Overview–mozambique

Banhine National Park

Little-visited Banhine National Park is part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA). It plays a crucial role as a wildlife corridor, allowing animals to move freely from Kruger National Park in South Africa across the Mozambique border through Limpopo National Park and farther north to Zinave National Park. Due to heavy poaching in the past, wildlife numbers are still very low, but the reintroduction of several species is planned. The north of Banhine has beautiful wetland areas and offers spectacular birding.

Scenery

The scenery of this little-known park is quite spectacular. When Banhine was thriving in the 1970s, it was commonly referred to as the Serengeti of Mozambique because of its open grassy plains and big herds. Seasonal wetlands in the north of the park are fed by the Changane River. Unfortunately, access to this beautiful area can be restricted after heavy rains in the Wet season.

Activities

Banhine is mostly a self-drive destination for avid adventurers in 4x4 vehicles. Its lack of facilities is part of the appeal. There are no organized activities on offer, but you can explore the park independently on a limited network of roads. Bird watchers should head out to the seasonal wetlands in the north of the park.

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Rates

From: $204 to $1,223 pp/day

Best Time to Go

From: June to October (Better road conditions)

High Season

From: Never (Little-visited park)

Size

From: 7,000km² / 2,703mi²

Wildlife & Animals

Although Banhine is not a prime wildlife-viewing destination, the park has healthy populations of ostrich, impala, greater kudu, reedbuck, duiker, steenbok, oribi, porcupine, and warthog. Predators such as leopard, serval, and spotted hyena are present in small numbers. Buffalo can be seen occasionally, and recent research shows elephants using the ancient migration routes that have been restored by the GLTFCA. An extensive wetland area attracts a lot of water birds in the Wet season (November to April). Of specific interest is the high concentration of the endangered wattled crane.

General Wheather

The weather and climate of Banhine is comparable to that of Mozambique in general. The climate in most of Mozambique is tropical and warm. There is a dry, cooler season from May to October and a wet, hot season from November to April. The Dry season corresponds with winter and the Wet season with summer (at the opposite time to winter and summer in Europe, North America and Asia). The beaches are lovely throughout the year, though regular (but generally short-lived) storms should be expected from December to March.

Dry Season –May to October – Winter

There is little rainfall during the entire Dry season and humidity is low. Wildlife gathers around waterholes and other permanent water sources.

May – This is the end of summer. Temperatures are relatively cool, typically 18°C/64°F in the morning and 27°C/81°F in the afternoon. The night-time temperatures start to drop. There is little rainfall.
June, July & August – The average morning temperature is 16°C/61°F. Bring warm clothing for cold morning game drives in open vehicles. Afternoons will be pleasant, with temperatures around 26°C/79°F.
September & October – It starts to get warmer. The first rains will bring relief in the interior. Daytime temperatures will be around 28°C/82°F in October.

Wet Season –November to April – Summer

Travel conditions are harder at this time of year because of torrential rains. A 4x4 vehicle is essential as road conditions can deteriorate dramatically.

November – This month is unpredictable. It usually starts raining some afternoons. Temperatures are between 21°C/70°F in the morning and 29°C/84°F in the afternoon.
December, January, February & March – These are the wettest months, characterized by torrential downpours in the afternoon. Temperatures are around 31°C/88°F and the humidity is high.
April – The rains are dwindling and temperatures are dropping as well. Evenings are becoming slightly chilly.

Prons

Off-the-beaten-track destination
Beautiful scenery
Fantastic birding

Cons

There is very little wildlife
Only one basic self-catering camp
Remote and undeveloped
Access is often difficult or impossible after heavy rain

How To Get There

Banhine is northeast of Limpopo National Park, about 800km/500 mi from the capital, Maputo. Access to the park is by 4WD vehicle only and it should be visited in expedition mode, ideally with two vehicles in convoy. Even in a 4x4, it is not advisable to visit in the rainy season (from November to April and into May) as the roads deteriorate badly at this time.