Mangetti National Park is situated in the eastern Kalahari woodlands about 100 km south-west of Rundu, the area was previously managed as a game camp for breeding rare and endangered species. The land was originally set aside for conservation by the Ukwangali Traditional Authority.
Mangetti is part of a new generation of parks aimed at reducing rural poverty through tourism development, joint management and benefit sharing with local communities. It is one of Namibia’s latest national parks and has the potential to become a new tourism highlight in the north east, while protecting wildlife and vegetation. It also has the potential to provide tangible socio-economic benefits to local communities through careful tourism development.
Park size: 420 km²
Proclamation: 2008
Natural features: North-west/south-east aligned ancient dunes are a major topographical feature.
Vegetation: Tree and Shrub Savannah Biome. Vegetation type: North-Eastern Kalahari Woodlands. Vegetation on dune crests markedly different to that in dune valleys. Kalahari woodland vegetation dominates Mangetti’s dune crests, whereas mixed acacia savannah vegetation characterises the dune valleys. Mangetti tree (Schinziophyton rautanenii), silver terminalia (Terminalia sericea), variable combretum (Combretum collinum), Commiphora species, camel-thorn (Acacia erioloba) and black-thorn acacia (Acacia mellifera).
Wildlife: Sable antelope, African wild dog, Leopard, Hyaena, Blue wildebeest, Oryx, Kudu, Duiker, Steenbok, Caracal, African wild cat. Occasional Elephant and African wild dog. Lapped-faced Vulture, Bateleur, Tawny Eagle, Meyer’s Parrot and Striped Kingfisher.
Tourism: The park is currently open for day visitors only.
