Banhine National Park Tour

Banhine National Park was established in 1973 to conserve the giraffe and ostrich populations found there. It is often referred to as the mini-Okavango Delta of Mozambique due to its extensive wetlands. It is situated in central southern Mozambique, midway between Pafuri in the west and Vilanculos in the east.

A fixed-wing aerial census was completed in 2023, with a 30% count in the east and a 10% count in the west. Good elephant, ostrich, and buffalo count numbers were observed; however, smaller, more difficult to observe species were undercounted. With the park now more secure, the first wildlife translocations are planned for 2024. Rewilding will rejuvenate the ecosystem and stimulate the park’s eco-tourism potential.

Ecological Connectivity:

Banhine is a critically important component of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area as it lies within the wildlife corridor between Zinave and Limpopo national parks. Five collared elephants are monitored that move between Banhine and Limpopo national parks through the corridor.

In order to rehabilitate and restore the park, it is a priority for both ANAC and Peace Parks Foundation to secure the area in preparation for the reintroduction of wildlife. The Law Enforcement Operations Manager appointed by Peace Parks supports the Park Warden in implementing a USD 1 million anti-poaching project. The counter-poaching unit has achieved great success, and systems are being upgraded to support them.

The counter-poaching unit’s operations control room became operational in 2023, and the radio network is set to be upgraded from analog to digital with a new tower and upgraded equipment. Earth Ranger has also been operationalised, and two staff have been assigned and capacitated as control room operators.

The 7,000 km2 Banhine National Park features extensive flood plains which form crystal clear lagoons. It is an important passage point for migratory birds that flock there during the rainy season.

Mozambique’s National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC) and Peace Parks signed an initial 3-year agreement in 2018 to restore, develop, and manage Banhine National Park, and are in discussions to extend the agreement.

Funding is being used for socio-economic development and alternative livelihoods programmes for the communities living in and adjacent to Banhine. People living in this landscape rely on the land and the environment for their daily subsistence.

Nineteen of the park communities have established Natural Resources Management Committees. Enabling them to play a role as drivers of community participation and decision-making in the sustainable use and management of resources. Communities are supported in agriculture through the distribution of 10,000 cashew seedlings through a partnership with Aicaju.