Mahango Game Reserve sits on the Namibian bank of the Okavango River at the point where the river enters Botswana and begins its journey across the Okavango Delta. The reserve is small (24,000 hectares) but extraordinarily productive; the permanent river and the surrounding mopane woodland support a concentration of wildlife relative to its size that rivals larger parks in the region.
Tierwelt
Elephant: The Mahango elephant population concentrates at the Okavango riverbank in the dry season; large bulls are reliably seen at specific riverbank locations. The flat terrain of the reserve makes vehicle approaches to within 50m straightforward.
Hippo: In all the river pools throughout the reserve; the Mahango pools are among the most accessible hippo viewing in Namibia.
Roan antelope: Mahango holds one of Namibia’s most reliable roan antelope populations outside the Waterberg. Herds of 5 to 15 are seen on the grassland sections.
Sable antelope: Present; less commonly seen than roan.
Tsessebe: Mahango is one of the few Namibia locations for tsessebe, a fast antelope of grassland and open woodland.
Sitatunga: The reedy margins of the Okavango support sitatunga; dawn visits to the river edge produce the best sighting probability.
Self-Drive Circuit
The Mahango game drive circuit covers approximately 15km through riverine forest, grassland, and along the Okavango bank. The circuit is 2WD accessible in the dry season; the tracks are well-maintained and clearly marked. Two to three hours for the full circuit at a relaxed pace.
Gate and entry: The Mahango gate is approximately 75km east of Rundu on the B8 (turn at Divundu); entry fee payable at the gate.