Ngonye Falls is situated in the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area close to the village of Sioma. Although only 12m high, the volume of water pounding over the rocks is second only to the Victoria Falls
The Community Partnership Park recognises the cultural, aesthetic and tourism value of Ngonye Falls, and aims to to protect and conserve the falls and its riverine habitat as a landmark feature – unlocking the ecotourism potential of the area to benefit the local Simumbi and the Linganga communities on whose land the falls are situated.
Following agreements, in 2007, between the communities and the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) to establish the Community Partnership Park, the villages offered portions of their land for inclusion in the Kavango Zambezi protected area. The Ngonye Falls Community Partnership Park was officially opened on 27 August 2012. The park is jointly owned by the traditional leadership, the local community and Zambia Wildlife Authority.
Infrastructure and equipment
Peace Parks Foundation provided the community with a newly renovated visitors information centre. Four new vehicles, a tractor and other equipment was also handed to park management. A major improvement has been upgrade of campsites with modern bathroom facilities.
Tourism
There are two campsites that are used by tour operators from Botswana and South Africa on a regular basis. The revenue from these bookings reverts to the communities.
Rewilding
In September 2015, eight waterbuck, 36 impala, 10 red lechwe, and 11 puku were donated to the park by Zambia Wildlife Authority and translocated from Kafue National Park thanks to the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development through KfW.
Food security
Three fenced community gardens are progressing well and providing the community with a sustainable source of nutritious food. Individual families have followed suit and planted their own vegetable gardens along the river or close to boreholes.
