Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP)

Location: Gaborone, Kasane, Maun and many others

The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) is a key government body operating under the Ministry of Environment and Tourism in Botswana. It is entrusted with the vital responsibility of conserving and managing the country’s wildlife resources and their habitats. As the steward of Botswana’s natural heritage, DWNP plays a central role in ensuring the sustainable use and protection of the nation’s rich biodiversity and ecological systems.

Botswana is internationally renowned for its successful conservation efforts and its commitment to a low-impact, high-value tourism model. Wildlife-based tourism is one of the major contributors to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and DWNP’s work is fundamental in maintaining and enhancing this sector. The department’s overarching mandate is to conserve Botswana’s diverse wildlife and ecosystems, manage national parks and game reserves, and promote both sustainable tourism and responsible wildlife utilization.

DWNP is responsible for the administration and management of Botswana’s network of national parks and game reserves, ensuring that these protected areas are well maintained and accessible for conservation and tourism purposes. In addition to managing these protected areas, the department develops and implements strategies aimed at reducing human-wildlife conflict, particularly in buffer zones where communities live in close proximity to wildlife habitats.

Recognizing the importance of community involvement in conservation, DWNP actively promotes partnerships with local communities. These partnerships are designed to support community-based natural resource management and to foster wildlife-based tourism ventures that benefit local people while preserving biodiversity.

To enhance wildlife protection efforts, DWNP collaborates closely with the Botswana Defence Force and other national security agencies. This collaboration helps to combat wildlife crime, including poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking, and ensures the safety and security of both wildlife and visitors to protected areas.

Through its diverse programs and collaborative efforts, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks continues to play a pivotal role in safeguarding Botswana’s unique natural legacy for the benefit of present and future generations. DWNP has several offices across the country.

Gaborone (Head Office):

Moedi House Fairgrounds

Gaborone, Botswana

Tel: +267 397 1405/ 3914955/ 3971405

Fax: +267 3951092/ 3180775

Reservations Office: + 267 3180774

Email: dwnp@gov.bw

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DWNPBW/

Website: https://www.gov.bw/tourism/

Kasane:

Chobe District, Wildlife and National Park

Kasane, Chobe/ Kasane, Botswana