National Park
Bwabwata National Park
Namibia 6,274 km² (2,422 mi²) Est. 2007
About Bwabwata National Park
Bwabwata National Park stretches across the western Zambezi Region between the Okavango and Kwando rivers, protecting a vital wildlife corridor linking Angola to Botswana. The park covers 6,274 square kilometres of Kalahari woodland, riverine forest, and seasonal floodplains.
Unique among African national parks, Bwabwata is home to approximately 5,500 people from the Khwe and Mbukushu communities who continue to live within the park. The Mahango Core Area in the west offers excellent game viewing along the Okavango River, while the Buffalo Core Area in the east supports large elephant herds and occasional wild dog sightings.
0
Safari Tours
3.8
Avg Rating
3/5
Big Five
19
Years Protected
Highlights
- Vital wildlife corridor with elephants migrating between countries
- Good game viewing in the Mahango Core Area along the Okavango
- Unique coexistence of local communities and wildlife
- Affordable and uncrowded alternative to Botswana parks
Considerations
- Wildlife dispersed across a large area outside core zones
- High malaria risk
- Limited accommodation options
- Wet season roads can become impassable
Wildlife
Big Five Status
🦁
Lion
occasional
🐆
Leopard
Not present
🐘
Elephant
common
🦬
Buffalo
common
🦏
Rhino
Not present
Notable Species
Lion
Occasional
Elephant
Common
Cape Buffalo
Common
Zebra
Common
Hippo
Common
Impala
Common
Wild Dog
Occasional
Fish Eagle
Common
Crocodile
Common
Red Lechwe
Common
Common Occasional Rare
Best Time to Visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak Season Good Time Less Ideal
Climate Overview
Getting There
Bwabwata is accessed via the Trans-Caprivi Highway (B8). Mahango Core Area turnoff is at Divundu, approximately 10 hours from Windhoek. The park also borders the Okavango Panhandle in Botswana.
Nearest Airport
Divundu Airstrip
Nearest City
Divundu
Drive Time
10 hours