Kavango Zambezi Transfontier Conservation Area
National parks are our conservation standard. Transfrontier parks join national parks across state borders to expand their effectiveness. KAZA goes far beyond both, linking national parks with community conservation areas and other custodian lands across
WHEN TO BE THERE:
- KAZA is far too immense & diverse to explore on one trip or at any one time
- The whole area experiences summer rain; rainfall varies significantly across the region
- The dry, cool months afford the most comfortable travel
- Some areas are not accessible during the rainy season (Nov.-Apr.)
WHAT TO DO:
- Choose one country or area & explore it with time
- Visit both state & community conservation areas, each offers unique experiences
- Focus on cultural attractions, people & their livelihoods, as well as wildlife
- Come again for more!
WHAT TO REMEMBER:
- KAZA is about a balance between people & wildlife, rather than just pristine nature
- Tourism & road infrastructure is variable; ensure you’re equipped for the chosen region
- Park rules vary; make sure you have all the information for the areas you want to visit
- All of KAZA is in a malaria area; ensure the necessary precautions
History
Livingstone first described ‘the smoke that thunders’ to the western world after discovering the now world-famous falls in 1855. Since then, Livingstone, the Zambezi and the Okavango have provided unabated inspiration for countless explorers and travellers. As have innumerable other magical places within the river basins. Makgadikgadi, Chobe, Matusadona, Hwange, Kafue, Kwando, Khaudum… all have become emblems of African wilderness and wildlife. To know that they, and the lands between them, are being linked by a common conservation vision spawns hope for a new balance between development and conservation.
After discussing various name options, country representatives agreed on using a combination of the two major river basins of the area, the Okavango and Zambezi, as the name for the transfrontier park. The Okavango is also referred to as the Kavango; this version gives the overall name a better ring and the neat acronym of KAZA, using the first two letters of each river name
Activities
Conservations
Modern conservation is about protecting indigenous biodiversity by achieving a land-use balance, by removing physical barriers and political borders to ensure healthy ecosystems, rather than guarding isolated patches of protection. KAZA is a manifestation of this ideal. It’s a true megapark, promoting conservation without borders across countries, parks and communal lands. In Namibia, the KAZA landscape embraces about 71,500 square kilometres with 22 communal conservancies and five national parks.
A central objective of KAZA is to enable natural wildlife movements. The area is home to almost half of Africa’s elephants. For these great grey herds, movement is vital. Namibia’s Zambezi Region, with its unfenced parks, lies at the very core of elephant dispersal in KAZA. The ability to roam is also crucial for the lion and African wild dog populations of Zambezi, as well as for buffalo, Burchell’s zebra and other herbivores.
Park Location
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