Where to stay in Nkasa Rupara National Park
1 hand-picked glamping stay in and around the park.
Nkasa Rupara National Park guide
Overview
Nkasa Rupara National Park covers about 320 km² of wetlands, reed beds and islands in the far south-west of Namibia’s Zambezi Region, on the Kwando-Linyanti river system and the border with Botswana. It was proclaimed in 1990 as Mamili National Park and renamed in 2012 after its two main islands, Nkasa and Rupara.
In a wet year, up to 80 percent of the park is under water, and it feels like a small version of the Okavango Delta. As the floods recede, the islands, channels and floodplains attract large herds of buffalo and elephant, as well as lechwe and sitatunga.
Nkasa Rupara is remote and lightly visited. Roads are rough and some are impassable after rain, so it suits experienced self-drivers in a 4×4. Lodges on its edge offer game drives, boating and walks.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Mammals
Elephant and buffalo are often seen in large numbers. Red lechwe, sitatunga, puku, reedbuck, waterbuck and hippo live in the wetlands, and lion, leopard, spotted hyena and wild dog are present.
Birds
The park is a birding hotspot, with more than 430 species recorded, including the wattled crane, slaty egret and many waterbirds.
Best Time to Visit
Short answer: July to October, when the water recedes and animals gather on the islands and floodplains.
| Months | Season | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| May – Jun | Early dry season | High water, so some areas are closed. Lush and green. |
| Jul – Oct | Dry season | The best game viewing, with herds on the floodplains. |
| Nov – Apr | Rainy season | Excellent birding, but many tracks become impassable. |
Nkasa Rupara is a malaria area. Travel with a 4x4, extra fuel and water, and check track conditions locally.
Getting There
By air
| Airport | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Katima Mulilo (MPA) | Domestic flights | Flights from Windhoek. About 2.5 hours by road. |
| Kasane (BBK), Botswana | Regional flights | About 3 to 4 hours by road via Katima Mulilo. |
By road
From Katima Mulilo or Kongola, take the C49 to Linyanti and Sangwali, then follow the track to the park gate. A 4×4 is essential.
Entrance & Fees
Namibia's Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism charges a daily entry fee per person and per vehicle. New fees came into force on 1 April 2026.
| Visitor | Adult per day | Child (9–15) per day |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign visitor | N$200 | N$150 |
| SADC resident | N$130 | N$80 |
| Namibian citizen | N$40 | Free |
Vehicles with up to 10 seats pay N$60 per day.
Fees last checked October 2026 against the Government Gazette park fee regulations (2026).
