky. We will check in to our lodge situated on the banks of the Okavango River overlooking Bwabwata National Park just before sunset. : Mahangu Safari Lodge, Namibia Website: Meal plan: Dinner & Breakfast

12 Day 6 Broadleaf Woodland Caprivi Strip We will start with a pre breakfast birding walk around the lodge where we should see Black Cuckoo, African Mourning and Red-eyed Doves, African Green-pigeon, Meve s Starling, Brown Firefinch, Woodland kingfisher, Thick-billed Weaver, Violet-backed Starling, Swamp Boubou, Meyer s Parrot, Hartlaub s Babbler, White-browed Robin-chat and African Yellow White-eye. From here we will spend the morning birding the woodland between Divundu and Rundu which offers us the chance to see some of the Miombo or Broadleaf specialists normally found further north in Zambia. These include Racket-tailed Roller, Rufous-bellied Tit, Souza s Shrike, Sharp-tailed Starling, Green-backed Honeybird and African Hobby. Other more common birds found here include Pale and Black Flycatchers, Green-capped Eremomela, Southern Black Tit, Striped Kingfisher, Meyer s Parrot, Fork-tailed Drongo, Tinkling Cisticola, Neddicky, Coqui Francolin and Dark Chanting Goshawk. We will spend a final night on the Okavango River and to try to catch up with any of the birds that we might have missed as we prepare for the second half of the trip in central and western Namibia : Shamvura, Northern Namibia, Kavango River Website: Meal plan: Dinner & Breakfast

13 Day 7 Eastern Etosha National Park After breakfast we will leave the more tropical woodlands of the Caprivi behind and make our way south to Etosha National Park where we will spend the next 3 nights. The first night will be in the eastern section where we hope to find Blue Crane, Black-faced Babbler, Swainson s Spurfowl, Blue Waxbill, Chestnut Weaver, White-browed Robin-chat, Emerald-spotted Wooddove, Cape Glossy Starling, Double-banded Courser and Chat Flycatcher along the way. If the Etosha pan is full of water it is transformed into a water bird spectacle with huge numbers of Pelican, Lesser and Greater Flamingos, Caspian Plover, Red-billed and Cape Teals, Chestnutbanded Plover, Pied Avocet, Black-winged Stilts and Black-necked and Great Crested Grebes. From a mammal point of view this area is perfect for finding the endemic Damara Dik-dik. Etosha is one of the best game viewing parks in Africa and we hope to see Elephant, Lion, Black Rhino, Giraffe, Cheetah, Spotted Hyena, Leopard, Black-backed Jackal, Black-faced Impala (another endemic), Red Hartebeest, Oryx, Greater Kudu and Springbok during our stay in the park. : Mokuti Lodge, Etosha National Park, Namibia Website: Meal plan: Dinner & Breakfast

14 Day 8 Central Etosha National Park Today will be dedicated exploring the vast Etosha National Park. As we make our way towards Halali camp which will be our Resort for tonight we will look for Monotonous and Rufousnaped Larks and we will keep an eye out for Etosha s raptors which include Martial Eagle and Tawny Eagles, Black-chested and Brown Snake-eagles, Lanner, Peregrine and Red-necked Falcons, Bateleur, Pale-chanting and Gabar Goshawks. Halali Resort is known for sightings of Violet Woodhoopoe, Carp s Black Tit, Bare-cheeked Babbler, Pied Babbler, White-crested Helmet-shrike, African Scops Owl and Southern White-faced Owlet. Etosha is also well known for vultures and we might see Lappet-faced, White-backed, White-headed and Hooded Vultures. Around sunset and after dinner we will visit the waterhole next to the camp well known for Elephant, Black Rhino and Leopard sightings. From a birding point of view Doublebanded Sandgrouse visit just after sunset and Spotted Eagle-owl, Pearl-spotted Owlet and Rufous-cheeked Nightjar are often seen around the waterhole. : Halali Resort, Etosha National Park, Namibia Website: Meal plan: Dinner & Breakfast

15 Day 9 The Okaukuejo area of Etosha National Park After breakfast we will make our way further west as we continue to explore this great park. The area around Okaukuejo should produce Dusky and Scarlet-chested Sunbirds, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Acacia Pied Barbet, Golden-tailed Woodpecker, Southern White-crowned Shrike, Marico Flycatcher, Chat Flycatcher, Rattling Cisticola, Double-banded and Namaqua Sandgrouse, Swallowtailed Bee-eater, Ostrich, Kori Bustard, Northern Black and Red-crested Korhaan and Great Sparrow to name a few. We will scan on top of all the huge Sociable Weaver nests for Pygmy Falcon. At the waterhole tonight we will look for Verreaux s Eagle-owl. We will also use the afternoon and perhaps the following morning to bird the Okondeka plains north of the camp where we will look for Spike-heeled, Pink-billed, Eastern Clapper, Red-capped and Sabota Larks as well as Grey-backed Sparrowlark, Chestnut-backed Sparrowlark, Capped Wheatear, Doublebanded Courser, Desert Cisticola and Rufous-eared Warbler : Okaukuejo Resort, Etosha National Park, Namibia Website: Meal plan: Dinner & Breakfast

16 Day 10 Western Etosha and Damaraland After an early morning birding and game drive around Okaukuejo we will make our way to the far western section of the park visiting several waterholes along the way hoping to see Burchell s Sandgrouse drinking at one of them. Once we leave the park we have an hour long drive to our lodge near Kamanjab. The lodge and surrounding area is home to several of Namibia s near endemic birds and other specials that include Bare-cheeked Babbler, Carp s Black Tit, Rockrunner, Hartlaub s Spurfowl, Ruppell s Parrot, African Scops Owl, Southern Pied Babbler and White-tailed Shrike. Monteiro s and Damara Hornbills are both common around the lodge. The lodge is known for their excellent night drives which often produces Aardvark, Aardwolf, Porcupine, Bat-eared Fox, Black-backed Jackal, African Wild Cat, Spotted Eagle-owl and Rufous-cheeked Nightjar. Please let us know if you are interested in doing this in advance. : Toko Lodge, Kamanjab, Namibia (DBB) Website: Meal plan: Dinner & Breakfast

17 Day 11 Damaraland We will be up early to catch up with any of the target birds that we might have missed and after breakfast we will make our way to the arid plains around the Brandberg Mountain, Namibia s highest mountain, where we will spend the night and search for specific target birds. We will scan the plains north of the mountain for Ruppell s Korhaan, Burchell s Courser, Bokmakierie and Benguela Long-billed Lark. The hills will hopefully produce Herero Chat, arguably the toughest of the endemics to find and Yellow-bellied Eremomela, Cape Penduline-tit and Grey-backed Cisticola can also be found here. Our lodge is situated close to the Ugab River where we hope to see Violet Woodhoopoe and Bare-cheeked Babbler. Ruppell s Parrot and Augur Buzzard can be found here as well. We might also be lucky to encounter the famous desert adapted Elephants of north-western Namibia which move up and down the Ugab River during our stay. : Brandberg White Lady Lodge Website: Meal plan: Breakfast

18 Day 12 The Erongo Mountains We will spend the morning birding around the Brandberg we will make our way to the Erongo Mountains where we will spend the night. The Erongo Mountains and surrounds are a real endemic hotspot and we will focus on finding any of the endemics that we might have missed. The granite hills surrounding the lodge are famous for Hartlaub s Spurfowl and Rockrunner. Besides these two specials we can look for Ruppell s Parrot, Carp s Black Tit, White-tailed Shrike, Monteiro s and Damara Hornbill, Violet Woodhoopoe, Pale-winged Staring, Red-billed Spurfowl, Augur Buzzard, Cinnamon-breasted, Golden-breasted, Cape and Lark-like Buntings. Rosy-faced Lovebirds are present in massive numbers and we will also wrap up on the general scrub savannah birds like White-throated, Yellow and Black-throated Canaries, Green-winged Pytilia, Short-toed Rock-thrush, Violet-eared, Black-cheeked and Blue Waxbills, Barred Wren-warbler, Rattling Cisticola, Pririt Batis, Shaft-tailed Whydah, Red-eyed Bulbul, White-backed Mousebird, Cape Glossy Starling and Mountain Wheatear. Dassie Rat and Rock Hyrax are common mammals while Black Mongoose, Leopard and Caracal are seen quite often. At night barn Owl and Freckled Nightjar are seen on most evenings. : Erongo Wilderness Lodge, Namibia Website: Meal plan:

19 Day 13 Walvis Bay and the coast After our morning birding and breakfast we will make our way to Walvis Bay and the coast stopping to look for Gray s Lark along the way. After settling into our Bed and Breakfast for the evening we will spend the afternoon at the Walvis Bay lagoon which has been declared a Ramsar site of global importance for thousands of waders that are found here. One of our main targets today will be the Damara Tern. Other birds we hope to find include Ruff, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Black-necked Grebe, Red-necked Phalarope, Bar-tailed Godwit, Spotted Redshank, Whimbrel, Eurasian Curlew, Swift, Common, Sandwich and Caspian Terns, Eurasian and African Black Oystercatchers, Common Ringed, Chestnut-banded, Grey and Three-banded Plovers and Greater and Lesser Flamingos. Cape Cormorants are usually spotted in huge flocks and we will also look for Crowned and Whitebreasted Cormorants and if we are lucky Bank Cormorant. The great thing about this area is that anything can pitch up so we have the possibilities to see a rarity or two. Pomarine Jaeger and Subantarctic Skua are sometimes seen from the shoreline. Orange-river White-eye, Cape Sparrow and Common Waxbill are all present in the lodge garden. : Lagoon Lodge, Walvis bay, Namibia (B&B) Website: Meal plan:

20 Day 14 Dune Lark and departure On our final morning we will focus on finding Dune Lark, Namibia s only true endemic and a great bird to end the trip with. We will spend time in the scenic Kuiseb Riverbed searching for this special at the base of some of the impressive dunes that forms a beautiful backdrop. Other interesting birds we might see here include Bokmakierie, White-backed Mousebird, Cape Sparrow, Jackal Buzzard, Pale Chanting Goshawk and the desert form of the Trac-trac Chat. As most flights from Walvis Bay International Airport depart around lunchtime we should have time to bird the lagoon area for any waders or shorebirds that we might have missed. This will be the official end of our birding safari. International Departures Walvis Bay International Airport operates daily flights to Windhoek, Johannesburg and Cape Town Hosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek) Operates flights regionally and internationally. Add on trips Prior to this Safari we can assist with a few possible add-on safaris: Zambian Barbet & Black Cheeked Lovebird 4 day add-on birding tour of southern Zambia. Black-cheeked Lovebird and Zambian (Chaplin s) Barbet are two endemics found in southern Zambia and during our extra four days we will add plenty of Miombo and Tropical Woodland specials that we have not seen on the Namibian trip. Chobe Safari add on Visit the Chobe National Park in Northern Botswana and enjoy some exciting game viewing by river and vehicle. Chobe National Park is known to carry the highest concentrations of elephants over any other park in Africa and there are over 450 species of bird to be found on the Chobe river. Post the trip we can assist with the planning of any other add-on trips you may require such as visits to Cape Town or any other parks in Africa.

21 Guide Profile Nick Buys Nick was born and raised in the beautiful country of Namibia, a privilege that made Africa and its wildlife a concrete part of his childhood. His passion for the birds and other wildlife of this beautiful country led to his decision to follow a career in wildlife. Since completing a field guide course with Ecotraining in 2002 he started doing freelance birding and wildlife trips throughout Southern Africa. After starting off in The University of South Carolina, USA he obtained his degree in Veterinary Science from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, Nick was based in Namibia s Caprivi strip as a State Veterinarian. The diversity and wealth of birdlife in this area has led to a full time career in guiding. Besides leading birding and wildlife tours Nick has been involved in assembling and presenting various courses that focuses on the training of local field guides in the birds of Western and Eastern Caprivi, including Impalila Island. Nick is currently based in Windhoek, Namibia from where he leads birding and wildlife tours throughout Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia. When not leading tours he tries to explore new birding areas and setting up future trips with Malawi, Angola and Gabon next on the list. Besides exploring the African continent he recently did birding trips to Thailand and Spain.

22 Documents required: If one is not a citizen of a country that is exempted from having to apply for a visa, then one must obtain a visa either at the port of entry or at a mission abroad. please view the below link to visit the zambian immigration website to determine if you would require a visa. please view the below link to enquire if you will require visa s for entering botswana please view the below link to enquire if you will require visa s for entering namibia Malaria: Zambia is a malaria area, guests should, however, consult their physician with regard to precautionary medical advice before leaving home. Repellents and sprays are advised and camp will also provide some necessary repellents Travel & medical insurance: It is a requirement that travel insurance be taken out prior to departure. this should cover any medical emergency such as evacuation or hospitalisation, as well as cancellation and lost baggage. we do not cover any medical expenses in the event of injuries or complications that may occur as a result of the trip. Emergency evacuation: This service is provided for all our guests travelling with Navigate Africa Safaris in the event of any life threatening illness or injuries via our insurance partner Satib insurance. Packing List: Full erepacking lists and recommended clothing will be sent on booking confirmation

23 Our Purpose: To help intrepid adventurers navigate the rich and varied experiences that sub-saharan Africa has to offer. To facilitate unforgettable journeys. About us: We are absolutely passionate about Africa and its unique natural beauty. Africa s vast and varied landscapes offer myriad opportunities for those who are explorers at heart. Let Navigate Africa Safaris facilitate your discovery of sub-saharan Africa s secrets and idiosyncrasies. Our team will put together tailor-made adventure experiences that allow you to indulge in your favourite pastime in exciting new settings. We understand that the natural ruggedness of an African safari should be offset by impeccable service and, as such, carefully screen our destinations, products, and guides to ensure that they are the best the area has to offer. We strongly support sustainable tourism and strive to have a minimal impact on our environment. Office Location: Cape Town, South Africa Contact US: (C) +27 (0) (Mail) adventures@navigateafricasafaris.com (web)

24 Navigate Africa Safaris is a proud member of SATSA (Southern Africa Tourism Services Association) Who is SATSA SATSA is a member-driven credibility association that strives to set the highest standards in the Tourism Industry We strive to maintain our three key qualities in all of the work we do: credibility, value and authority. Using a SATSA member provides peace of mind for those who seek to do business with credible tourism partners Members undergo a strict registration process and are required to sign and agree to abide by a Code of Conduct Bird Life South Africa Navigate Africa Safaris is registered as bird friendly tour operator with Birdlife South Africa Being a Birder Friendly tour operator Tour operators are required to meet certain criteria in order to qualify for 'Birder Friendly' status: The Operator and its Guides must be fully accredited tour operators/guides. The Operator should be able to provide BirdLife Travel with itineraries for promotional purposes at local and international Trade Shows. The Operator must commit to the use and support of BirdLife South Africa's "Birder-friendly" accommodation suppliers where ever possible. The Operator must commit to the support of Community Bird Guides where possible. The Operator must commit to practicing responsible tourism ethics.