ruff
Birds of Namibia
Introduction: Ruffs (Philomachus pugnax) are common waders found in a number of habitats including shallow pools and ditches, muddy estuaries, ephemeral pans, dams, sewage works and vleis. Found in small groups and flocks, roosting in their thousands at night is not uncommon, usually in shallow water or on wet mud with other sandpipers. They are rarely observed on open coastal locations.
Distribution: Widespread in Namibia but absent from dry, mountainous and well-wooded areas. Found in Etosha National Park, coastal Skeleton Coast, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay and southern Namib Desert coastal locations.
Diet: Wades in shallow water to catch insects and forages in deep mud shrimps and aquatic insects. Eats grasshoppers, crickets, earwigs, spiders, crabs, small frogs, fish, plant material and will drink water.
Description: Small head, long straightish bill and acquires ornamental plumes on the head and breast ( ruff). Pugnax is 'combative or fond of fighting'.
Breeding: Extralimital.
Size: 30cm. Weight: 170g.
Alternative Space
An art gallery turned guest house - the Space is truly alternative and worth a visit if you are interested in philosophical conversation, innovative thinking and staying somewhere out of the norm.
Atlantic Villa
Offers a variety of suites, luxury rooms and self catering units. Ideal for the business traveller or holiday maker
Brigadoon Cottages
Very centrally located, includes traditional guest house accommodation as well as two separate self catering flats
_tmb.jpg)
Meike's Guest House
A well established owner managed guesthouse where empahsis is placed on environmental issues
Organic Square Guest House
Fairly centrally situated accommodation offering healthy organic breakfast options
PebbleStoneHouse Bed & Breakfast
Fresh, light & airy bed and breakfast in an upmarket and fairly centrally located area
Sams Giardino
Perennial popular choice, good quality accommodation with occasional wine tasting nights
Sea Breeze Guest House
A very popular choice, offers excellent rooms at extremely reasonable prices. Possibly best value for money in Swakopmund
The Stiltz
Absolutely unique! Built on stilts into the Swakop River - many units offer great views. Feels more like a traditional country lodge rather than an establishment in a busy tourist town.
Villa Margherita
A newer addition, situated in an old historic building near the town center. Expect attention to detail and Italian flair.
Vogelstrand Guest House
A family operated establishment which prides itself on offering guests both personal attention and privacy
