Written by Nina van Zyl

Namibia’s Zambezi Region is the complete opposite of what you’d expect of this seemingly “desert” country. Sticking out from the rest of the country like a sore thumb, it receives the highest rainfall and is surrounded by rivers that flow throughout the year - in contrast to rivers elsewhere in Namibia known more for their sandbeds than actually carrying any water. The Zambezi is a paradise of birds, animals and even fish, making it a great destination for birders, anglers, and anyone else. Before you go, have a look at our complete guide to the national parks in the Zambezi Region, and then get going. 

Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA)

5 African countries came together to protect and conserve one exceptional area: the Zambezi. And that resulted in KAZA, a Transfrontier Conservation Area that stretches between Namibia, Angola, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia. KAZA is made up of 36 conservancies, game and forest reserves and national parks. It encompasses an area about the size of Sweden (520.000 km2), and it allows the free movement of animals on their ancient migratory routes - which is always a good thing. Woodlands, floodplains, grasslands and forests; the diversity of environments is what makes the area so unique- and it’s all protected. It is a biodiversity hotspot, with 50% of the world’s elephant population and over 800 bird species calling it home. Visitors can keep busy with game drives, bird watching and even fishing. And what’s excellent about KAZA is that it allows visitors to see the best of the area, from one country to the next. All the parks on the following list are part of KAZA in Namibia.

1. Nkasa Rupara National Park

Nkasa Rupara National Park is the largest wetland area in Namibia with conservation status. That means 320 km2 of unspoilt waterways, lakes, islands and channels. Essentially, the park is centred around two islands in the Kwando River, Nkasa and Rupara (from which the park gets its name). During the rainy season, the park is mostly flooded, so it is only really during the dry season that adventurers can traverse it. With such lush surroundings, the park is also home to many special and rare bird species, making it a must-visit for enthusiastic birders. 

How to get there

On the C49, both from the west or east, starting either at Kongola and heading south then southeast, or from Katima Mulilo and heading southwest. The park is located right in the lower left-hand corner of the Zambezi Region.

Best time to go

With all the surface water, the park is completely inaccessible during the rainy season, so you can only visit between May and August. 

2. Bwabwata National Park

Located on the stem of the Zambezi Region and wedged between the Okavango and Kwando Rivers, Bwabwata National Park is a lush sanctuary of about 6.300 km2. With woodlands, wetlands and Kalahari sands, the park is home to 35 large game species, a myriad of small-game species and over 400 bird species. There’s no surface water in the park, which means that most animals congregate along the rivers and waterways, making them easy to spot. 

How to get there

Inland from Rundu, take the B8 heading west. From Katima Mulilo, take the B8 heading east. 

Best time to go

The best time to visit is in the dry season. That means the winter months between May and September when rainfall is at its lowest and the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to see animals. 

3. Mudumu National Park

East of Bwabwata lies Mudumu National Park, a 737 km2 park centred on the Mudumu Mulapo fossil river course and bordered on its western side by the Kwando River. This park comprises mopane woodlands and dense savannahs and is a haven for a diverse range of animal species. Think sitatunga, red lechwe, crocodiles and hippos; spotted-necked otters and elephants; buffalo, roan antelope, kudu and impala. There are also a few extraordinary species of bird that make their appearance in the park, like the rare Wattled Crane and Lesser Jacana. 

How to get there

The park doesn’t have a formal gate. Simply follow the C49 west of the park from Kongola or east of the park from Katima Mulilo. 

Best time to go

The best time to visit is when the rainfall is low and the temperatures mild. That means during the winter, or the dry season, which stretches from March to September.

Accommodation

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How to include the Zambezi National Parks in your Namibia adventure

Have a look at some trips that include the Zambezi region so that you don’t miss out on visiting its national parks:

1. Namibian Odyssey: Deserts to Eden in 20 Days

   Enjoy the highlights of Namibia, from the seas of Swakopmund to the sands of Sossusvlei, before heading inland to the rugged mountains of Spitzkoppe and Palmwag. Follow the call of the wild to the vividly contrasting dry Etosha and the green Zambezi. 

2. Discover the Zambezi: Namibia’s Secret Eden in 14 Days

   From lions to hippos, enjoy an in-depth exploration of Namibia's best-kept secret! Experience Namibia's desert-scape and lush wilderness without breaking the bank. Enjoy intimate wildlife sightings in desolate and dramatic Etosha and the wild rivers of the Zambezi Region. 

3. Namibian Eco-Safari: Deserts to Eden in 17 Days

   Begin your life-changing trip in rugged Damaraland and boulder-strewn Spitzkoppe before setting forth to desert-adapted rhino terrain in Palmwag. Seek out even more wondrous, charismatic creatures in Namibia's two wildlife refuges, the dry landscape of Etosha and the wetland wonderland of the Zambezi. 

The Zambezi is a gem of a destination that you cannot miss during your experience of Namibia. Start planning your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Namibia today.