Bwabwata National Park
Understand
History
Landscape
The largest of the parks in Caprivi, Bwabwata National Park covers the whole of the Caprivi strip with a somewhat unique landscape. It is situated on an old dune system which means that there are a number of drainage lines running north west-south east across the whole length of the park.
Flora and fauna
The vegetation is a mixture of riverine forest, teak forest, acacia fringe woodland on the edge of the drainage lines and open grassland.
Climate
Get in
Fees and permits
Get around
Bwabwata has a national route running the length of the park (the B8) with 120 km/h speed limits. The road is unfenced, so watch your speed and avoid driving at night time if possible. Many animals are killed each year by vehicles, including endangered species such as wild dogs, which are very inquisitive of vehicles.
See
- 🌍
Popa Falls.
Wildlife
Expect to see buffalo, hordes of elephant, lion (which are making a big comeback in the area), leopard, African wild dog, sable, roan, giraffe, and the usual impala, kudu, and zebra.
In the rainy season, the drainage lines fill with rain that sits in natural pans, providing drinking water for game long into the dry months. Once the water evaporates completely, the game moves to the Kwando and Kavango rivers. If you are staying on the riverfront, the best time of year for seeing game is July-November.
Do
When there is water in the pans there is an almost unexplored road network (most of which is old routes created by the South African military) in the park interior.
Buy
- 🌍 Hombe Supermarket and Take Away, ☎ +264 66 259 048. 8AM–6PM daily.
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Lodging
- Divundu Guest House (in Divindu), ☎ +264 66 259 031.
- 🌍 Popa Falls Resort (near Popa Falls), ☎ +264 66 259 023.
- Shametu River Lodge and Campsite, ☎ +264 66 259 035.