Nkasa Rupara (Mamili) National Park
Expert Reviews (5)
Namibia Parks
Stephen is a travel writer and avid conservationist whose work appears in prestigious magazines such as Africa Geographic and Travel Africa.
8 people found this review helpful.
Dynamite Often Comes in Small Packages
At a meagre 357 square kilometres, there is no denying that Nkasa Rupara (formerly Mamili) is a small national park; however, it lies in the midst of a vast wildlife-rich region, a watery wilderness of tree-covered islands and expansive wetlands that ensure prolific birdlife and spectacular game viewing. This park seldom sees many tourists, so it is properly wild and that is what I love most about the place. A powerful wilderness vibe is not, however, the only reason to visit. Wildlife is also plentiful and so are the big cats. Most nights I’ve slept here, I’ve been lulled to sleep by the guttural roaring of the park’s chief terrestrial predator. Leopard, cheetah and wild dog also occur, along with huge herds of buffalo and elephant. This paradise, largely unknown and undiscovered by tourists, is one of southern Africa’s last true wilderness areas. Nkasa Rupara lacks infrastructure and much of the reserve is flooded wetland, so is not for the faint-hearted, but it certainly is for adventurous souls who love the solitude of a genuine wilderness experience accompanied by top sightings.
Emma is an award-winning travel writer for Rough Guides, National Geographic Traveller, Travel Africa magazine and The Independent.
3 people found this review helpful.
Watery Wilderness
Like Mudumu, Nkasa Rupara (formerly Mamili) National Park lies in East Caprivi, with the beautiful Kwando River marking its western border. As the river approaches the park’s southernmost point, it spreads into channels, takes a left turn and becomes the Linyanti River, which later becomes the Chobe before flowing into the Zambezi.
As you’d expect, the best thing about Nkasa Rupara is the river and its channels, islands and floodplains. Fans often describe it as Namibia’s answer to the Okavango Delta. I think that’s stretching the truth, but it’s certainly a great place to explore a pristine river environment and watch birds or rare, water-loving animal species such as sitatungas and red lechwes along with elephants, buffaloes and noisy pods of hippos. There are also wild dogs here, but you’d have to be extremely lucky to see them.
Nkasa Rupara has no campsites, but has a lodge inside the park with a few more close by. The park itself has very little infrastructure. Getting here isn’t easy, but if you’re travelling by 4WD or are staying on the Botswana side of the river you may be able to arrange a visit.
Anthony is a photographer and writer for travel magazines and Lonely Planet, including the guides to Kenya and Botswana & Namibia.
1 person found this review helpful.
Nkasa Rupara: Echoes of Linyanti
There’s something about Nkasa Rupara (formerly called Mamili NP) that sets it apart from the other Zambezi Region parks. For a start, it lies well south of the region’s major population centers, removing it nicely from the clamor further north – on my visits here I’ve always been surprised by how few other travelers there are in the park. It’s also just across the water from the wildlife-prolific Linyanti region of northern Botswana and a boat trip here can yield some fine sightings across the water into Botswana where wild dogs and other Linyanti specialties are present. On both sides, the birding is fantastic, and elephant, lion and leopard are all possible. In (and just outside) the park’s northern reaches, too, you’ll find a handful of excellent accommodation options, from tented camps to self-drive camping areas. If I could choose any two parks to visit in the Zambezi Region, Nkasa Rupara would be up there with Bwabwata.
