NG/49 Phuduhudu Community Concession

NG/49 Phuduhudu Community Concession is a protected area in Botswana.

NG/49 Phuduhudu Community Concession at a Glance

Location
Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans, Botswana, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-20.114212, 24.456408
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Low
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry season) for the Okavango Delta floods and wildlife. November to March for birding and green season rates.

Getting to NG/49 Phuduhudu Community Concession

Nearest airport: Motopi Airstrip, 30 km away.

Nearest international airport: Phillip Gaonwe Matante International Airport (FRW), 334 km away.

Big Five in NG/49 Phuduhudu Community Concession

3 of the Big Five can be found here: Lion, Leopard Tortoise, African Buffalo.

Weather & Climate in NG/49 Phuduhudu Community Concession

The warmest temperatures in NG/49 Phuduhudu Community Concession occur in October, averaging 28.1°C (up to 35.9°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 16.9°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in June with average rainfall of 0.0mm. Average humidity: 41.9%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 24.8°C (rainfall: 119.8mm)
  • February: 25.7°C (rainfall: 84.2mm)
  • March: 24.8°C (rainfall: 47.9mm)
  • April: 23.4°C (rainfall: 7.6mm)
  • May: 20.3°C (rainfall: 0.8mm)
  • June: 17.2°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • July: 16.9°C (rainfall: 0.2mm)
  • August: 20.9°C (rainfall: 0.1mm)
  • September: 25.3°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • October: 28.1°C (rainfall: 6.6mm)
  • November: 28.0°C (rainfall: 32.4mm)
  • December: 26.4°C (rainfall: 94.4mm)

Best Time to Visit NG/49 Phuduhudu Community Concession

The best months to visit NG/49 Phuduhudu Community Concession are April, August, September, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 24.77°C, rainfall 119.8mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 66.6%
  • February: Great, temperature 25.69°C, rainfall 84.2mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 60.1%
  • March: Great, temperature 24.81°C, rainfall 47.9mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 58.4%
  • April: Great, temperature 23.38°C, rainfall 7.6mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 50%
  • May: Great, temperature 20.32°C, rainfall 0.8mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 40.1%
  • June: Great, temperature 17.23°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 41.9%
  • July: Great, temperature 16.95°C, rainfall 0.2mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 37.1%
  • August: Great, temperature 20.9°C, rainfall 0.1mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 30.1%
  • September: Great, temperature 25.25°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 27.5%
  • October: Great, temperature 28.12°C, rainfall 6.6mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 27.9%
  • November: Great, temperature 28.01°C, rainfall 32.4mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 42.9%
  • December: Great, temperature 26.4°C, rainfall 94.4mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 57.7%

Wildlife in NG/49 Phuduhudu Community Concession

Home to 106 recorded species including 28 iconic birds, 28 waterbirds, 26 birds of prey, 5 big herbivores, 4 antelope & gazelle, 4 tropical birds.

Recommended Packing List for NG/49 Phuduhudu Community Concession

Based on average temperature of 23.5°C, typical conditions, humidity 45%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 23°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in NG/49 Phuduhudu Community Concession

1 safari lodges available.

luxury

Similar Parks in Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Botswana

Travel advisory for Botswana

NG/49 Phuduhudu Community Concession FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit NG/49 Phuduhudu Community Concession for an optimal safari experience?

The dry season, typically from May to October, offers the best wildlife viewing as animals congregate around limited water sources, making them easier to spot. During this period, you can expect clear skies, cooler mornings and evenings, and excellent opportunities for game drives and potentially walking safaris in this less-trafficked area.

Beyond general safari animals, what unique wildlife or ecological features can visitors specifically expect to encounter in NG/49 Phuduhudu?

Phuduhudu is known for its diverse plains game and predators, often including cheetah and wild dog, which thrive in its varied habitats. Due to its community-managed status, the concession often focuses on sustainable practices, allowing for a more pristine environment and unique birdwatching opportunities alongside larger mammals.

What are the typical accommodation options and general cost expectations for a safari within the NG/49 Phuduhudu Community Concession?

Accommodation in Phuduhudu typically ranges from intimate, eco-friendly tented camps to community-run lodges, offering a more authentic and less commercialized experience. Costs can vary widely but generally fall into the mid-range to luxury bracket, reflecting the exclusivity and high-quality guiding often found in private concessions.

What specific activities or cultural interactions are unique to visiting a 'Community Concession' like NG/49 Phuduhudu?

Visitors to Phuduhudu can often engage in guided walking safaris led by local community members, offering deeper insights into the bush and tracking. Some camps may also facilitate cultural visits to nearby villages or offer opportunities to learn about the community's conservation efforts and traditional way of life.

What practical safety advice and travel tips should I consider when planning a safari to the remote NG/49 Phuduhudu Community Concession?

While generally safe, it's advisable to always follow your guide's instructions, especially during walking safaris, and stay hydrated in the dry climate. Given its remote nature, ensure your tour operator provides reliable transfers and that you pack appropriate clothing for varying temperatures and dusty conditions.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia by Lonely Planet - Covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Etosha, Sossusvlei, and the Skeleton Coast. Essential for self-drive safaris through two of southern Africa's wildest destinations.
  • Lonely Planet Zambia & Mozambique by Lonely Planet - From Victoria Falls and South Luangwa to Mozambique's pristine coastline. Practical advice for two of Africa's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • Bradt Guide: Botswana by Chris McIntyre - Gold standard for Okavango Delta and Chobe planning - self-drive routes, camp reviews, and detailed maps. Essential for anyone planning a Botswana safari.
  • Lonely Planet Southern Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Practical planning information with detailed park and city guides.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Roberts Bird Guide by Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies & Ingrid Weiersbye - Comprehensive southern African bird guide covering 960+ species with detailed range maps and illustrations. The birder's bible for safaris in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
  • Cry of the Kalahari by Mark & Delia Owens - Riveting account of wildlife research in Botswana's Central Kalahari. An adventurous tale of two young researchers living among the wild animals.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey & Warwick Tarboton - The southern Africa birding bible. Covers over 950 species with detailed illustrations, distribution maps, and habitat notes. The most trusted bird field guide for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.