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Some of the close up experiences with snakes, geckos and chameleons were amazing. The scenery was spectacular and each venue was pretty amazing. I have got some fantastic pictures.
E.N. Kent, January '23
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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The Reptiles & Amphibians of Namibia
Tour Code: NAM06A 16-day holiday in search of Namibia's reptiles and amphibians, which can be found in some of the planet’s most stunning desert scenery.
16 days
from
£6,995 (Inc flights)
£6,995 (Inc flights)
Land only price
from
£6,195
£6,195
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
Namibia must be considered one of the finest places in the world to find and photograph reptiles, with over 200 species of reptile (of which almost a quarter are endemic) found in some of the most breathtaking habitats on Earth. It is also home to some of the world's most photogenic reptiles. Web-footed Gecko, Namaqua Chameleon and the stunning adders in the genus Bitis, share their sun-scorched home with Peringuey’s Adder, Horned Adder, Wedge-snouted Desert Lizard, cobras and Anchieta’s Dwarf Python plus other wildlife such as Lion and Black Rhinoceros, Secretarybird, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Quiver Trees and the monotypic Welwitschia mirablis, a living fossil and one of the most extraordinary plant species on Earth.
This special itinerary has been expertly crafted by our Namibia-based guides to encompass the best of Namibian herping. The group size for this holiday is limited to just six participants, and we'll explore this magnificent country using a custom 4x4 cruiser, with filtered water, wi-fi and air conditioning, as we travel in comfort between beautiful habitats in search of reptiles and amphibians, using hand-chosen hotels and lodges as we go.
We can happily arrange tour extensions to visit Etosha, Okonjima, and other areas of Namibia. Please get in touch should this be of interest.
- Wonderfully iconic and photogenic species such as the Web-footed Gecko, Namaqua Chameleon and Zebra Cobra
- Superb but little-known species include Anchieta’s Dwarf Python, Koch’s Barking Gecko and Wedge-snouted Desert Lizard
- Search for the rare and sought-after Desert Mountain Adder
- Special amphibians may include Common Rain Frog
- Mammals will likely include African Elephant, Lion, Giraffe and Black Rhino
- Exciting nocturnal forays could produce Aardvark, Aardwolf, Bat-eared Fox and other nocturnal species
- Travel in comfort with well-appointed hotels and transport throughout
This exciting tour is part of our portfolio of herpetology holidays.
Grading
On a typical day on our herpetology tours we’ll begin searching in the field after breakfast, when the sun has warmed the substrates and landscapes, often getting into the vehicles at 9am and, after stopping for approximately one hour for lunch (which is often a continental-style picnic eaten in situ), we’ll continue into early-evening when we will stop for a rest and dinner. Most evenings it will be possible to do excursions in search of nocturnal species, which will on average be for three hours after dinner. With an equal percentage of the target reptile and amphibian species likely to be nocturnal, these night searches are an important part of the tour but are optional, with some participants preferring to rest on some of the days. On average, 5-8 miles are walked per day.
We’ll focus our time in the field on building an enviable list of reptile and amphibian species seen. Whilst searching, there is no doubt we’ll come across a huge variety of amazing fauna and flora, which we’ll also take time to enjoy, but reptiles and amphibians will strongly remain our focus. Sensitively checking under stones, logs and other refugia is an effective way of finding many species. Some of the target reptile or amphibian species may require longer field hours to locate and therefore this tour is suitable, and most enjoyable, for experienced herpetologists or naturalists who, aside from wishing to see the region’s rarely-seen reptiles and amphibians, relish being in the field searching for and identifying the vast array of birds, mammals, butterflies, invertebrates, and other wildlife which can be found sharing the wonderful habitats that we’ll explore on the tour.
In summary, Naturetrek herpetology holidays are suitable, and offer tremendous value, for those who spend most of their holiday time in wildlife habitats and for whom seeing some of the world’s superb reptiles and amphibians is the focus of their time away.
On this holiday we will of course often be walking on sandy or rocky terrain with some occasional small ascents required.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1/2
Fly Windhoek
Day 3
Keetmanshoop
Day 4/5
Oranjemund
Day 6
Luderitz
Day 7/8
Sossusvlei
Day 9/10
Swakopmund
Day 11
Palmwag
Day 12
Khowarib
Day 13
Kamanjab
Day 14
Windhoek
Day 15
Depart Windhoek
Day 16
Arrive UK
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
Staying in comfortable hotels and lodges throughout the tour, where all rooms have en-suite facilities, and most have air-conditioning and a swimming pool.
- Food:
All meals and accommodation are included in the cost of this holiday, except for any meals required during travel to and from Namibia, and starting with dinner on Day 2 and ending with breakfast on Day 14. Purified water is also included throughout.
Reviews
Dates & Prices
2025
Departures
Availability
Cost
Wed 8th Jan – Thu 23rd Jan
5
£6,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£6,195
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£595
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Dayne Braine
Tour Leader: Dayne Braine
Dayne is a qualified commercial pilot and, in addition to leading herping tours in Namibia, has led many coastal and desert birding tours throughout the country. Dayne has travelled extensively in southern Africa including Angola, Madagascar, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Botswana, and South Africa. He has also successfully led wildlife tours in Angola, Namibia, Madagascar, Tanzania and Uganda. Additionally, he has made personal travels in search of birds to the United States, Australia, and Borneo.
Dayne is a keen herping tour leader and describes his favourite moment in the field as rediscovering the Angolan Adder (Bitis heraldica), which was thought to be extinct since the 1970's. He still holds the only live photographs of this species since his rediscovery of it in 2010. Dayne is an avid photographer and can assist clients on how to get the photographs that they desire.
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
Enquire
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
Related articles
In this article we share a tour summary and photos from our 2023 herping tour to Namibia.
