Bwabwata National Park
Zambezi
Bwabwata National Park, established in 2007 in northeastern Namibia, is a vast protected area covering 6,274 km². It was formed by merging the Caprivi Game Park and Mahango Game Park and stretches along the Caprivi Strip, bordered by Angola to the north and Botswana to the south. The park serves as a vital migration corridor for African elephants and other wildlife moving between Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and Zambia. Uniquely, approximately 5,500 residents live within the park, with the Namibian government involving local communities in its management and conservation efforts. The landscape features diverse vegetation types including mopane woodlands, riverine forests, and Kalahari woodlands, supporting a variety of large mammals such as elephants, Cape buffalo, hippos, and predators including lions and leopards. Bwabwata is also recognized as an Important Bird Area, hosting numerous globally threatened bird species. The park’s ecosystem is shaped by natural and human-induced fires, which are managed to maintain ecological balance. Its location along the Trans-Caprivi Highway provides access, linking Namibia to neighboring countries. Bwabwata National Park offers a rare blend of wildlife conservation alongside human habitation, making it a significant natural and cultural landscape in southern Africa.
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Tip: Visitors should plan their trip during the dry season for optimal wildlife viewing and easier access. Booking guided tours in advance is advisable to explore the park’s diverse habitats safely. Bwabwata involves local communities in conservation, so respecting local customs and guidelines enhances the experience. The park is accessible via the Trans-Caprivi Highway, with nearby settlements at Kongola and Divundu serving as entry points. Visitors are encouraged to check for any park regulations and available visitor services on the official website before traveling.
Interesting facts
- •Bwabwata National Park is home to approximately 5,500 residents living within its boundaries, an unusual feature for a protected area.
- •It serves as a critical migration corridor for African elephants moving between Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and Zambia.
- •The park contains the Mahango Area and Kavango River, designated as an Important Bird Area supporting several globally threatened bird species.
- •Bwabwata includes diverse vegetation types such as Zambezi teak, wild seringa, and African teak trees.
- •A managed burning program is in place to control the frequency and intensity of fires, which occur almost annually due to natural and human causes.
- •The park was the site of the deliberate crash of LAM Mozambique Airlines Flight 470 in 2013, a tragic event with all 33 passengers and crew perishing.
History
The area now known as Bwabwata National Park was first designated as Caprivi Nature Park in 1963, later becoming Caprivi Game Reserve in 1966 and Caprivi Game Park in 1968.
During Namibia’s liberation war, the South African Defence Force occupied the park, restricting conservation activities.
After Namibia’s independence in 1990, the government assessed the area's biodiversity and developed plans to balance conservation with the needs of the resident communities.
In 1989, Mahango Game Reserve was proclaimed to the west.
These areas, along with an unproclaimed section along the Cuando River, were combined in 2007 to form Bwabwata National Park, creating a large transboundary conservation area.
Place Guide
Mahango Area
A key section of Bwabwata National Park known for its rich biodiversity and riverine woodlands along the Kavango River. This area is a hotspot for birdwatching, featuring many globally threatened species and diverse habitats.
Trans-Caprivi Highway (B8)
The main road running through Bwabwata, linking Namibia to Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It provides vital access to the park and connects the settlements of Kongola and Divundu at the park's eastern and western ends.
Okavango and Kwando River Boundaries
Bwabwata is bounded by the Okavango River to the west and the Kwando River to the east, creating important riparian habitats that support diverse wildlife and vegetation.
Contact
Phone: 081 446 6095
