Nkasa Rupara (Mamili) National Park

Pros & Cons

• Excellent bush vibe
• Buffalo (uncommon elsewhere in Namibia) is present
• Little visited and adventurous destination
• Fantastic bird watching
• Accommodations limited
• No facilities inside the park
• Tracks are often in poor condition, making driving difficult
• Vehicles should travel in pairs at all times
• The park becomes inaccessible when it floods

Wildlife

You need to work for your sightings in Nkasa Rupara, but there’s lots to see. The park is one of few places in Namibia where buffalo and elephant regularly pass through. The wet habitat is great for antelope such as red lechwe and sitatunga. Wild dogs roam the area, although you have to be lucky to see them, and lions are present in decent numbers. Hippos and Nile crocodiles inhabit the water channels.

• More about Nkasa Rupara’s wildlife

Scenery

Nkasa Rupara is primarily a swamp or wetland between the Kwando and Linyanti Rivers. There are several overgrown channels that crisscross the marshland. When flooded, it becomes the Namibians version of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, an inaccessible paradise of islands and reed-lined waterways.

Activities

Game drives (both guided and self-guided) are the main activity in Nkasa Rupara. If you’re staying in one of the lodges in the area, go for the guided option as you’re likely to see more. On these drives, your main pursuits will be wildlife viewing and birding. Some lodges also offer boat excursions on the park’s waterways and surroundings.

Weather & Climate

Nkasa Rupara has a hot climate, but from May to July, early mornings tend to be chilly and you’ll need warm clothing for game drives. November to April is the Wet season: it usually doesn’t rain all day, but afternoon thunderstorms can be expected.

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Best Time To Visit

Although rainfall at Nkasa Rupara is not that high, during the Wet season (November to April) it can be enough to close many of the park’s roads. The heat also tends to be oppressive at this time. The Dry season (May to October) is a better time to visit, especially since this is the peak time for wildlife viewing. October can be very hot, but conditions are ideal from May to September.

• More about the best time to visit

Want To Visit Nkasa Rupara NP?

Nkasa Rupara Safaris

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