Mahango Game Park
Kavango East
Mahango Game Park is a significant protected area located in the Kavango East region of northeastern Namibia. Established as part of Bwabwata National Park in 2007 through the merger of Caprivi Game Park and Mahango Game Park, it spans diverse habitats including woodlands, floodplains, and riverine environments along the Okavango and Kwando Rivers. The park is notable for its role as a crucial migration corridor for African elephants and other large mammals moving between Botswana, Angola, Namibia, and Zambia. It supports a wide range of fauna such as elephants, Cape buffalo, hippos, roan and sable antelopes, zebras, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and spotted hyenas. The Mahango area and the Kavango River are internationally recognized as Important Bird Areas, hosting numerous globally threatened bird species and high avian diversity. Uniquely, about 5,500 residents live within the park, and their involvement in conservation planning is integral to its management. The landscape features low vegetated sand dunes and old drainage lines called Omiramba, with vegetation dominated by species like Zambezi teak, African teak, and camelthorn trees. The park's open, unfenced terrain and location along the Trans-Caprivi Highway make it accessible while maintaining its natural wilderness character. Managed burning programs help maintain ecological balance by controlling fire frequency and intensity. Overall, Mahango Game Park offers a rich ecological and cultural experience, blending wildlife conservation with community stewardship in a transboundary context.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to plan their visit during the dry season for optimal wildlife viewing and easier access. Booking guided tours in advance is recommended to ensure knowledgeable guides and access to key areas. The park's unfenced boundaries mean wildlife encounters can be close but unpredictable; always follow park safety guidelines. Discounts or concessions may be available for residents or groups. Travelers should prepare for limited facilities and bring necessary supplies, as infrastructure is basic. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for game drives and birdwatching. Respect the local communities living within the park and support responsible tourism practices.
Interesting facts
- •Mahango Game Park is part of Bwabwata National Park, which is unique for having about 5,500 residents living inside its boundaries.
- •The park forms a critical transboundary wildlife corridor connecting Namibia, Angola, Botswana, and Zambia, especially for migrating African elephants.
- •The Mahango area and Kavango River are designated as an Important Bird Area, supporting several globally threatened bird species.
- •The park's landscape includes old drainage lines known locally as Omiramba, which are ancient dry riverbeds.
- •Bwabwata National Park was formed by merging several protected areas including Mahango Game Park in 2007.
History
The area now known as Mahango Game Park was originally proclaimed as Caprivi Nature Park in 1963, later becoming Caprivi Game Reserve in 1966 and Caprivi Game Park in 1968.
During Namibia's war of liberation, the South African Defence Force occupied the area, restricting conservation activities.
Following Namibia's independence in 1990, the government assessed the park's biodiversity and resident communities to develop balanced management plans.
Mahango Game Reserve was officially proclaimed in 1989.
In 2007, the Caprivi Game Park, Mahango Game Reserve, and adjacent unproclaimed lands were merged to form Bwabwata National Park, encompassing Mahango.
This unification aimed to protect biodiversity while accommodating the approximately 5,500 people living within the park boundaries.
Place Guide
Mahango Area
This core section of the park features diverse habitats including floodplains and riverine woodlands, providing excellent opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife including elephants, hippos, and rare antelope species.
Kavango River
The Kavango River runs through the park and supports a rich ecosystem, including aquatic species and numerous bird species, making it a hotspot for birdwatching and nature photography.
Trans-Caprivi Highway (B8)
This main road runs through Bwabwata National Park, providing access to Mahango and connecting Namibia to neighboring countries such as Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
