Etosha - Halali

Much quieter and drier. Upgraded to a 'bush chalet' with jacuzzi.

We made an early start in order to get to Okondeka and back before breakfast and then checked the waterhole after breakfast. We then drove to Halali via the waterholes at Nebrowni, Gemsbokvlakte, Olifantsbos, Aus, Charitsaub and Rietfontein arriving at Halali at about 1845hrs. After arrival at the lodge we visited the waterhole before and after dinner.

Okondeka

We failed to see the large pride of Lions reported the previous day but had good views of the expected large game, including several hundred Blue Wildebeest. Two Tawny Eagles, Secretary Bird, Three-banded Plover, Hoopoe, more of the same larks and Southern Anteater Chat were all seen.

Okaukuejo

A check around the camp and waterhole produced a Marabou Stork, three Cape Vulture, a superb Pygmy Falcon just outside the main gate, thousands of Namaqua Sandgrouse coming in to drink, Common Scimitarbill, Bru-bru, Ashy Tit and lots of Burchell’s Starlings.

Newbrowni

There were lots of Namaqua Dove, Red-capped Lark and Red-headed Finches in the bushes and around the waterhole and two parties of Elephants came in to drink and bathe.

Gemsbokvlakte

Two Burchell’s Coursers and lots of Grey-backed Sparrow-lark were seen on the approach to the waterhole where a large herd of Elephants were holding sway with lots of Oryx, Zebra and Springbok looking on.

Olifantsbos

The waterhole had more Red Hartebeest and Black-faced Impala and a couple of Elephants and the bushes around the picnic site were full of Black-faced Waxbill, Green-winged Pytilia and Violet-eared Waxbills.

Aus

This was very quiet except for very close views of a Gabar Goshawk’

Charitsaub

A Kori Bustard was stalking around the waterhole whilst several Northern Black Koorhans and a Lilac-breasted Roller were also nearby but the highlight was a Lioness laying, partially hidden among the rushes.

Rietfontein

It was starting to get quite late by the time we reached here so only a short stop was made during which 12 Kori Bustard and African Jacana were seen,

The drive from here to Halali produced two Secretary Birds and yet more Kori Bustards and Northern Black Koorhans.

Halali

By the time we had checked in and sorted ourselves there was only a little time before dark so we made a quick dash to the waterhole where we saw about 20 Elephants and three Black Rhinoceros. Hundreds of Double-banded Sandgrouse came in to drink and several Southern White-crowned Shrikes were seen around the camp.