About Khaudum National Park
Khaudum National Park is Namibia’s second most productive game-viewing destination after Etosha National Park. Khaudum’s charm lies in its remote aspect, making it ideal for the truly adventurous.
It’s a 3 481 km2 showcase of the northern Kalahari sandveld environment and a great way to appreciate unique fauna and flora in relative privacy.
Only 55km of the boundary between the park and Botswana is fenced which leaves the wildlife free to roam as they wish.
Location
Khaudum National Park is part of the Nyae Nyae Conservancy in northern Namibia. It nestles on the south-western edge of Namibia’s Caprivi Strip some 553km from Windhoek and the nearest town is Tsumkwe.
The park is just 150km from the Okavango Delta in Botswana, making it a great addition to Botswana safaris, too.
History
Khaudum is part of an important wildlife corridor for giraffe, elephant and other large mammals migrating between Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia and was established to protect these ancient routes.
The Khaudum reserve came about in 1989, and it received national park status in 2007.
Accommodation
There are a few options to choose from when you visit Khaudum National Park. These are:
Khaudum campsite
This is a very basic set-up ideal for those who like to rough it. Campers must bring all their own equipment and supplies.
There is potable water on site and the camp does have private ablutions.
Nhoma Safari Camp
Nhoma has 10 basic tents and an open dining area. It’s run by the local Ju/’hoansi people, who add a fascinating, interactive and authentic dimension to the camp.
The tented camp lies on a fossil dune and offers views over the Nhoma Omuramba, a dry river bed. Each tent has a double bed and a single bed as well as a private grass-enclosed bathroom with a corner bath. One of the tents has a shower.
Sikereti Camp
Once a rustic campsite, Sikereti now has eight self-catering en-suite units with a raised deck and braai area. Each of the four remaining campsites has a hot water shower, flush toilet, and washing up area.
Activities
Walking Safaris
Pre-booked walking safaris with an expert guide are the best way to experience these wild spaces.
4×4 Trails
Khaudum boasts a challenging array of trails through its Kalahari forests and plains. You’ll need some serious driving skills to navigate these roads less travelled, which makes driving along them a challenging, fun experience.
Plus, you’ll get the chance to see some of the park’s best-known creatures along the way.
Game Watching
There are 12 waterholes in the park linked by basic roads and most of them have hides where you can spend time watching and appreciating local game species.
Cultural Activities
At Nhoma Camp and Tsumkwe Lodge, guests can book unique experiences where they discover the ancient hunter-gatherer techniques of the bushmen, led by members of the Ju/’hoansi clan.
Fauna and Flora
You’ll get a chance to spot most of Africa’s familiar large species at Khaudum National Park, except rhino and buffalo.
Other common species include zebra, elephant, wildebeest, giraffe, kudu, and oryx. You might even get to spot endangered wild dogs, leopards, Tsessebe, and roan antelope during your visit.
There are many lions and side-striped jackals in this area.
Vegetation in Khaudum National Park comprises dry acacia trees and short, dry forested areas. Classic Kalahari forests and acacias surround the three riverine areas in the park.
For the most part, the environment is described as woodland and forest savannah.
Most wildlife visits the area during the rainy season and there are over 320 species of birds in the park between November and March. These include 50 predator species, and you may even spot a parrot or two during your visit.
Getting There
The best time to visit Khaudum National Park is during the elephant migration season which coincides with the dry months. During the rainy season, the bush is dense, making it difficult to maximize your game-viewing experience.
You’ll need a 4×4 to traverse the park and it’s wise to travel in convoy most of the time. You can also book a curated tour of this area.
Here’s how to get to Khaudum National Park:
From Windhoek
- Take the Western Bypass from Bach Street and Florence Nightingale
- Follow the B1 and B8 to Grootfontein
- From Otavi, take the B8 to Grootfontein, and then the C44 to Tsumkwe
- From Tsumkwe, you take the D3315 toward Khaudum
From Swakopmund
- Head east toward Garnison St/Tobias Hainyeko
- Follow B2 to C33
- Take the C33 to the B1 in Otjiwarongo
- Follow the B1 and B8 to Grootfontein
- Then the C44 to Tsumkwe
- From Tsumkwe take the D3315 toward Khaudum
Make Tracks Around Namibia
Namibia is a delight for adventurous and curious travellers keen to discover stunning scenery, unique landscapes, and exciting activities. With so much to see and do, it’s best to plan your itinerary well in advance, and we’ve got all the tools to help you do so.
Browse our travel blog for more of the best Namibian and African travel ideas, check out our route maps, and remember, Arebbusch Travel Lodge is the best place to start your adventures around this exciting continent.
Disclaimer
Please Note: The details shared herein were correct at the time of publishing. However, with time some of this information may change. We recommend confirming information with suppliers prior to making final travel arrangements. If you do happen to find an issue with any information we’ve shared here, please feel free to contact us so that we can make the relevant changes.
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