Bwabwata National Park Mahango Core Area - Namibia

Namibia is well known for its contrasting landscapes and nowhere is this more evident than in the Bwabwata National Park. This 25400 hectare reserve lies in the north east of Namibia (Kavango Region) on the Botswana border and is one of those wilderness areas that lets you truly experience what Africa is all about. With its diverse scenery and wildlife, lush riverine forest and Okavango floodplains on one side and dry Kalahari bush on the other, Bwabwata National Park is one of Namibia's most fascinating conservation areas and is situated 950 km from Windhoek and 250 km from Rundu.

Bwabwata National Park can be divided up into 3 separate habitats, each with its own unique vegetation and inhabitants. The river area offers a mix of trees, reeds and grasses along its banks and on the wetlands. The Mahangu Omuramba and the Thinderevu Omuramba are ancient riverbeds which are covered with open grassland, surrounded by tall acacia trees and bushwillow. These two Omurambas which are found in the north and south of the reserve are separated by the third habitat, open dry woodland with some thick patches of Zambezi teak, wild seringa and wild teak.

Like most of the reserves in the area this area is remote with very little in the way of development, which is one of its key attractions. There is a main road which runs through the park, linking Namibia to Botswana as well as two other tracks, but apart from that there are no other roads. The track to the east follows the river and is approximately 15kms long. It is not only suitable for 4X4s but also conventional vehicles. The track to the west however is only suitable for 4X4 vehicles and stretches for about 31kms. This track follows the course of the two Omurambas in the park, the Mahangu and Thinderevu. The drive through this rugged terrain is an experience which should not be missed but it is important to know that these roads can be very sandy in the dry season and very slippery in the wet.

Although Namibia is one of the driest countries in Southern Africa, this area is has water all year round, ensuring an abundance of game. However the drier winter months, which run from April to November, increase your chances of seeing game as the animals seek out the rivers and waterholes. The reserve is home to many antelope including roan, sable, reedbuck, tsessebe, sitatunga, red lechwe, kudu, Chobe bushbuck, Duiker and Steenbok. But antelope are not the only wildlife in the reserve, visitors should also expect to see Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Wild dog, Hippo, Crocodile, Warthog Baboon and Vervet Monkey. The large herds of elephant however are migrant and move between Angola and the Okavango Delta reducing the chances of sightings during the wetter months. But for the birders out there, the wet summer months, which run from November to March, bring a major increase in birdlife creating a birding paradise. Mahangu Reserve has recorded hundreds of different bird species and mostly during this period.

Bwabwata National Park is open for day visitors only and although unguided walking is permitted, visitors should be reminded that it is a wildlife reserve and there are dangers! For those wanting to get the most out of their trip to Mahangu it is best to employ the services of a knowledgeable local guide who is familiar with the region.

Bwabwata National Park Mahango Core Area in Namibia through the following details:
Bwabwata National Park
Mahango Core Area Office
Phone: +264 61 284 2111 (Namibia Tourism Board)