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Bwabwata National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Animal habitat

Weather…

Bwabwata National Park stretches across the narrow Caprivi Strip in northeastern Namibia and is a unique protected area that combines nature conservation with human habitation. The park's territory includes vital migration corridors for African elephants moving between Namibia, Botswana, and Angola. Bordered by the Okavango River to the west and the Kwando River to the east, the park provides lush vegetation consisting of riparian forests and open savannas. Residents include large elephant herds, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and rare antelope species such as the sitatunga. A distinctive feature is its management model, where the local community is actively involved in wildlife protection and tourism. The core conservation areas, Mahango and Buffalo, provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing in a largely untouched wilderness. The park is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 450 recorded species.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	26	25	25	24	21	18	18	21	25	29	28	27
Rain mm	167	116	104	38	2	1	0	0	1	5	67	135

📋 Practical info

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Best season

The best time for Bwabwata is the dry season from May to October, when wildlife concentrates around remaining water sources. During these months, elephants, buffalo and antelope are especially easy to spot.

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Best time of day

Early morning hours and the time before sunset are convenient, as animals are then actively foraging. During the midday heat most species rest in the shade, so it is worth taking a break during the hot hours.

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Etiquette

Always stay inside your vehicle and only leave it at designated spots. Do not feed any animals and avoid loud noises to prevent disturbing their natural behaviour.

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What to bring

Binoculars with good magnification are essential for spotting animals across the open savanna. Bring plenty of water, sun protection and a camera with a telephoto lens.

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Getting there

The park is located in the Zambezi region and is reachable via the well-maintained B8 road from Katima Mulilo. A standard 2WD vehicle is sufficient for most park roads, but 4×4 is recommended during the rainy season.

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What to expect

Wildlife viewing requires patience as animals roam freely and are not in enclosures. Plan several hours for a game drive and enjoy the tranquility of the natural environment.

Geography

Coordinates

-18.00000, 22.00000

Facts

The park was established in 2007 by merging several protected areas.
Bwabwata covers a total area of approximately 6,274 square kilometers.
It hosts the largest elephant population in northeastern Namibia.
Around 5,000 people live within the park, mainly belonging to the San people.
There are no fences, allowing for free wildlife movement across international borders.
The Popa Falls on the Okavango River are located at the western edge of the park.

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about Bwabwata National Park?

It is a so-called 'People and Nature' park where people and wildlife coexist.

Which animals can be seen here?

Large elephant herds, hippos, crocodiles, and many antelope species live here.

Is a 4x4 car needed for the visit?

Highly recommended, as the roads are often sandy and muddy in the rainy season.

When is the best time to visit?

The dry season from May to October features the best chances for wildlife viewing.

Are there malaria-free areas there?

No, Bwabwata is a high-risk malaria area; prophylaxis is strictly required.

Bwabwata National Park: where is it located?

Bwabwata National Park is located in Namibia.

Bwabwata National Park: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.

Bwabwata National Park: why is it worth visiting?

Bwabwata National Park stretches across the narrow Caprivi Strip in northeastern Namibia and is a unique protected area that combines nature conservation with human habitation.

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