Bwabwata National Park

Quick Facts

  • Country: Namibia
  • Size: 627,400 hectares (6,274 km²)
  • Established: 2007 (Formed by merging Caprivi Game Park and Mahango Game Reserve)
  • Provinces: Zambezi and Kavango East (The Caprivi Strip)
  • Wildlife: Large herds of Elephant and Buffalo; rare Sable and Roan antelope.
  • Malaria Zone: High risk; prophylaxis is strongly recommended.
  • GPS Coordinates: ~18°00′S 22°00′E
  • Fence Status: Unfenced; serves as a vital transfrontier wildlife corridor.
  • Habitat: Riverine forests, floodplains, and broad-leafed Kalahari woodland.
  • Best Time to Visit: July–October for wildlife viewing; December–March for world-class birding.

Overview

Bwabwata is a "People’s Park," where conservation and community development coexist. Unlike the arid rest of Namibia, this is a lush, river-fed paradise. It serves as a crucial corridor for elephants migrating between Botswana, Angola, and Zambia.

Location & Access

  • Main Entry Gates: No formal gates on the main highway (B8), but specific "Core Areas" (Mahango and Buffalo) have park offices.
  • Air Travel: * Katima Mulilo (MPA): ~2 hours drive.
  • Rundu: ~2.5 hours drive.
  • Road Access: The B8 highway runs directly through the park; it is a fully tarred transit route.
  • Internal Roads: Deep sand in many areas; 4x4 is essential for exploring the core wildlife zones.

Wildlife Highlights

  • Wetland Species: Red Lechwe, Sitatunga, Hippo, and Crocodile—animals you won't see in Etosha.
  • African Wild Dogs: One of the last refuges for these rare predators in Namibia.
  • Elephants: Enormous herds pass through the park, particularly in the Mahango Core Area.

Best Time to Visit

Season
Months
Weather
Highlights
Dry / Winter
June–October
Warm days, cool nights
Best for seeing massive herds of Buffalo and Elephant at the river.
Wet / Summer
Nov–April
Hot, lush, high rainfall
Birding peak. Over 450 species, including rare Carmine Bee-eaters.

Key Takeaway

Bwabwata offers a wild, "untamed" feel that contrasts sharply with the rest of Namibia. It is the perfect bridge for travelers heading toward Victoria Falls or the Okavango Delta.