Mamili National Park, Namibia
Namibia’s wild and seldom visited Nkasa Rupara National Park is a watery wonderland of wildlife rich islands, river channels and wetlands. In many ways the park mirrors Botswana’s Okavango Delta – but is even more remote and less visited. Wild is the best word to describe this park, there’s nothing fancy about, no luxurious campsites or guided tours, you’re on your own, driving on a series of unmarked 4×4 trails. Nkasa Rupara holds the distinction of being the largest wetland area with conservation status in Namibia. This protects flora and fauna living within it’s complex channel of reed beds, lakes and islands, that form the Linyanti swamps
The focal points of the 320km² national park are Nkasa and Lupala, two large islands in the Kwando / Linyati river. During the dry season the islands can be reached by road but after the rains 80% of the area becomes flooded, cutting them off from the mainland. The good news is that it remains a sanctuary for birds, with more species of birds recorded here than anywhere else in Namibia. In those dry winter months, huge herds of elephant congregate on these islands.
Because the park is subject to frequent flooding in the rainy season, camping is inadvisable. Drivers must proceed with caution and negotiate deep pools slowly and avoid rivers where crocodiles, some up to 5m in length, lie in wait. Families of hippopotamus also venture onto the floodplains at night to feed. If you do get stuck, whoever loses the toss will have to dig you out, so listen carefully for nearby elephant and buffalo that maybe crossing the river. Visitors should also be aware that they must be completely self-sufficient in terms of water, food and fuel
Epic Namibia Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
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