Written by Nina van Zyl

If not the biggest, a major drawcard for anyone wishing to visit Africa is to see the vast number of animals. And Namibia’s Zambezi Region is no exception. With its lush, verdant landscape and several water sources, the area is teeming with species that may be mostly absent from the rest of the country. And for the budding photographers, a visit to the area serves as the chance to get fantastic snaps of a few eye-catching creatures. Here’s our list of the top 10 animals you just have to photograph in the Zambezi Region and where exactly you can find them. 

1. Hippos

The hippo is practically synonymous with rivers in Africa. Boat rides on the Zambezi River and its tributaries will likely feature crowds of hippos dozing in the water. A pic of a hippo with its mouth wide open is the classic Africa shot. You might find hippos anywhere where there is a river. Still, we recommend going on a boat cruise on the river for which the Zambezi Region is named and the Chobe River, which forms the northern and southern borders of the Zambezi Region, respectively.

2. Elephant

The largest of the land-dwelling mammals, the elephant is a must-see animal during your trip to the Zambezi Region. Luckily, they’re not easy to miss. Moving slowly through the vibrant green bush, a family of elephants might spring up on you during a game drive. The best pics, though, are when you find them at the riverside, splashing around and using their long trunks to quench their thirst. Places you can be sure to see elephants are the Mudumu and Bwabwata National Parks as these are along their migratory route.

3. Cape Buffalo

The last member of the Big 5, the Cape Buffalo made the list with good reason: these animals can be extremely dangerous. But don’t worry, from the comfort of your car or game-drive vehicle, you are completely safe and can view these creatures pinning their noses in the air like they have a bad opinion of you. Again, the best places to see them are the Mudumu and Bwabwata National Park, or even along the roadsides!

4. African Wild Dog

These aren’t the friendly little pups you might be expecting. African wild dogs are highly successful hunters, some of Africa’s best. They hunt in packs, and their excited yips surely instil fear in their prey. Count yourself very lucky if you see these guys in the wild, and even more so if you manage to see their pups. Visit the Bwabwata National Park to up your chances. 

5. Red Lechwe

These golden-brown beauties are endemic to the region. Red lechwes have soft white bellies, with the males sporting spiral-structured horns. With their webbed hooves, plus legs covered with a water-repellant substance, they can  move quickly in shallow waters, outrunning any nearby predators.

6. Roan Antelope

Imagine an antelope with the ears of Harry Potter’s elf, Dobby. Now add medium horns and a black and white face, and you’ve got yourself a roan antelope. These guys may not be the most attractive of specimens in the animal kingdom, but perhaps that’s what makes them so unique. They are also quite rare. Roan antelope inhabit both the Mudumu and Bwabwata National Parks. 

7. Wildebeest

Considered one of the “Ugly 5”, and with good reason, the wildebeest isn’t winning any beauty contests. They are known not only for their looks, but also for their infamous portrayal in the movie, The Lion King, in which a stampede of them kill Simba’s father, Mufasa. Don’t worry, though; you aren’t in any danger of them during a safari. Spot these guys in Bwabwata National Park. 

8. Chobe Bushbuck

One of the smaller antelope of the region, the Chobe bushbuck will charm you with their doe eyes and large ears. The males have softly curved horns, while both sexes sport white spots on their flanks as if an angry artist had shaken their paintbrush at them. These little guys might not be as easy to spot since they prefer to go around in small groups instead of the massive herds of, say, zebras or springboks. You can look for them in the Bwabwata National Park.

9. Leopard

One of Africa’s most elusive and secretive predators, the leopard is seldom seen. However, they do inhabit the Zambezi region, and if you count your lucky stars, you might be privileged enough to see them there during your visit. Being at the right place at the right time is the first step, so be sure to be on the lookout for them when you’re in the Bwabwata National Park. 

10. Lion

The king of the jungle calls the Zambezi its home, more specifically the Bwabwata as well as Nkasa Rupara National Parks. These big cats are more active at night, but you might be able to spot them lazing away in the shade of a large tree or bush during the day. 

With so many animals to see in the Zambezi, it’s time to get started by planning your trip with us.