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Namibia


Mamili (Nkasa Lupala) National Park

Caprivi - Namibia

Namibia's wild and seldom visited Mamili National Park, a watery wonderland of wildlife rich islands, river channels and wetlands, mirrors Botswana's Okavango Delta. 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. Mamili 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

It is however an extraordinary piece of wilderness, with lush marshes, dense savannah and high river reeds, that add to the high level of excitement when driving through by 4x4. In addition to large herds of elephants and buffalo, lion, leopard, spotted hyena, giraffe, impala, red lechwe, reedbuck and the elusive sitatunga can be seen. Noteworthy species of bird include wattled crane, rosy-throated longclaw, slaty egret, Meves' starling and the greater swamp warbler birding at it's best!

You will seldom encounter other tourists in the park, which isn't always such a bad thing. Thunderstorms might be a companion though, and be aware that lightening from these meteorological phenomena can ignite the ground, sparking fires that temporarily burn above the ground and below the earth.

Entry permits for the park are obtainable at the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) offices in Katima Mulilo and Windhoek, or from field offices at Susuwe, Nakatwa and Shisinze or the northern gate of Mamili (Nkasa Lupala) National Park, where reference maps are also available.

  • Mamili: Buffalo
  • Mamili: Elephant Crossing
  • Mamili: Baobab
  • Mamili: Hippo
  • Mamili: Vulture
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Camp Kwando

On the Kwando River, perfectly situated to visit the Mamili & Mudumu Reserves

Caprivi Houseboat Safari Lodge

Just outside the town of Katima Mulilo lies this small river front lodge. The accommodation is rustic, the food awesome and the situation idyllic - resulting in some of the best value for money accommodation in Namibia

Caprivi Houseboat Safaris

Explore the Chobe & Zambezi River on an adventurous houseboat holiday

Chobe Savanna Lodge

Overlooking the vast Chobe floodplain's from its situation in the east Caprivi this lodge has a lot to offer visitors

Ichingo Chobe River Lodge

One of the best lodges in this area has accommodation in both traditional land based units as well as on two houseboats.

Impalila Island Lodge

This is the only place in the world where four countries meet. A wonderful Chobe destination with eight luxury chalets.

Kalizo Lodge

A self catering family oriented lodge which offers excellent fishing opportunities

Lianshulu Lodge

Traditionally one of the east Caprivi's most popular lodges has recently been re-opened

Mazambala Island Lodge

Situated on an island in the Kwando river around 4km from the trans-Caprivi highway

Namushasha River Lodge

A popular and well appointed lodge near Kongola

Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge

Brand new lodge in east Caprivi - ideal for exploring the wetlands of the Mamili National Park

Ntwala Island Lodge

situated on three small islands this is an ultra-luxurious Chobe destination, with four suites, each with plunge pool and private guiding

Pride of the Zambezi Houseboat

A small luxurious houseboat, offers awesome game viewing, bird watching & fishing expereinces on the Chobe & Zambezi Rivers

Susuwe Island Lodge

in the Bwabwata National Park this is a perfect land and water camp with six luxury suites, each with private plunge pool

Zambezi Lodge

Close to the town of Katima Mulilo in the east Caprivi

Zambezi Queen

A luxurious house boat on the Chobe River

Zovu Elephant Lodge

In the far eastern Caprivi this lodge offers lots of water based activities on both the Chobe & Zambezi Rivers

Accommodation in Namibia