wattled starling
Birds of Namibia
Introduction: Wattled starlings (Creatophora cinerea) are at home mostly in short grass areas, as well as lightly wooded, open, or cultivated areas and lands. Reedbeds and trees are favoured roosting sites, always in groups, often in very large flocks.
Distribution: Throughout, but with irregular patches in most of the country. Absent from southern Namib Desert, most common in central Namibia and northern ranges.Diet: Pecks and probes on the ground for weevils, seeds and fruits.
Description: A medium-sized, terrestrial starling with slender bill. Bare yellow skin behind eyes. Distinctive, black, swinging wattles on the head and throat. Mainly grey (Cinerea) brown plumage. Creatophora is Greek for 'to carry flesh' referring to the loose, fleshy wattles 'carried' by females during the breeding season. Song a long wheezy affair.Breeding: Nests are often interlocked, at times up to 5 domed masses together with 5 separate chambers lined with feathers and grass. From 2 to 5 eggs are laid September to March.
Size: 21cm. Weight: 68g.
Babson House at the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF)
Lodging located on the property used by the CCF. Excellent option if you want to learn about cheetah's and their conservation
C'est Si Bon Hotel
Mid sized hotel in Otjiwarongo offering both lodge & hotel style accommodation. All the usual facilities including a pool, air-conditioned rooms and a restaurant
Erindi Game Reserve
A large, well stocked, privately owned game reserve. Excellent for sightings of wild dogs and other endangered species
Frans Indongo Lodge
Situated to the north of the Waterberg Plateau (which is unusual as most lodges are toward the south) this highly recommenced lodge offers spacious comfortable rooms and plenty of activities
Mount Etjo Lodge
One of the oldest lodges in Namibia, Mount Etjo has seen several historic events including the signing of an agreement pivotal to Namibia gaining independence. Still offers good quality accommodation and game drives
Okonjima
Okonjima Main Camp is the oldest and most affordable of the lodges at the AfriCat foundation.
Okonjima Bush Camp
Without a doubt one of the best lodges in Namibia, add leopard and cheetah viewing to stunning accommodation and well prepared meals and this place is a complete winner
Okonjima Bush Suite
A private two bed room suite, comes complete with own swimming pool, lounge and kitchen. Private chef and meals can be arranged or guests can visit Bush Camp.
Okonjima Villa
Large private complex, includes all modern luxuries. Enjoyed by international movie stars and corporate moguls - but available to any group wanting to stay!
Omaha Guest Farm
A 5 bedroom establishment located on a working Namibian cattle farm at the base of Mount Etjo
Waterberg Rest Camp
The NWR run camp situated on the slopes of the plateau. Fairly standard and slightly overpriced accommodation, the old police station which has been converted to a restaurant is a scenic (if not taste) highlight.
Waterberg Wilderness Plateau Lodge
On the same property aw the Waterberg Wilderness Lodge but situated higher up the mountain offering excellent views
