Former Mamili National Park
The Nkasa Rupara National Park which was previously the Mamili National Park is a medley of wildlife dotted islands; wetalands and river channels. Visitors to this park will definitely experience the full wilderness experience. There are no actual luxury campsites and there are also no guided tours on offer. Visitors are free to roam the area at their leisure in 4x4 vehicles. The park is known as the largest wetland area with conservation status in Namibia. The area protects flora and fauna that live in the reed beds; lakes and islands which form the Linyanti swamps. The park spans an area of about 320 square kilometers and the main areas are Nkasa and Lupala which are two large islands in the Kwando/Linyanti river. The islands are accessible during the dry season and can be reached by road but they become cut off from the mainland during the rainy season when it becomes flooded. This is a birding enthusiasts paradise, there are flocks of birds that enjoy the area which serves as somewhat of a sanctuary for them. Large herds of elephants like to congregate on the islands during the dry season as well.
The park is prone to flooding as camping in the rainy season is not advised. Visitors would have to tackle deep pools of waters and avoid the rivers with crocodiles. Groups of hippos also head onto the floodplains at night in search of food. Visitors are on their own when it comes to water; food and fuel. All this being said, the park truly is an amazing place with its large herds of elephants; buffalo; lion; leopard; spotted hyena; giraffe; impala; red lechwe; reedbuck and the sitatunga. Bird species include wattled crane; rosy-throated longclaw; slaty egret and many more. Entry permits for the park can be obtained from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism offices in Windhoek or Katima Mulilo or from field offices in Susuwe; Nakatwa and Shisinze or the northern gate of Nkasa Lupala National Park.
Accommodation in the area includes Camp Chobe; Camp Kwando; Caprivi Houseboat Safari Lodge and Chobe Savanna Lodge.
Camp Chobe is set on the banks of the Chobe river and is located about 4km from the Ngoma border post between Botswana and Namibia. The attraction of the main building is the ability to observe the activity of the immediate floodplains from the private lounge decks and comfortable sofas. Guests can also enjoy watching the camp Chobe chefs prepare their meals in the open and interactive kitchen. There is an outdoor dining option in the form of an open pit near the warmth of an inviting fire. Accommodation is in 20 well ventilated tented chalets, these are constructed from a canvas/mopane timber combo. Each chalet is solar powered with en-suite bathrooms and shower/flush toilets as well as mosquito nets fitted over the beds.
Camp Kwando is located about 25km south of the village of Kongola. The camp is set on the banks of the River Kwando and is the ideal place from which to explore Mudumu; Nkasa Rupara National Parks; Victoria Falls and the Bwabwata National Park. The main building consists of a large thatched lapa which is decorated with African inspired decor. There is a bar; internet connection; secure parking and a curio shop from which arts and crafts can be purchased. Electricity is solar powered and the swiming pool is the perfect place to relax at. Breakfast is served buffet style and a light luch of asparagus soup or quiche can be ordered, the evening meal consists of a selection of game meats and fresh vegetables with home-made ice-cream. There are 14 thatched roof island tents which are equipped with two beds fitted with mosquito nets; en-suite open-sky bathrooms with shower, toilet and basin as well as an in-room safe. There are also six tree houses which are thatched roof bungalows built on stilts and have large en-suite bathrooms with shower, toilet and basin as well as large terraces with amazing views of the plains, these rooms are also equipped with ceiling fans.
Caprivi Houseboat Safari Lodge is located a few kilometers from Katima Mulilo and is set amongst a lush garden overlooking the banks of the Zambezi River and is the ideal stop-over for those heading to or from the Chobe National Park; Victoria Falls; the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve. Facilities at Caprivi Houseboat Lodge include a rose wood deck with a lounge bar and swimming pool. The main communal area which encompasses a bar; lounge area and dining area and dining table is on an open deck overlooking the river. Accommodation at the lodge is in five chalets which are well decorated and situated on the water’s edge and are equipped with en-suite bathrooms; tea/coffee station; mosquito nets and a ceiling fan.
Chobe Savanna Lodge is set on the banks of the Chobe River in an area known as the Puku Flats. The main building at the lodge has been constructed with a combination of thatch and timber balustrades. There is a lounge; library; dining room and open sided game viewing bar. Accommodation consists of 12 air-conditioned tastefully furnished thatch and brick suites.
