Bwabwata National Park

Pros & Cons

• Excellent wilderness ambience
• Little-visited, off-the-beaten-track park
• Wildlife numbers are increasing
• Few accommodations options inside the park
• Limited driving tracks

Wildlife

There isn’t a huge amount of wildlife in Bwabwata, but you might see elephant, buffalo and several antelope species, including greater kudu, roan, sable, red lechwe and the semi-aquatic sitatunga. All big cats are present, and lions are increasingly seen. There have even been sightings of wild dog.

• More about Bwabwata’s wildlife

Scenery

The park is bordered by the Okavango and Kwando Rivers. The main habitat is deciduous woodland with Zambezi teak and wild syringa trees. A scenic highlight is Horseshoe Bend, an oxbow lake with white sandy beaches that is surrounded by Zambezi teak. It’s popular with elephants.

Activities

Guided game drives, which are usually organized by the lodges and camps in the area, are the main activity in Bwabwata. Self-guided, self-drive game drives are also possible. Boat excursions on the Kwando River are a great option for fishing, sightseeing or enjoying a sundowner.

Weather & Climate

It stays reasonably hot in Bwabwata for most of the year. The exception is during the heart of winter, which is the Dry season (May to October), when temperatures are cold despite the absence of rain. Bring warm clothing for early-morning game drives at this time of year. October is one of the hottest months. In summer, which is known as the Wet season (November to April), fierce but short-lived storms accompany the consistently high temperatures.

• More about the weather and climate

Best Time To Visit

Animals tend to crowd around the park’s water sources during the Dry season (May to October). This is also when the undergrowth recedes, which makes wildlife much easier to spot. The months from May to September have the ideal conditions for visiting. Tolerating the stifling heat of the Wet season (November to April) is worthwhile if you’re a dedicated birder, as this is when migrant species are present.

• More about the best time to visit

Want To Visit Bwabwata NP?

Bwabwata Safaris

• Bwabwata Safaris & Tours
• Tour Operators for Bwabwata