Transfrontier Parks:
A NEW ERA IN AFRICAN CONSERVATION EFFORTS
RUSSEL WASSERFALL
Conservation thinking in Southern Africa, is changing. Where previously, conservation areas were defined within national borders, co-operation between neighbours has led to the establishment of Trans-Frontier Conservation Areas, or TFCAs. Apart from challenging the arbitrary lines that demarcate territory, these parks allow and encourage the natural movement of wildlife – particularly migratory species – across their natural habitat.
A map showing the Kavango Zambezi TFCA outlined in white spanning several southern African.
Whether by road or boat, TFCA conservation officials are able to patrol ancient migration routes for wildlife across man-made borders.
One of the most established of these parks for international travellers to visit is the Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) TFCA. Spanning five countries - Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe - this expansive conservation area is the world's largest, covering an impressive 520,000 square kilometres. From the thundering Victoria Falls, to the lush Okavango Delta, KAZA TFCA is an utterly stunning resource.
Ruggedly beautiful, the region is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including the largest contiguous population of African elephants on the continent. There are predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and the elusive African wild dog, as well as wildebeest, zebra and the full spectrum of African antelope.
Migratory game like elephants can cross borders as will, and agreements between TFCA partner nations provide anti-poaching patrols and other conservation measures.
At 5,200 square kilometres, the KAZA TFCA is the largest of its kind in Africa and is home to a teeming resource of African wildlife.
A great advantage of the TFCAs is that local people, particularly rural folk, are drawn into the tourism economy through cultural encounters and other opportunities.
The KAZA Visa allows visitors to cross borders almost as easily as the wildlife, but much of the region is strictly 4x4 country.
A key feature of KAZA TFCA is the protection of wildlife corridors which allow game to roam freely throughout the conservation area. This supports the long-term survival of these species and ensures the preservation of delicate ecosystems within KAZA.
Through initiatives like the KAZA Visa, which allows visitors to move easily across borders, and community empowerment projects, KAZA TFCA is setting a new standard for conservation and tourism in Africa. Drawing visitors in to explore everything from thrilling game drives to guided bush walks and cultural encounters, the TFCAs lay the groundwork for Botswana’s people to benefit from the natural resources of their native soil.
Partnerships with private hospitality operators like Ngoma Lodge give back to the communities through job creation, providing infrastructure and simply by drawing foreign guests into remote areas of the country.
Concession agreements are seeing seasoned hospitality operators partner with communities to develop wonderful facilities that provide employment and development for local communities. Ngoma Safari Lodge operated by Machaba Safaris is one such operation occupying a stunning location in the Chobe Forest Reserve.
Local people from traditional fishermen to crafters across the breadth of the KAZA TFCA are able to make a living from their skills through the tourism economy.
Ngoma offers experiences in which guests can interact with local communities and learn about their traditions, customs, and way of life. They also provide training and capacity-building programs to create opportunities for sustainable tourism development. By choosing accommodation and experiences within the TFCAs visitors can contribute to a better future for the region’s people.