Visiting Bwabwata National Park, Namibia
Updated January 2026 (originally published February 2021)
Bwabwata National Park stands out as Namibia’s most distinctive protected area, blending lush, verdant landscapes with abundant wildlife and human communities. Spanning the Zambezi Region (formerly Caprivi Strip), it allows coexistence between people and animals, fostering innovative conservation that protects species while enhancing local livelihoods.
The park serves as a vital migration corridor for Chobe National Park’s famous elephants, traveling annually from Angola’s highlands through to Botswana. In January (peak wet season), expect hot, humid conditions with daytime highs around 35°C/95°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Rivers swell, floodplains expand, and wildlife disperses—making sightings less concentrated but landscapes vibrantly green. Roads can turn muddy or sandy; a 4WD vehicle is essential for core areas.
History of Bwabwata National Park
Established in 2007 by merging Caprivi Game Park (1968) and Mahango Game Reserve, Bwabwata incorporates areas once used as military zones during Namibia’s liberation war. Today, it balances strict conservation in core zones with multiple-use areas where ~5,500 residents live, farm, and benefit from tourism via conservancies.
How to Get to Bwabwata National Park
Located ~900 km from Windhoek along the paved Trans-Caprivi Highway (B8), the park is remote and best for self-drivers. No major organized tours include it routinely. Rent a 4WD in Windhoek (check Expedia, Rentalcars, or Skyscanner for deals). Fly into Rundu or Katima Mulilo via FlyNamibia, then transfer. Transiting the B8 is free, but detours into core areas require permits.
In wet season (like now), stick to main tracks; side roads may flood.
Bwabwata National Park Permits
Permits are mandatory for core areas (pay at entrance gates). Latest fees (per MEFT guidelines, subject to confirmation on-site):
- Namibians: N$50/adult/day, N$20/child, N$50/vehicle (<10 seats)
- SADC nationals: N$100/adult, N$40/child, N$100/vehicle
- International visitors: N$150/adult, N$50/child, N$150/vehicle
Some sources cite lower rates (~N$100/adult for foreigners); always verify at gates or MEFT offices. No charge for B8 transit.
Where to Go in Bwabwata National Park
The park divides into western (Mahango + Buffalo Core Areas), central multiple-use zone, and eastern Kwando Core Area. Self-drive is allowed solo (no convoy required) on designated tracks with 4WD—common and safe, though guided options exist via lodges for deeper insights.
Mahango Core Area
24,462 hectares of diverse habitats: baobab-studded plains, ravine forests, floodplains. Over 300 bird species; mammals include hippos, buffalo, impala, kudu, roan/sable antelope, red lechwe, sitatunga, and migrating elephants. January’s high waters boost hippo/croc sightings along rivers.
Popa Falls: Iconic rapids on the Okavango River (geological fault line). Best via boat safari—sunset cruises guarantee hippos, often elephants/birds. Book through lodges; ~N$500–800/pp.
Buffalo Core Area
Adjacent to Mahango; famed for roan/sable, plus buffalo, elephants, warthogs, impala, reedbuck. Access: ~10 km east of Okavango Bridge, south off B8 (signed “Buffalo”). Less visited, good for solitude.
Kwando Core Area
Eastern section along Kwando River; similar wildlife, sandy/muddy tracks demand 4WD. Excellent for lions, leopards, wild dogs (rare refuge), hippos/crocs.
Where to Stay In or Near Bwabwata National Park
Base in Divundu (west, near Mahango/Popa) or Kongola (east, near Kwando). Options unchanged; rates rise ~10–20% annually for high season. Book via Booking.com/Hotels.com; campsites ~N$250–500/pp.
Near Divundu:
- Rainbow River Lodge: Chalets or camping; pool, restaurant, river safaris.
- Shametu River Lodge: Popa Falls views.
- Divava Okavango Resort & Spa: Luxury riverside chalets.
- Ndhovu Safari Lodge: Rooms/tents on river.
Near Kongola:
- Mukolo Camp: Affordable chalets/campsites.
- Namushasha River Campsite: Self-catering sites (~N$610/pp including activities, 2025–26).
- Gondwana Namushasha River Lodge: Luxury Kwando overlooks.
Inside the Park:
- Nambwa Campsite: Kwando riverbank; self-catering, ~N$250/pp + N$150 sustainability levy (2025–26).
- Nambwa Lagoon Camp/Lodge: Chalets from ~N$2,850–5,040/pp.
- Popa Falls Resort (NWR): Riverside rooms/camping overlooking falls.
To the comment from Ravit (Nov 2023): Yes, self-driving solo in your own vehicle is permitted and popular—no group or second vehicle needed. Use 4WD, carry spares/water, and stick to tracks.
Pair with Chobe (Botswana), Victoria Falls, or South Luangwa (Zambia). Grab Bradt’s Namibia guide for planning. Questions? Comment below!