Nkasa Rupara (Mamili) National Park

Wildlife & Animals

Expert

Anthony is the author of the 'Botswana & Namibia' Lonely Planet guide.

Nkasa Rupara National Park (formerly Mamili NP) in the Zambezi Region can be quite inaccessible, but there is a good variety of wildlife present. Elephants and buffalo can be found wallowing in the marshes. Lion, wild dog and spotted hyena are the main predators, although sightings are rare. Hippo and Nile crocodile are abundant in the reed-lined channels.

ElephantCommon

GiraffeRare

HippoAbundant

BuffaloCommon

ZebraOccasional

WildebeestOccasional

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

LionOccasional

LeopardVery Rare

CheetahNone

HyenaOccasional

Wild DogRare

Wildlife Highlights

Rare sightings of spotted-necked otters have been recorded in the Mashi River. Water-loving antelope that can be found wading through marshy areas are the red lechwe and the rare semi-aquatic stitatunga. The park is also a stronghold for the country’s last population of puku antelope.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The Dry season (May to October) is the best time for wildlife viewing. The roads become extremely rough to traverse, if not completely impassable, during the Wet season, from November to April. In years of good rains, 80% of the park can become flooded.