Mudumu National Park

Mudumu Overview

Mudumu National Park, located in the Caprivi Strip of Namibia, is a hidden gem in the country’s vast array of natural landscapes. Established in 1990, this relatively unspoiled wilderness spans an area of approximately 1,010 square kilometers (390 square miles). Situated between the Kwando River to the west and the border with Botswana to the east, Mudumu forms part of a larger conservation area that includes several other parks and reserves, creating a vital corridor for wildlife migration.

The park’s landscape is characterized by a mix of dense riverine forests, savannah, and wetlands, providing a diverse habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Mudumu National Park is home to significant populations of elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes, as well as predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas. The park’s aquatic environments along the Kwando River are teeming with hippos and crocodiles, making it an excellent location for boat safaris.

One of the unique features of Mudumu National Park is its network of lagoons and channels, which swell during the rainy season, creating a lush, water-rich environment that attracts an abundance of birds and wildlife. This makes the park a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 400 bird species recorded, including rare and migratory species.

Despite its rich biodiversity and stunning natural beauty, Mudumu remains one of Namibia’s less-visited parks, offering a sense of adventure and exploration to those who venture into its territories. Visitors can enjoy game drives, guided walks, and boat trips, providing close encounters with the park’s wildlife and an appreciation of its tranquil and pristine landscapes.

Mudumu National Park’s commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism practices ensures the protection of its ecosystems and the wildlife that depends on them. For nature enthusiasts seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, Mudumu offers an authentic wilderness experience in one of Africa’s most beautiful and diverse regions.

Park Map

Mudumu National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Mudumu National Park boasts a diverse avian population, with over 400 bird species recorded, making it a haven for birdwatchers and ornithologists alike.

African Fish Eagle: With its distinctive call and striking plumage, the African Fish Eagle is a symbol of the park’s waterways, showcasing its prowess as a skilled fish hunter.

Marabou Stork: Towering and ungainly, Marabou Storks are a common sight in Mudumu, scavenging along watercourses and providing a vital ecological service by cleaning up carcasses.

Southern Carmine Bee-eater: Vibrant and agile, Carmine Bee-eaters grace the park during the breeding season, creating a colorful spectacle as they nest along the riverbanks.

Grey-headed Kingfisher: With its subtle beauty and expert fishing skills, the Grey-headed Kingfisher is a prized sighting in Mudumu, often perching on overhanging branches near water.

African Jacana: Adorned with striking lily-pad-like feet, African Jacanas gracefully traverse the park’s water lilies, showcasing their unique adaptations for walking on aquatic vegetation.

Lilac-breasted Roller: A splash of color against the savanna backdrop, Lilac-breasted Rollers are common in Mudumu, displaying aerial acrobatics and hunting insects from prominent perches.

Yellow-billed Oxpecker: These avian symbionts play a crucial role in Mudumu’s ecosystem, foraging for ticks and parasites on the backs of large mammals, providing pest control services.

African Openbill: With its peculiar bill shape, African Openbills are a common sight along the park’s wetlands, adeptly using their specialized beaks to extract mollusks and other prey.

Southern Ground Hornbill: Striking and charismatic, Southern Ground Hornbills roam the savanna in family groups, emitting booming calls and foraging for insects, small reptiles, and amphibians.

White-backed Vulture: Icons of the African skies, White-backed Vultures soar above Mudumu, scavenging on carcasses and playing a vital role in the park’s ecosystem as nature’s cleanup crew.

Predators

Mudumu National Park is home to several apex predators vital for ecosystem balance. These predators play a crucial role in regulating prey populations and maintaining biodiversity.

Lion: Majestic and powerful, lions are apex predators of the savanna, forming prides to hunt large herbivores like buffalo and antelope, contributing to the park’s ecological dynamics.

Leopard: Stealthy and elusive, leopards are solitary hunters, known for their agility and ability to climb trees, preying on smaller mammals and occasionally scavenging on larger kills.

Spotted Hyena: Highly adaptable and social, spotted hyenas are skilled hunters and scavengers, often seen in clans, utilizing their powerful jaws and acute senses to locate and capture prey.

African Wild Dog: With a complex social structure, African wild dogs are highly efficient hunters, using teamwork to pursue and bring down prey, contributing to the park’s predator diversity.

Cheetah: Renowned for their incredible speed, cheetahs are solitary hunters, relying on bursts of acceleration to chase down prey like gazelles and impalas across the park’s open plains.