pel's fishing owl
Birds of Namibia
Introduction: Pel's fishing owl (Scotopelia peli) is named after HS Pel, a Dutch government official of the Gold Coast (Ghana) from 1840 to 1850. They inhabit extensive swamps, broad, tropical rivers with large shady trees and will concentrate around swimming pools in periods of drought.
Distribution: Much sought after bird in the Caprivi and Mahango National Park. High density numbers in the Okavango Delta.
Diet: Strikes long and low over the water or drops into the water for mainly fish, especially catfish, bream and pike. Will take (very)young crocs and sometimes crabs and mussels.
Description: Medium-sized to large owls with unimpressive facial discs, powerful feet and bills and long curved claws adapted for grasping fish prey. Scotopelia is Greek for scotos (darkness) and peli (black) referring to their large 'black' eyes.
Breeding: Females lay 1 or 2 eggs from January to June with an incubation period of around 35 days. Nests are usually cavities in trees or at the junction of a branches high above the ground.
Size: 63cm. Weight: 2.2kg.
Caprivi Houseboat Safari Lodge
Just outside the town of Katima Mulilo lies this small river front lodge. The accommodation is rustic, the food awesome and the situation idyllic - resulting in some of the best value for money accommodation in Namibia
Chobe Savanna Lodge
Overlooking the vast Chobe floodplain's from its situation in the east Caprivi this lodge has a lot to offer visitors
Ichingo Chobe River Lodge
One of the best lodges in this area has accommodation in both traditional land based units as well as on two houseboats.
Impalila Island Lodge
This is the only place in the world where four countries meet. A wonderful Chobe destination with eight luxury chalets.
Mazambala Island Lodge
Situated on an island in the Kwando river around 4km from the trans-Caprivi highway
Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge
Brand new lodge in east Caprivi - ideal for exploring the wetlands of the Mamili National Park
Ntwala Island Lodge
situated on three small islands this is an ultra-luxurious Chobe destination, with four suites, each with plunge pool and private guiding
Pride of the Zambezi Houseboat
A small luxurious houseboat, offers awesome game viewing, bird watching & fishing expereinces on the Chobe & Zambezi Rivers
Susuwe Island Lodge
in the Bwabwata National Park this is a perfect land and water camp with six luxury suites, each with private plunge pool
Zovu Elephant Lodge
In the far eastern Caprivi this lodge offers lots of water based activities on both the Chobe & Zambezi Rivers
