{"id":2596,"date":"2017-03-09T18:20:12","date_gmt":"2017-03-09T16:20:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/travelbucket.co.za\/?p=2596"},"modified":"2021-01-26T11:52:45","modified_gmt":"2021-01-26T09:52:45","slug":"nkasa-rupara-mamili-in-the-caprivi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/travelbucket.co.za\/nkasa-rupara-mamili-in-the-caprivi\/","title":{"rendered":"MAMILI (NKASA RUPARA) IN THE CAPRIVI"},"content":{"rendered":"

Although Namibia is normally associated with arid and harsh conditions this park has lush green marshes so be prepared for many water crossings on your visit.\u00a0 The water levels vary according to the amount of rain, but even in the \u201cdry season\u201d you will still encounter a fair amount of water with some inaccessible areas.\u00a0 In the \u201cwet season\u201d you will be very limited as to where you will be able to drive due to flooded areas and that infamous black turf.\u00a0 This is a 4×4 only park where off road driving experience is very much needed.<\/p>\n

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No camping is allowed in the park, but there is a community campsite (flush toilets and hot water provided from a donkey, no electricity) situated just outside the park boundary.\u00a0 There are only six campsites, of which one was not in use due to a fire that gutted the structure, when we visited.\u00a0 To make a booking you need to be patient<\/em> as the camp boss does take his time to answer the phone, but keep on trying!\u00a0 (Rupara Community Campsite (+264(0)81 279 4888 = 80NAD pppn).<\/em>\u00a0 You have to be self-sufficient and carry everything that you need with you.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Visitor traffic is not high so the likelihood of encountering a thunderstorm is sometimes bigger than that of another vehicle in the park.\u00a0 Enjoy the solitude of this watery wonderland!<\/p>\n

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The dust and fun already starts on the approach road to the park.\u00a0 Many of the old wooden bridges are so dilapidated that we felt safer to do a water crossing rather than use the bridge.\u00a0 However remember to apply the golden rule to \u201ctest the water first\u201d before plunging in with your vehicle otherwise it can cost you dearly as some of the channels\/pools can either be steeper than expected or very muddy at the bottom.<\/p>\n

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At some of the water crossings the old wooden bridges were replaced with modern concrete structures which are actually sad as part of the off the beaten track challenges were compromised in the process.\u00a0 But for the locals it is a welcome relieve in this remote area.<\/p>\n

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According to the camp boss there were lions roaming around the camping area the week before we arrived, but as our luck goes we did not see any. \u00a0However we had an unobscured view every night of elephants feeding on a little grassy island across the channel from the campsite.<\/p>\n

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Keep in mind that large areas of the park are inaccessible, and there are no manmade waterholes where the animals come to drink, which means long days in the vehicle to get a sighting.\u00a0 Do some planning beforehand and go prepared before embarking on you drive.\u00a0 Birders and photographers will have a ball of a time!<\/p>\n

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Namibia\u2019s largest wetland area was formerly known as Mamili National Park, but during 2012 it was renamed to Nkasa Rupara National Park.\u00a0 So when you Google use both names to find the information that you are looking for. Go out and enjoy the sunsets!<\/p>\n

Tips on travelling to the area:\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n