Buffalo Core Area (Bwabwata) | Rundu

The Buffalo Core Area is a protected conservation zone within Bwabwata National Park, situated on the eastern bank of the Okavango River in the Zambezi Region of Namibia. It occupies a former military base site and is characterized by its location directly opposite the Mahango Core Area.

Visual Characteristics

The landscape features a mosaic of riverine forests, expansive floodplains, and dense Kalahari woodlands. Substantial stands of leadwood and jackalberry trees line the riverbanks, while the interior is dominated by Zambezi teak and false mopane. The terrain is largely flat with sandy tracks and alluvial silts near the water, frequently dotted with large herds of African buffalo and red lechwe.

Location & Access Logistics

Access is via the B8 national highway; travelers must turn south at the Divundu bridge onto a gravel road that leads to the park entrance. The core area is located approximately 15km southeast of Divundu. A high-clearance 4WD vehicle is mandatory for this sector due to deep, fine Kalahari sand and seasonal marshy sections along the river loops.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The area served as a restricted military zone for the South African Defence Force (SADF) 32 Battalion during the Namibian Border War, which inadvertently protected the wildlife from poaching. It was formally integrated into the Bwabwata National Park upon its proclamation in 2007. Ecologically, it sits within the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA), facilitating the migration of elephants between Namibia, Angola, and Botswana.

Key Highlights & Activities

Self-drive game viewing is the primary activity, with high probabilities of sighting large buffalo herds, elephants, and crocodiles. The area is a premier birding destination, hosting the African skimmer, Pel's fishing owl, and various species of bee-eaters. Visitors can explore the ruins of the former military base, which have been partially reclaimed by the surrounding bush.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Infrastructure is minimal, consisting of a basic entrance gate where permits are issued and several rustic riverfront picnic sites. There are no restrooms, shops, or water points within the core area. All supplies, fuel, and medical services must be accessed in Divundu, located 15km to the northwest.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season from May to October is the optimal period for transit and wildlife viewing as animals congregate at the river. During the rainy season (November to April), many riverfront tracks become impassable due to deep mud. Early morning (06:30–08:30) provides the most favorable lighting for photography of the floodplains and increases the likelihood of leopard sightings.

Facts & Legends

The Buffalo Core Area is noted for containing the "Buffalo Horseshoe," a large, U-shaped bend in the Okavango River that creates a natural sanctuary for hippopotamuses and waterbirds. A historical oddity of the site is the presence of abandoned military bunkers and rusted equipment, which serve as a stark contrast to the surrounding pristine wilderness.

Nearby Landmarks

Popa Falls – 12.5km Northwest

Mahango Core Area – 8.0km West (across the river)

Divundu Bridge – 15.1km Northwest

White Sands Lodge – 10.2km Northwest