Game Reserve
Mahango Game Reserve
Namibia 245 km² (95 mi²) Est. 1986
About Mahango Game Reserve
Mahango Game Reserve, now incorporated as the Mahango Core Area of Bwabwata National Park, is one of the best game viewing areas in Namibia's Zambezi Region. This compact 245-square-kilometre reserve lines the western bank of the Okavango River near Divundu, offering exceptional wildlife viewing in a concentrated area.
The reserve's riverine forests, floodplains, and baikiaea woodland support remarkable wildlife diversity. Large elephant herds cross the Okavango seasonally, and the floodplains attract buffalo, hippos, lechwe, reedbuck, sable antelope, roan antelope, and tsessebe — species rarely seen elsewhere in Namibia. With over 400 bird species, it is one of Namibia's premier birding destinations.
0
Safari Tours
4.0
Avg Rating
2/5
Big Five
40
Years Protected
Highlights
- Best concentrated game viewing in the Zambezi Region
- Rare antelope species including sable, roan, and tsessebe
- Superb birding with 400+ species along the Okavango River
- Compact reserve makes a full-day visit productive
Considerations
- High malaria risk zone
- Some roads flood during the wet season
- Limited accommodation within the reserve itself
- Can be very hot in October and November
Wildlife
Big Five Status
🦁
Lion
Not present
🐆
Leopard
Not present
🐘
Elephant
common
🦬
Buffalo
common
🦏
Rhino
Not present
Notable Species
Elephant
Common
Cape Buffalo
Common
Hippo
Common
Kudu
Common
Impala
Common
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
Mahango is located at Divundu on the Trans-Caprivi Highway, approximately 10 hours drive from Windhoek. Popa Falls rest camp is nearby. The reserve entrance is well signposted from the highway.
Nearest Airport
Divundu Airstrip
Nearest City
Divundu
Drive Time
10 hours