Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the 'Botswana & Namibia' guide.
Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the 'Botswana & Namibia' Lonely Planet guide.
Anthony is the author of the 'Botswana & Namibia' Lonely Planet guide.
Mudumu National Park is an adventurous safari destination in the Zambezi Region (formerly Caprivi Strip). The park has suffered from heavy poaching but is recovering slowly. Wildlife densities are still low, but a good variety of resident and migrating animals make a visit worthwhile. You probably wouldn’t cross the country just for Mudumu, but it should definitely be on your itinerary if you’re in the area. Self-drive visitors need to be well-prepared.
There are good numbers of buffalo and elephant in the park. Of the big cats, lion is most often encountered, but still very rare. Several species have been re-introduced, including giraffe, eland and the majestic sable antelope. The wet environment also supports water-adapted antelopes such as sitatunga and red lechwe.
The park has a mix of wetland and woodland. Papyrus swamps are a specialized habitat for many species, and the floodplain is where you’ll see the larger herds. Sausage trees, leadwood, figs and teak are just some of the trees decorating the landscape.
Activities
If you’re staying at the park’s only lodge, Lianshulu Bush Lodge, you can enjoy guided game drives as well as boat excursions on the Kwando River. If you’re self-driving, self-guided game drives will be your only option. However, you need to be entirely self-sufficient, have a decent map and be prepared for some difficult ‘road’ conditions, especially during the Wet season (November to April).
Weather & Climate
Summer in Mudumu runs from November to April and coincides with the Wet season, while winter extends from May to October and marks the Dry season. Wet weather is rarely constant here, even in the higher-rainfall months of the Wet season. However, road conditions are poor after heavy rain. The warm days of the Dry season are best for exploration (with the exception of October, which can be unbearably hot).
Animals gather at the permanent waterholes during the Dry season (May to October), making the most of the reliable water supply. You’ll pay high-season prices to see them, but without the large crowds you might encounter at other parks. The months from May to September have the ideal conditions for visiting. During the Wet season (November to April), the remaining animals tend to disappear into the thick vegetation.
Emma is an award-winning travel writer for Rough Guides, National Geographic Traveller, Travel Africa magazine and The Independent.
Superb birdwatching in a little-known park
4/5
Mudumu lies beside the Kwando River in East Caprivi. Its glossy waterways, lush riverbanks and marshlands are home to red lechwes and sitatungas, as well as hippos, turtles, frogs and a fabulous selection of birds. Away from the river,...