Bwabwata National Park

Welcome to the future – in Bwabwata National Park, where wildlife and local communities coexist harmoniously. Located across Namibia’s northeastern ‘arm’, this lush area boasts rivers, floodplains, wetlands and forests. It forms part of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA), a five-nation conservation area which houses the world’s largest elephant population. Watch hippo-frequented rivers flow gently by, as red lechwe, sitatunga, reedbuck, crocodiles – and hippos – thrive in their natural habitat. Experience the spectacle of Popa Falls on the Okavango River and take guided or unaccompanied game drives to witness the vibrant floodplains and woodland of the Buffalo, Mahango or Kwando Core Areas of the park – each with their own highlights. During seasonal rains, temporary pans on the floodplains offer an ideal setting for birdwatchers, with over 400 bird species recorded. The park’s success lies in the co-management between the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, resident communities and conservancies, which is beneficial to both conservation and rural community development.

Nkasa Rupara National Park: Wilderness unleashed

For the true adventurers seeking a raw and authentic African experience, Nkasa Rupara National Park is a dream come true. This vast wetland area offers an extraordinary wilderness waiting to be explored. The park’s diverse landscape, from lush marshes and dense savannah to tall river reeds, creates an ideal habitat for an array of wildlife, including large herds of elephants during the dry season. As a vital part of KAZA, Nkasa Rupara National Park stands as a shining example of cross-border cooperation in preserving biodiversity.

Mangetti National Park: Conservation and community support

Situated southwest of Rundu, Mangetti National Park embodies Namibia’s commitment to conservation and community support. Jointly managed by the Ukwangali Traditional Authority, the park protects wildlife and vegetation while providing socio-economic benefits to local communities. Mangetti offers an abundance of wildlife, including eland, blue wildebeest, leopard, hyena, elephant, rhino, giraffe and the rare sable antelope. Notably, the park is a sanctuary for the African wild dog.

Khaudum National Park: The forgotten wilderness

Nestled in Namibia’s Kavango East Region, Khaudum National Park remains a hidden gem, rarely visited, and wonderfully wild. Adventurers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience will find solace here. Traverse rugged 4×4 trails that weave through plains and thick Kalahari forests. Witness large herds of elephants and the endangered African wild dog in this protected haven. Khaudum is unique in that it allows wildlife to pursue hereditary migratory routes, linking Namibia, Botswana and Angola.  Khaudum’s open-park system supports various wildlife year-round, including rare species like roan antelope. The park’s existence has also fostered conservation-driven community development in surrounding conservancies, benefiting both wildlife and rural communities.

Mudumu National Park: Water and wildlife in abundance

Mudumu National Park boasts an incredible diversity of landscapes, from thick mopane forests to wide floodplains. The Kwando River, the lifeblood of the region, supports a variety of water-loving creatures like elephants, hippos, otters and crocodiles. Rare species, including the red lechwe and sitatunga antelope, thrive in Mudumu’s unique ecosystem. The absence of fences allows elephants and other wildlife to freely migrate between Namibia, Botswana and Angola. Lions, leopards, hyenas and wild dogs roam freely, making Mudumu an environment rich in predators. The park’s conservation efforts have facilitated the reintroduction of various animal species into the region.