The Kavango Zambezi Region: Celebrating Conservation Across Borders
The savannah hums with life, painted in burnt orange and gold as the sun sets. A river that snakes across the landscape stirs as elephants cross its bank, stepping from one nation and into another. Further upstream, visitors watch gallons upon gallons of water thundering over a cliff ledge under a rising full moon. A village rests peacefully, knowing their newly built fencing will keep their livestock safe from lions during the night.
The wilderness is vast. So vast, in fact, that it took 5 different countries coming to agreement under one mission: “To sustainably manage the Kavango Zambezi ecosystem, its heritage and cultural resources based on best conservation and tourism models for the socio-economic wellbeing of the communities and other stakeholders in and around the eco-region through harmonization of policies, strategies and practices.”
The Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area is a massive area of land, around 520 000 square kilometers, covering grassland to wetland to lush woodland. It lies in the Kavango and Zambezi river basins where Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe meet.
This region has been identified as crucial to the survival and preservation of several iconic African animals and landmarks. Key highlights of the sub-saharan ecosystem include the 44% of the African Savannah Elephant population residing there, wandering to and from different regions as the seasons change, and a large population of carnivores, such as wild dogs, lions and cheetah. In total, there are 197 animal species and over 500 bird species. The region contains 19 different national parks, including the famous Chobe National Park and Mosi-oa-tunya National Park, the latter being home to the jewel that is Victoria Falls – “The Smoke that Thunders”.
Several cultures and villages live side-by-side with the wildlife in the reserve and live more traditional lives. Kavango Zambezi works to establish harmony between the two while improving the quality of life for both. The heritage and customs of these groups are vibrant. By sharing these unique experiences, the culture is not only preserved but provides an avenue of income.
Explore the Kavango Zambezi with Nomad
Highlights on this Tailormade ‘Kavango Zambezi Experience’ tour include:
Okavango Delta ⋆ Chobe National Park ⋆ Hwange National Park ⋆ Victoria Falls
The Okavango Delta is a hub of waterways and wildlife. It is a massive part of the ecosystem and annual flooding draws all animals from all directions. The Chobe National Park is famed for housing a large population of elephants and featuring a dense concentration of wildlife, including several carnivore species. Activities include:
- Mokoro Excursion
- 2 Boat Cruises
- 2 Safari Game Drives
- Helicopter flights (pre-bookable optional)
- Bungee Jumping (pre-bookable optional)t
The Work Done by the KAZA TFCA
In navigating borders through collaboration, various wildlife corridors have been established, not only allowing the migration of animals but also rewilding efforts to put animals back into old habitats. As a community-based operation, the Kavango Zambezi region tackles threats to preservation, such as poaching and human-wildlife conflict, with an aim to uplift the locals living amongst wildlife. Much of this work is communication and education; predominantly upskilling farmers with knowledge to better co-exist with animals, and sharing information on poaching and forming anti-poaching task forces.
These efforts have already seen a positive impact, both to the wildlife and the communities. Over 90% of livestock losses have been reduced alongside a drop of 20 to 1 to 2 killing of lions within the Zambezi region of Namibia after building 170 predator-proof kraals. Rather than harming or possibly killing animals, preventative measures have been taught and adopted around the Kavango Zambezi. Part of this is also educating younger generations about the ecosystem to ensure the cycle is not repeated.
The work being done by KAZA could be the blueprint for other areas in Africa. This dynamic view of wildlife-human cohabitation could grow to benefit other groups and critical wildlife areas. This is why the work and success of KAZA is so important and deserves to be celebrated.
At Nomad, we love not only the animals but the communities and cultures that live in and around them. By partnering, we want to continue to bring sustainability to the table.
💡Did you know that elephants do not like chili? Because of this, part of protecting villagers’ food supplies and crops from raiding elephants is burning chilli-infused blocks and setting up chilli fences.
Into the Kavango Zambezi With Nomad
Explore the heart of African wildlife with our Nomad Small Group Classic tours to these safari hotspots! Below are a couple of our top selections:
Immerse yourself in nature in Etosha National Park, and tranquil mokoro rides across the Okavango Delta. Traverse the Khwai Conservation Area and Moremi Game Reserve on game drives, enjoy sunset sips on the Chobe River, culminating in Victoria Falls' boundless adventure.
Experience an 8-day adventure, beginning in bustling Johannesburg, venturing into the serene Okavango Delta, traversing the wild expanses of the Khwai Conservation Area, Moremi Game Reserve, and Chobe National Park, and culminating at the awe-inspiring spectacle of Victoria Falls.
Embark on our hallmark journey through Southern Africa's wonders. Start amidst the sublime beauty of Africa's finest city, traverse Namibia and Botswana's prized gems, and culminate your adventure witnessing the continent's unrivaled natural spectacle. It's not just a tour, it's a bucket-list escapade.
Experience Zimbabwe's tapestry of wonders, where thunderous cascades, teeming wildlife safaris, enigmatic ruins, and stunning landscapes intertwine for a journey of a lifetime amidst unique rock sculptures.