When to visit

Bwabwata and surrounds are a paradise all year round, but travel – and wildlife viewing – is more comfortable in the dry season, from May to September. During the rainy season, plan activities for earlier in the day, as rain mostly falls in the afternoons. The hottest months are October and November, when temperatures often reach 40 degrees Celsius.

A history worth noting

In the early sixties, as countries sought sovereignty from colonial powers, the region was rife with conflict. While independence was already imminent for Botswana and Zambia, the Angolan liberation war was in full swing and Namibia’s own struggle to freedom was only just gaining momentum. By the early seventies, an armed conflict had broken out and the Zambezi strip was subsequently occupied and restricted to the military. During this time, poaching was the order of the day and as wildlife numbers dwindled, it became evident that not only was the issue of independence of dire importance, but so was the need for conservation of the area and its wildlife. This unfortunate period in history continued until the proclamation of the Mahango and Popa Falls game parks in 1989. With independence in 1990, a more inclusive and regulatory approach to conservation was initiated. Since then, wildlife has returned to the area (helped by translocations of key species), natural habitats have been restored and for the most part, local communities live in harmony with nature. An era gone but not forgotten, ruins of former military settlements, and graveyards, can still be seen scattered throughout the area today, stark reminders of Namibia’s road to independence and the preservation of its natural resources. A visit to some of these sites form part of the itinerary in the Buffalo Core Area.

Fun facts

Bwabwata National Park consists of 6 278 km², made up of the Mahango, Buffalo and Kwando Core Areas. It was proclaimed a National Park in 2007, but has been preserved as a nature park since 1963. It forms part of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area. Ndhovu Safari Lodge is located a mere four kilometres from the entrance to the Mahango Core Area. The Buffalo Core Area is located straight across the river, and the lodge offers easy access into this part of the park by means of a quick boat cruise, from where guests are then picked up by their guide and safari vehicle.

 An interaction with wild Namibia at its best!