Fact Sheet on Cape Buffalo Migration

The Zambezi Region is a narrow extension of northeastern Namibia measuring 280 miles long and from 20-65 miles wide. The region, which includes Bwabwata National Park, is bounded by a veterinary fence along the borders with Botswana to the south. Cape buffalo in Zambezi make some of the widest-ranging movements recorded for the species. Typically migrating in groups, they travel from the permanent water sources they depend on to survive the hot dry season (September to early November) to wet season ranges up to 100 km away in woodland and savannah habitats. During the rainy season (late November to April), buffalo move extensively to forage on new vegetation, with some animals moving north into Angola and through Bwabwata National Park, and others southeast into Botswana, traveling around the end of the border fence or through openings towards Moremi. When the rains cease and morning and night temperatures drop, vegetation dies back and ephemeral water holes dry up. In response, buffalo return to their dry season ranges to forage on remaining vegetation and congregate near permanent water sources.