Namibia Birdwatching and Bird Ringing Safaris Tandala Ridge Tandala Ridge is the place to see the endemics of Namibia whether on your own self-guided tour or on one of our birdwatching tours. It has 8 of the 17 endemic Namibian bird species and all but one can be seen at the lodge. Wake up to the calls of Hartlaub's Francolin followed by calls of Monteiro's Hornbill, Damara Hornbill, Ruppell's Parrot, Bare-cheeked Babbler, Carp's Black Tit and White-tailed Shrike. Rockrunner can be seen on a short drive from the lodge. In addition we have many other species of birds not commonly seen in southern Africa including Orange River Francolin, Chestnut Weaver, Short-toed Rock Thrush and 3 nesting pairs of African Hawk Eagles. Your hosts, Tim and Laurel Osborne, at Tandala Ridge have 40 years of birding experience in Africa and are quite willing to help with birding on the farm, planning your trip and offering tips on Namibian travel. Bird Ringing Safari Tim and Laurel are both wildlife biologists from Alaska who retired to Namibia in 1997 to study the kori bustard in Etosha National Park. In 1999 we purchased a farm 45 minutes away from Etosha Park. We built a small lodge, Tandala Ridge, and have been ringing ever since on the farm. The habitat of the 14,000 acre farm is in Mopani woodland with rocky hills. We have game fenced the perimeter and have been restocking the place with native game in addition to the naturally occurring kudu, and smaller antelope. Over the past fourteen years in Namibia we have ringed over 24,650 birds ranging from white pelicans to sunbirds. Tim holds the record for the number, 156, of vultures ringed in 24 hours. We mainly use mist nets, but have also used balchatris, and a kori net with various modifications. For flamingos we use a modified kori net which is 300 feet long, 12 feet high, with 6 inch mesh. It is essentially a giant single shelf net which has caught everything from pelicans to curlew sandpipers. For all ringers we will be able to impart knowledge about various trapping techniques and bird ringing tips to any participants. We limit the ringing safari to one party with up to two ringers. We supply all rings, nets, poles, pliers, schedules, scales and other equipment needed to ring birds. The Namibia Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Permit Office, will issue a temporary "C" ringing permit to any foreign licensed ringer. A copy of your ringing license must be posted and/or scanned to me prior to your arrival in Namibia. We use SAFRING rings (South African Ringing Scheme) which we purchase. Fee Schedule for Bird Ringing Prices vary depending on whether you want an all-inclusive bird ringing tour or you are on a self-driving holiday. The inclusive bird ringing tour includes airport to airport transfers, all accommodation, meals, cold drinks and ringing supplies. If the Ringer wants to ring in other localities besides Tandala Ridge then the Ringer will be responsible for lodging and meals for the Ringer and guide and fuel transportation costs. Bird Tours We also offer custom built tours to suit your needs. These are led by biologist Tim Osborne based at Tandala Ridge Lodge, Windpoort Farm, just south of Etosha National Park. On a typical tour lasting two weeks during the period November to March, one should be able to see between 350-400 species. To ensure your comfort and individual attention we limit the tour to a maximum of 3 passengers. The tour includes all transportation, accommodation, meals, cold drinks, park entry fees, activities, and guide services. The price for a tour depends on your level of accommodation required. Namibia offers accommodation which ranges from US$70-500 per night. A typical tour using mid-range accommodation costs about US$300/day/person. General Information Namibia, located in southwestern Africa, has 670 species of birds found in a wide range of habitats: Namib Desert, Nama Karoo, upland scrubland, deciduous woodland, riverine woodland, floodplains, grasslands, ocean and estuary. Within these habitats one can find a large variety of species ranging from specialized larks with restricted distributions to ostriches and African Finfoots. Namibia has the largest single colony of Carmine Bee-eaters (over 5000) in Africa. Home | Tours | Birding | Accommodation | Photos | Contact