Bird Tour
Cultural Village Tour
November 29, 2017
Okavango Delta Scenic Flight by Helicopter
November 29, 2017
The Thamalakane River is seasonal and normally has water from late July / August till the following March or April, though the arrival and partial drying up of the flood usually varies every year.
However, the recent Thamalakane River has been perennial for quite a few years. In 2014 and 2015, we experienced the highest flood waters for over thirty years but since the floods have been moderate.
The most rewarding birding time is between November and April.
Specials include Hartlaub’s Babbler, Salty Egret, Swamp Boubou, Lesser Jacana. African Morning Dove, Pygmy Goose, White Faced Duck and, following good rains (late December to April / May ), there would be a chance to see the very elusive Striped Crake in the flooded grassland along the Thamalakane river.
Bat Hawks have been seen here appearing on their low flight path at dusk. There is an outside chance of encountering River Warbler in riverine thickens from January to March.
A host of other aquatic species, e.g. herons, egret, ducks, dabchicks may be seen on this stretch on the river.
The fringe bushes and trees attracts an abundance of dry land species.
There is rich birding in the woodland, including red- necked Falcons, red-billed Helmet Shrikes, and Crimson-breasted Boubous. The birding tour ventures further afield, to the Boteti River area South of Maun.
Birders are transported there by open safari vehicle and are driven to various points along the river where they can bird from the safari vehicle and on foot.
This river, the continuation of the Thamalakane, flows intermittently, usually the river is reduced to pools from about late April / May to mid August, this flowing river sometimes even reaches Rakops, which is 200 kilometers from Maun.
The birding there, especially from November to May, is spectacular and Salty Egrets, Rufous-bellied herons, Pygmy Geese, Lesser Jacanas, Purple and Lesser Gallinules, Lesser Moorhens, Swamp Boubous, Red-winged Pratincoles are just some of the sought- after birds which are often spotted here. Storks, ducks, herons ibises, spoonbills and pelicans are regularly attracted to the river and its pools. There is rich woodland birding adjacent to the river.