Mahango Game Park

Ideally located in the game-rich Okavango River basin on the border of Botswana, is the Mahango Game Park protectorate in Namibia. The park/reserve is situated on the eastern border of Botswana and the western side, the park is enveloped by the world-renowned Caprivi Strip. 

The area is predominantly swamps and floodplains and forms part of the Bwabwata National Park. Two distinct areas characterise the landscape, mainly bushveld and the waterfront region of the Okavango River. A gigantic baobab surrounded by avenues of baby baobabs interrupts the flat river basin with its sky-reaching height. 

Open plains home to a mosaic of rivers; and wooded areas filled with teak, acacia and bushwillow trees, provide the perfect habitat for the big game. Lions, elephants, buffalo and leopards are well-supported in this park and remarkably easy to spot. Mahango Game Park is a veritable haven for wildlife and makes for the perfect safari experience. Visitors would need to fly into Rundu from Windhoek and arrange accommodation close to the park that offers safaris into the reserve. 

From Rundu, it’s roughly a three-hour drive into the park. Self-drivers can easily follow one of the road networks, some of which are only navigable by 4WD. 

The park is home to a wealth of wildlife, which includes elephants, lions, buffalo, crocodiles, leopards and hippos. The red lechwe is commonly spotted in the waterways of the river basin. Massive concentrations of elephants are supported throughout the whole reserve, particularly in the woodlands and waterways. All of Namibia’s antelope species are found in this area, including tsessebe, roan, sable, bushbuck, reedbuck, waterbuck and other species. Typical safari species such as giraffe, zebra, kudu and impalas are also commonly spotted.

Birding is a popular past-time, and visitors can expect to see African spoonbills, whiter, lilac-breasted rollers and African fish eagles.

Like most safari destinations, the best time to visit is during the dry season. The dry season is from March to October. From October to December is the summer season, and this is the hottest time of year. Summer is extremely arid, and temperatures tend to soar, making it quite unpleasant.

Home to over 500 species of bird, Mahango is a sought-after birding destination. The waterfront areas give rise to plenty of bird sightings and attract flocks of migrant species. Wildlife is also in abundance, which means game drives are a must. Day game drives can be arranged from many lodges in the area, or visitors can self-drive through prominent game viewing areas.

Breakfast and sundowner boat cruises are also available, and take place on the meandering Okavango River. Island dinner cruises are also available, and so are fishing trips. Eager fisherman can try their hand at catching tiger and bream fish, two popular species. The avenues of baobabs make for picturesque photographic scenes, and a giant baobab is a perfect place for a picnic.

There are no lodges inside the park, but there are ample accommodation options just outside the park. Most lodges offer day safaris and tours into the park/reserve. There are bungalows with shared facilities, tented camps and lodges, and most have sunset viewing decks, boma areas and other typical safari lodge amenities.

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com