Bwabwata National Park occupies the heart of the Caprivi Strip (now Zambezi Region), Namibia's lush panhandle that stretches between Angola, Zambia, and Botswana. This is a completely different Namibia: instead of desert and dunes, you'll find riverine forests, floodplains, and marshes teeming with elephants, hippos, and crocodiles. Bwabwata is part of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA), one of the world's largest conservation zones. The park is divided into core wildlife areas and community-managed zones, where local people and wildlife coexist. For visitors, Bwabwata offers authentic, uncrowded African wilderness, boat safaris along the Kwando and Okavango rivers, and some of Namibia's best elephant sightings outside Etosha. Be aware that this is a malaria zone, unlike most of Namibia.
Last updated: February 2026
Wildlife in Bwabwata National Park
Big Five Status
lion
Moderate
leopard
Rare
elephant
Excellent
buffalo
Good
rhino
Not present
Wildlife Highlights
Elephant
Bwabwata hosts large elephant herds that move between Namibia, Botswana, and Angola as part of the KAZA corridor. Dry season concentrations can be spectacular.
Hippo
Abundant in the Kwando and Okavango rivers. Boat safaris offer excellent viewing.
African Wild Dog
Endangered wild dogs roam the park as part of a regional population. Sightings are a bonus.
Crocodile
Nile crocodiles are common in the rivers and waterways.
430+ bird species including African skimmer, Pel's fishing owl, Wattled crane, Slaty egret, Western banded snake eagle.
Best Time to Visit Bwabwata National Park
Dry season (May to October) is best for wildlife viewing as animals concentrate along rivers. The wet season brings floods, making some areas inaccessible, but birding is exceptional.
peak Season
July, August, September, OctoberDry, warm. Animals concentrated at water sources.
Low (remote location keeps crowds minimal)
Standard
Excellent: elephants, hippos, and predators active along rivers
high Season
May, JuneDry, cool. Floodwaters receding.
Very low
Standard
Very good: wildlife concentrating as dry season sets in
low Season
November, December, January, February, March, AprilWet season. Heavy rain, flooding, hot and humid.
Very low
Lower
Dispersed, but exceptional birding with migratory species
Getting to Bwabwata National Park
By Air
RecommendedBy Road
Entry Gates
Various entry points along the B8
The highway runs through the park. Core wildlife areas accessed via side roads.
Bwabwata National Park Entry Fees (2026)
| Category | Fee (NAD) |
|---|---|
| Adult (Non-resident) | $80/day |
| Child (Non-resident) | $0/day |
| Vehicle | $50 |
- • Park fees apply when entering core wildlife areas
- • Transit through on the B8 highway does not require a park fee
- • Lodges often include park fees in their rates
Activities in Bwabwata National Park
Included Activities
Game drives
Game drives through riverine woodland and floodplain areas. Best in dry season when wildlife is concentrated.
Optional Extras
Boat safari
$30-$60Cruise the Kwando or Okavango rivers for hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and waterbirds.
Fishing
$20-$50Tiger fish and bream fishing on the rivers. Catch and release encouraged.
Community cultural visit
$15-$30Visit local Khwe San or Mbukushu communities to learn about traditional lifestyles.
Where to Stay
Accommodation is limited to a handful of lodges and camps along the rivers. This is remote wilderness with few options.
luxury
$300-$800/person/nightIncludes: All meals, activities, boat safaris
Examples: nambwa-tented-lodge, mazambala-island-lodge
mid range
$100-$300/person/nightIncludes: Meals and some activities
Examples: namushasha-river-lodge
camping
$10-$25/person/nightIncludes: Basic campsite
Examples: Nambwa campsite, community campsites
Practical Tips
- 1Take malaria prophylaxis: this is a high-risk malaria zone, unlike most of Namibia
- 2Bring insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing for evenings
- 34x4 is essential for internal park roads
- 4Carry spare fuel and water; this is extremely remote
- 5The Caprivi Strip is Namibia's wettest region, so pack for rain in wet season
- 6Combine with Chobe in Botswana (just across the border) for a complete experience
- 7The B8 highway is well-maintained but watch for elephants crossing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Caprivi Strip safe to visit?
Yes, the Zambezi Region (formerly Caprivi Strip) is safe for tourists. The area is peaceful and has been stable for many years. The main consideration is the remoteness: carry supplies and plan your fuel stops.
Is malaria a concern in Bwabwata?
Yes, this is one of Namibia's highest malaria risk areas. Take prophylaxis, use insect repellent, wear long sleeves at dusk and dawn, and sleep under mosquito nets. Consult a travel health clinic before visiting.
How do you get to Bwabwata?
Most visitors drive the Trans-Caprivi Highway (B8) from Windhoek (12+ hours, done over 2 days) or fly to Katima Mulilo. Charter flights to bush strips near lodges are also available. Many visitors combine Bwabwata with Chobe in Botswana.
What makes Bwabwata different from other Namibian parks?
Bwabwata is completely different from the rest of Namibia. Instead of desert landscapes, you'll find lush riverine forests, floodplains, and marshes. The wildlife is riverine: elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and exceptional birding. It feels more like Botswana than Namibia.
Official Resources
Sources
- Park size 6,274 sq km, established 2007, part of KAZA TFCA: Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism
- Over 430 bird species recorded: BirdLife International