Bwabwata National Park 
Starting from
$500PP
Overview
Bwabwata National Park" is a protected area located in northeastern Namibia, in the Zambezi Region (formerly known as the Caprivi Strip). The park was established in 2007 and covers an extensive area of approximately 6,100 square kilometers (2,355 square miles). It is named after the Bwabwata River, which flows through the region, providing a crucial water source for both wildlife and local communities.
The main objective of creating Bwabwata National Park was to facilitate conservation efforts and biodiversity preservation in the region, while also promoting sustainable land use and community-based natural resource management. The park serves as an important wildlife corridor, connecting various ecosystems and facilitating the movement of wildlife between neighboring countries, such as Angola, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Pros & Cons
- Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities
- Beautiful and diverse scenery
- Professional guided safaris
- Unique ecosystem and biodiversity
- Can be crowded during peak season
- Weather dependent activities
Map in Namibia
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Want to Visit Bwabwata National Park?
Wildlife & Animals
Bwabwata National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. The park's varied ecosystems, including wetlands, grasslands, woodlands, and riverine forests, support a rich array of plant and animal species. Here are some of the notable wildlife species that can be found in the park:
Elephants: Bwabwata is renowned for its significant elephant population. These majestic animals roam freely across the park's expansive landscapes, often moving between Namibia and neighboring countries, like Angola and Botswana.
Buffalos: Large herds of African buffalo can be seen grazing on the park's grasslands and near water sources. They are an essential part of the park's ecosystem and are often seen in association with other herbivores.
Hippos and Crocodiles: The park's rivers and wetlands provide a perfect habitat for hippos and crocodiles. They can often be spotted lounging in the water or basking on the riverbanks.
Predators: Bwabwata is home to various predators, including lions, leopards, and spotted hyenas. Although they can be elusive, patient visitors might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of these fascinating carnivores.
Antelope Species: There are several antelope species that thrive in the park, such as the roan antelope, sable antelope, reedbuck, tsessebe
Wildlife Highlights
African Elephants: The park is known for its significant population of majestic African elephants, providing an excellent opportunity for visitors to witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
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Birds
Bwabwata National Park is a birdwatcher's paradise, boasting a diverse range of bird species. With its varied ecosystems, including wetlands, woodlands, and rivers, the park provides an ideal habitat for a wide variety of avian life. Birdwatching in Bwabwata offers enthusiasts a chance to observe both resident and migratory bird species. Here are some of the notable bird species found in Bwabwata National Park:
African Fish Eagle: One of the most iconic birds of prey in Africa, the African Fish Eagle can be spotted around the park's rivers and waterways, where it hunts for fish.
Pel's Fishing Owl: This large and elusive owl is a sought-after sighting for birdwatchers. It is specially adapted to catch fish and is known for its haunting call.
Saddle-billed Stork: With its striking black and white plumage and a vibrant red-and-yellow bill, the Saddle-billed Stork is a majestic sight. It is often found near water sources, feeding on fish and other aquatic creatures.
African Skimmers: These unique birds have a distinct feeding behavior, skimming the water's surface with their lower bills to catch small fish. They are mostly seen along the park's rivers.
Lilac-breasted Roller: Known for its dazzling array of colors, including shades of blue, green, and pink, the Lilac-breasted Roller is a common and vibrant sight in Bwabwata.
Southern Carmine Bee-eater: These striking birds with their brilliant red plumage and long tail feathers are often seen perched in groups, and they feed primarily on bees and other flying insects.
African Jacana: With its long legs and unique appearance, the African Jacana is often found walking on lily pads and other aquatic vegetation in the park's wetlands.
African Openbill: This stork species is recognizable by the gap between its bill tips. It feeds on aquatic snails, which it extracts from their shells using its specialized bill.
Hornbills: Bwabwata is home to several hornbill species, including the Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill and the African Grey Hornbill, known for their distinctive calls and striking beaks.
African Paradise Flycatcher: This elegant bird, with its long tail and white morph male, is known for its graceful aerial displays during courtship.
Best Time for Birding
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Best Time to Visit – Bwabwata National Park
May to October (Dry Season)
- Less vegetation and animals concentrate around water, making them easier to spot
- The skies are clear, rain is rare, and there are fewer mosquitoes
- Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still feel uncrowded, except for the bustling Chobe riverfront area
- Early morning and evening drives are cold in June, July and August
November to April (Wet Season)
- The scenery is greener, and there are lower rates during this season
- Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, you'll still see plenty
- There are many newborn animals and migratory birds
- Except for January and February, rains seldom interfere with your trip
- During January and February, the rains can be continuous for days
- It gets very hot in October and November
- Some lodges and camps close down during part of the Wet season
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Activities
Explore popular activities available in and around Bwabwata National Park.
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