Safari in Zambezi & Kavango East
Explore Namibia's lush northeastern panhandle, a water-rich haven teeming with elephants, buffalo, and diverse birdlife along the Kwando and Zambezi rivers.
Zambezi & Kavango East Parks Map
Explore safari parks across Zambezi & Kavango East
Zambezi & Kavango East Safari Parks
Explore safari parks in Zambezi & Kavango East
Balyerwa Conservancy
Balyerwa Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.
Bamunu Conservancy
Bamunu Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.
Bwabwata National Park
Located in the Zambezi Region (Caprivi Strip), Bwabwata is a unique park that integrates local communities and is crucial for wildlife migration routes. It's known for its significant elephant populations, buffalo, various antelope species, and a rich birdlife, offering a more traditional African safari experience with lush riverine forests.
Dzoti Conservancy
Dzoti Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.
Hamweyi State Forest Reserve
Hamweyi State Forest Reserve is a protected area in Namibia.
Impalila Conservancy
Impalila Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.
Joseph Mbambangandu Conservancy
Joseph Mbambangandu Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.
Kabulabula Conservancy
Kabulabula Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.
Kapinga kaMwalye Conservancy
Kapinga kaMwalye Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.
Kasika Conservancy
Kasika Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.
Khaudum National Park
Khaudum National Park is a protected area in Namibia.
Kwandu Conservancy
Kwandu Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.
Lusese Conservancy
Lusese Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.
Mahango Game Reserve
Part of Bwabwata National Park, Mahango is a small but incredibly diverse reserve along the Okavango River, known for its high density of wildlife. It's an excellent spot for viewing elephants, hippos, crocodiles, red lechwe, sable antelope, and a spectacular array of birdlife, including many rare species.
Mangetti National Park
A relatively new park in the Kavango region, Mangetti is characterized by its dense woodlands and open grasslands. It plays a vital role in rhino conservation and is home to elephants, buffalo, leopard, and a variety of antelope, offering a more secluded safari experience.
Mashi Conservancy
Mashi Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.
Maurus Nekaro Conservancy
Maurus Nekaro Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.
Mayuni Conservancy
Mayuni Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.
Mudumu National Park
Situated along the Kwando River in the Zambezi Region, Mudumu is characterized by its Mopane woodlands and riverine habitats. It's home to elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and a good diversity of antelope species, making it a key part of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA).
Muduva Nyangana Conservancy
Muduva Nyangana Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.
Nakabolelwa Conservancy
Nakabolelwa Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.
NG/14 Kwando Concession
NG/14 Kwando Concession is a protected area in Namibia.
NG/15 Linyanti Reserve
NG/15 Linyanti Reserve is a protected area in Namibia.
Nkasa Rupara National Park
Formerly Mamili National Park, this is Namibia's largest wetland protected area, often compared to a mini-Okavango Delta. It's a haven for large herds of buffalo, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of water birds, offering excellent opportunities for boat safaris and a true wilderness experience.
Nyae Nyae Conservancy
Nyae Nyae Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.
Okavango Delta
Okavango Delta is a protected area in Namibia.
Popa Falls Game Park
Popa Falls Game Park is a protected area in Namibia.
Salambala Conservancy
Salambala Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.
Shamungwa Conservancy
Shamungwa Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.
Sikunga Conservancy
Sikunga Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.
Sobbe Conservancy
Sobbe Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.
Wuparo Conservancy
Wuparo Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.
Zambezi State Forest
Zambezi State Forest is a protected area in Namibia.
Compare Parks in Zambezi & Kavango East
Side-by-side comparison of safari parks in Zambezi & Kavango East
| Park | Area | Wildlife | Lodges | Crowds | Malaria | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bwabwata National Park | - | 121 | - | Very Quiet | Low | OMG (26km) |
| Nkasa Rupara National Park | - | 407 | - | Very Quiet | Low | FBKP (3km) |
| Mahango Game Reserve | - | 410 | - | Very Quiet | Low | BQI (13km) |
| Mudumu National Park | - | 316 | - | Very Quiet | Low | LHU (15km) |
| Mangetti National Park | - | 74 | - | Very Quiet | Low | NA-0167 (60km) |
| Balyerwa Conservancy | - | 316 | - | Very Quiet | Low | FBKW (13km) |
| Bamunu Conservancy | - | 259 | - | Very Quiet | Low | FBSI (23km) |
| Dzoti Conservancy | - | 407 | - | Very Quiet | Low | BW-0004 (25km) |
| Hamweyi State Forest Reserve | - | 333 | - | Very Quiet | Low | NDU (28km) |
| Impalila Conservancy | - | 426 | - | Very Quiet | Low | NA-0047 (5km) |
| Joseph Mbambangandu Conservancy | - | 333 | - | Quiet | Low | AO-0037 (30km) |
| Kabulabula Conservancy | - | 426 | - | Very Quiet | Low | BW-0005 (8km) |
204 species recorded in Zambezi & Kavango East21 threatened
We love the Zambezi and Kavango East for its sheer abundance of water, a stark contrast to much of Namibia. The air here feels thick with life, alive with the calls of unseen birds and the distant rumble of elephants. We recommend taking a mokoro trip at dawn; gliding silently through the channels as the sun rises over the water is an unforgettable experience. The sheer density of buffalo and the ever-present possibility of spotting wild dogs make this a truly special corner of Africa.
Terrain & Altitude
Predominantly flat, low-lying floodplains and riverine forests that transition into mopane woodlands.
300-500m above sea level
Vegetation
Dense riparian forests of acacia and riverine trees line the waterways, giving way to extensive mopane woodlands and papyrus swamps inland.
Water Sources
The region is defined by the permanent waters of the Zambezi and Kwando rivers, their extensive floodplains, and numerous smaller channels and lagoons.
Unique Features
The unique hydrological system creates vast, seasonally inundated floodplains that are crucial for wildlife, especially during the dry season.
While flying into Katima Mulilo is an option, we find that connecting through Kasane in Botswana often provides more reliable flight schedules and a smoother arrival experience. If you are driving, be prepared for a long haul from Windhoek; breaking the journey is essential for comfort and safety.
Nearest Airports
Katima Mulilo Airport (MPA)
15km / 20min drive
Limited scheduled flights from Windhoek on Air Namibia
Kasane International Airport (BBK), Botswana
100km / 1.5hr drive
Daily connections from Johannesburg and Maun on Air Botswana and other carriers
Bush Airstrips
Driving Routes
From Windhoek
A long but scenic drive via the Trans-Caprivi Highway. We recommend breaking the journey in Grootfontein or Rundu. The road is generally good tarmac but can be rough in sections after heavy rain.
From Kasane, Botswana
A straightforward drive across the Kazungula border post. This is our preferred route if flying into Kasane, as it's significantly shorter and easier than driving from Windhoek.
Temperature
23.7°C
75°F
Rainfall
203 mm
Heavy rains
Humidity
73.7%
Sunshine
10 hrs/day
Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API
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