National Parks in Namibia

Etosha National Park – The Jewel of Namibia’s Wildlife

Overview & Key Features

Etosha National Park, located in northern Namibia, is one of Africa’s most renowned and breathtaking wildlife reserves. Covering an area of 22,270 square kilometers, it ranks among the largest national parks on the continent. Established in 1907 by the German colonial administration, it was once the largest national park in the world.

At the heart of the park lies the vast Etosha Salt Pan, which makes up about a quarter of the park’s total area. Stretching 130 kilometers in length and 50 kilometers in width, it is so large that it can be seen from space. This remarkable formation dates back two million years, created when a massive lake dried up, shaping the park’s entire ecosystem.

Beyond its dramatic landscapes, Etosha is best known for its rich wildlife. Over 114 species of mammals inhabit the park, including the legendary Big Five—elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, and buffalo. One of Etosha’s greatest conservation successes is its large population of black rhinos, an endangered species.

A major highlight of the park is its numerous waterholes, which become vital gathering points for animals during the dry season, offering unparalleled game-viewing opportunities. The most famous waterholes—Okaukuejo, Halali, and Goas—frequently attract elephants, giraffes, lions, and antelopes.

In addition to incredible wildlife encounters, Etosha features several natural and historical landmarks, such as the "Fairy Tale Forest," home to a rare collection of moringa trees, and the historic Namutoni Fort, originally built in 1899.

Flora, Fauna & Scenic Highlights

Etosha National Park is a paradise for both wildlife and bird enthusiasts. The diversity of species found here is truly impressive:

• Mammals: The park is home to elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras (both plains zebras and Hartmann’s mountain zebras), as well as numerous antelope species, including springboks, oryx, and kudus.
• Endangered Species: Particularly significant are the populations of black rhinos, cheetahs, and black-faced impalas.
• Birdlife: With over 340 bird species, Etosha is a haven for birdwatchers. The park hosts majestic eagles and vultures, colorful bee-eaters, and the kori bustard, the world’s heaviest flying bird. During the rainy season, thousands of flamingos flock to the salt pan to breed.
• Reptiles & Amphibians: More than 110 reptile species and 16 amphibian species have been recorded, including various snakes, lizards, and turtles.

Etosha’s landscape is dominated by its iconic salt pan, which covers 4,800 square kilometers. During the dry season, this shimmering white expanse is fringed by salt-tolerant vegetation. However, in rainy years, the pan transforms into a shallow lake, drawing thousands of migratory waterbirds.

Beyond the salt pan, Etosha features expansive grasslands and bush savannas, providing ideal grazing land for herbivores. The many waterholes scattered throughout the park are essential for wildlife survival and serve as prime safari hotspots.

Best Time to Visit & Activities

The dry season (May to October) is the best time to visit Etosha National Park. During these months, the scarcity of water and vegetation forces wildlife to congregate around waterholes, creating exceptional game-viewing conditions. Additional advantages of visiting during the dry season include:

• Excellent visibility, as the sparse vegetation makes spotting wildlife easier.
• Comfortable temperatures, ranging between 77°F and 95°F (25°C to 35°C) during the day.
• Lower malaria risk, as there are fewer mosquitoes.

During the wet season (November to April), the Etosha Salt Pan transforms into a vast shallow lake, attracting migratory birds, including thousands of flamingos. However, denser vegetation makes spotting mammals more challenging.

Safari & Outdoor Adventures in Etosha

• Game Drives: Visitors can explore the park on self-drive safaris or guided tours. The well-maintained road network and clearly marked waterholes make Etosha one of Africa’s best self-drive safari destinations.
• Night Safaris: Some lodges and camps offer night drives, providing opportunities to spot nocturnal predators like leopards and hyenas.
• Photography & Hiking: With its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, Etosha is a dream destination for photographers and nature lovers.
• Camping & Lodges: The park features several campsites and lodges, including Okaukuejo, Halali, and Namutoni, offering options from basic camping to comfortable accommodations.

A must-see highlight is the illuminated waterholes at the campsites, where visitors can observe wildlife at night—a truly unforgettable experience.

Namib-Naukluft National Park – Experience the World’s Oldest Desert Up Close

Overview & Key Features

Stretching along Namibia’s Atlantic coast, Namib-Naukluft National Park covers a staggering 49,768 square kilometers, making it the largest national park in Africa and one of the biggest protected areas in the world—nearly the size of the Netherlands. Since its official designation in 1979, additional regions, including the Naukluft Mountains, have been incorporated into the park’s boundaries.

At the heart of this vast landscape lies the Namib Desert, considered the oldest desert on Earth. Its surreal scenery and extreme conditions make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers. Some of the park’s most iconic natural wonders include:

• Sossusvlei – A vast salt and clay pan surrounded by some of the world’s tallest sand dunes, which glow in striking red and orange hues depending on the sunlight.
• Deadvlei – A ghostly white clay pan, dotted with the skeletal remains of ancient acacia trees, framed by deep red dunes—one of the most surreal landscapes on the planet.
• Naukluft Mountains – A rugged paradise for hikers, featuring deep canyons, waterfalls, and dramatic rock formations.
• Sesriem Canyon – A 30-meter-deep gorge carved by centuries of erosion, showcasing a fascinating geological history.

Despite its harsh conditions, Namib-Naukluft National Park is home to a surprising diversity of wildlife. Thanks to specialized adaptations, a range of plant and animal species thrive here—from the ancient Welwitschia mirabilis, which can live over 1,000 years, to oryx antelopes and desert geckos.

Flora, Fauna & Scenic Highlights

Namib-Naukluft National Park shelters a unique array of desert-adapted wildlife, each species perfectly evolved to survive in this extreme environment:

• Oryx Antelopes & Springboks – These resilient animals can go for long periods without drinking water, extracting moisture from plants and regulating their body temperature.
• Jackals & Hyenas – Opportunistic predators that play a crucial role in the desert’s ecosystem, scavenging and hunting in the arid landscape.
• Leopards – Rare but present, these elusive big cats have adapted to life in the rocky outcrops and mountains of the park.
• Ostriches & Kori Bustards – The world’s largest birds roam the open plains, using their keen eyesight to spot food from afar.
• Desert Reptiles – Geckos, snakes, and lizards have developed special adaptations to navigate the scorching sand dunes and regulate their body temperature.

The park’s dramatic landscapes are just as remarkable as its wildlife:

• Deadvlei – A photographer’s dream, with its blackened acacia trees standing starkly against a white clay pan, surrounded by towering red dunes.
• Sossusvlei – One of Namibia’s most famous landmarks, home to colossal sand dunes, including Big Daddy, which stands at over 325 meters.
• Dune 45 – A striking star dune, ranging from 80 to 170 meters high, offering breathtaking sunrise views.
• Big Daddy – One of the tallest dunes in the world—climbing it rewards visitors with an unforgettable panoramic view over the endless desert.

The combination of awe-inspiring desert landscapes and unique wildlife makes Namib-Naukluft one of Namibia’s most extraordinary travel destinations.

Best Time to Visit & Activities

The best time to visit Namib-Naukluft National Park is during the cooler months from May to September. During this period, daytime temperatures are pleasant, though nights can get chilly. The clear desert air creates ideal conditions for photographers.

Alternatively, the warmer months from November to April offer fewer crowds, but daytime temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F), making outdoor activities more challenging.

Top Activities in Namib-Naukluft National Park

• Climbing the Dunes – Scaling famous giants like Dune 45 or Big Daddy provides a once-in-a-lifetime view over the rolling dunes of the Namib Desert.
• Exploring Sesriem Canyon – This narrow, ancient gorge is best visited in the early morning or late afternoon when the light accentuates its geological beauty.
• Hiking in the Naukluft Mountains – Trails such as the Olive Trail and Waterkloof Trail wind through rugged landscapes, offering breathtaking vistas.
• Photography – With vivid red dunes, otherworldly clay pans, and mesmerizing desert sunsets, the park is a dream destination for photographers.
• Hot Air Balloon Rides – A sunrise balloon safari over the sea of dunes offers a truly unparalleled aerial perspective.
• Stargazing – Thanks to its minimal light pollution, the park is one of Africa’s best locations for astrophotography and stargazing.
• Wildlife Watching – In the cooler morning and evening hours, visitors may spot mountain zebras, klipspringers, kudus, baboons, and various bird species.

Bwabwata National Park – A Paradise Between River and Savannah

Overview & Key Features

Located in northeastern Namibia’s Zambezi Region—formerly known as the Caprivi Strip—Bwabwata National Park spans 6,274 square kilometers, making it one of the largest protected areas in Namibia. Established in 2007, it was formed through the merger of the former Caprivi Game Park and Mahango Game Park.

What makes Bwabwata National Park truly unique is its multi-use conservation model. Unlike many other national parks in Namibia, approximately 5,500 people, including the indigenous San (Khwe) community, live within the park’s boundaries. This innovative approach promotes sustainable coexistence between people and wildlife, allowing local communities to benefit from eco-tourism and sustainable wildlife management.

The park boasts an incredible diversity of landscapes, including:

• Riverine ecosystems along the Okavango and Kwando Rivers
• Open grassland savannahs
• Dense dry woodlands and seasonal floodplains, which shift dramatically with the seasons

Within Bwabwata, three core conservation areas—Mahango, Buffalo, and Kwando—are designated for controlled tourism, offering some of the best wildlife-viewing experiences in Namibia.

Another standout feature of Bwabwata is its transboundary importance. The park serves as a vital wildlife migration corridor between Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and Zambia. It is part of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA), one of the largest protected ecosystems in the world.

Flora, Fauna & Scenic Highlights

Bwabwata National Park’s rich biodiversity is shaped by the combination of wetland and savanna ecosystems, resulting in an abundance of wildlife.

• Large Mammals:
• • Elephants and buffalos are present year-round, particularly concentrated around water sources during the dry season.
  • The park is home to rare antelope species, including roan and sable antelopes, bushbucks, kudus, lechwes, reedbucks, and sitatungas.
  • Predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and African wild dogs roam the park, though they can be elusive.
• Birdlife:
• • With over 400 recorded species, Bwabwata is a birdwatcher’s paradise.
  • The Mahango area is particularly famous for its rare bird species, including the wattled crane.
  • During the rainy season, migratory birds from Europe and Asia flock to the park, including Goliath herons and white-faced whistling ducks.
• Scenic Landscapes:
• • The park is defined by the Okavango and Kwando Rivers, which create lush floodplains and wetland ecosystems.
  • During the rainy season, dry areas transform into vibrant marshlands and grasslands.
  • In the western regions, dry woodlands dominate, with tree species such as mukwa, Rhodesian teak, and manketti trees.
  • Along the riverbanks, visitors can find riparian forests featuring Kalahari apple-leaf trees and wild date palms.

This diverse mosaic of ecosystems allows Bwabwata to function as a key wildlife migration corridor, further emphasizing its significance in conservation.

Best Time to Visit & Activities

The best time to visit Bwabwata National Park depends on the type of experience travelers are looking for:

• Dry Season (June – October)
• • Prime wildlife viewing, as animals gather around water sources.
  • Large elephant and buffalo herds migrate through the park.
  • Predators such as lions and leopards are more active.
• Rainy Season (November – April)
• • The ideal time for birdwatching, as migratory species arrive.
  • Lush vegetation and blooming landscapes create a stunning setting for nature photography.

Top Activities in Bwabwata National Park

• Game Drives & Safaris
• • Visitors can explore the park on guided tours or self-drive safaris.
  • The Mahango and Kwando core areas are particularly well-known for exceptional game viewing.
• Boat Safaris on the Okavango & Kwando Rivers
• • A serene alternative to traditional safaris, perfect for viewing hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds up close.
• Birdwatching
• • With over 400 bird species, the park is one of Namibia’s top birdwatching destinations, especially during the rainy season.
• Guided Nature Walks
• • Some lodges offer guided bush walks, allowing visitors to observe smaller wildlife, plants, and animal tracks.
• Cultural Experiences
• • Travelers can visit San (Khwe) living museums for an authentic cultural experience.
  • Activities such as tracking wildlife, archery, and traditional crafts provide insights into the way of life of indigenous communities.

Skeleton Coast National Park – The Mystical Fog Coast

Overview & Key Features

Located in northwestern Namibia, Skeleton Coast National Park stretches for 500 kilometers along the Atlantic Ocean, covering an area of 16,845 square kilometers. As Namibia’s third-largest national park, it was established in 1971 to protect its unique coastal and desert landscapes.

The Skeleton Coast is one of Namibia’s most remote and mysterious regions. Its name originates from the countless shipwrecks scattered along the shoreline, making it one of the largest ship graveyards in the world. For centuries, treacherous currents and thick fog have stranded ships here, giving the area an eerie, almost ghostly atmosphere.

This dramatic coastline is shaped by the collision of the cold Benguela Current and the arid Namib Desert, creating dense fog banks that often shroud the region in an almost surreal light. This phenomenon has earned the Skeleton Coast its nickname: "The Fog Coast."

Despite its extreme conditions, the Skeleton Coast supports a surprisingly diverse range of wildlife, including desert-adapted elephants and lions, as well as the remarkable fog-basking beetle, which survives by harvesting moisture from the mist. Geologically, the region is among the oldest landscapes on Earth, with some rock formations dating back 1.5 billion years.

With its dramatic shipwrecks, unforgiving environment, and untamed wilderness, Skeleton Coast National Park is undoubtedly one of Namibia’s most captivating and hauntingly beautiful travel destinations.

Flora, Fauna & Scenic Highlights

Although the Skeleton Coast is considered one of Namibia’s harshest environments, many species have adapted to its extreme conditions:

• Desert Lions – This rare lion population is the only known group of lions in the world that thrives in a desert. These big cats travel long distances in search of prey and have even been observed hunting along the beaches.
• Cape Fur Seals – Massive colonies of up to 300,000 individuals inhabit the coastline, with the largest colony at Cape Cross.
• Desert Elephants, Rhinos, Giraffes & Oryx Antelopes – These species have evolved to survive with minimal water, relying on the sparse vegetation along dry riverbeds.
• Fog-Basking Beetle – A small yet extraordinary insect that collects moisture from morning fog to survive in the desert.

Beyond its unique wildlife, the Skeleton Coast offers spectacular landscapes and geological phenomena:

• The Skeleton Coast – This 500-kilometer stretch is famous for its shipwrecks, whale bones, and the treacherous Benguela Current.
• The Namib Desert Dunes – Towering sand dunes, including crescent-shaped dunes that continuously shift with the wind.
• Black Sand Layers on the Dunes – A rare geological feature that gives parts of the desert an almost alien-like appearance.
• Survivor Vegetation – Despite the harsh climate, plants like lichens, Nara melons, and the ancient Welwitschia mirabilis—which can live for thousands of years—have adapted to thrive here.

This extraordinary fusion of shipwreck-laden coastline and untouched desert landscapes makes the Skeleton Coast one of Namibia’s most intriguing natural wonders.

Best Time to Visit & Activities

The ideal time to visit Skeleton Coast National Park is from March to November, when the weather is more stable. The months between April and July are particularly recommended, as the days are mostly sunny, and fog conditions are less obstructive for sightseeing.

During January and February, occasional heavy rains can make access to some areas challenging.

Top Activities in Skeleton Coast National Park

• 4x4 Desert Safaris
• • Embark on an off-road adventure to explore the rugged dunes and coast, spotting desert elephants and seal colonies along the way.
  • The route to Terrace Bay is open to self-drive travelers.
• Fly-In Safaris
• • Experience the ultimate exclusivity with multi-day fly-in safaris, covering highlights such as Cape Cross, shipwrecks, Himba villages, desert elephants, and the Kunene River.
• Shipwreck Exploration
• • Discover the hauntingly beautiful wrecks that dot the coastline, including the Shawnee and Eduard Bohlen.
  • Scenic flight tours from Swakopmund offer a breathtaking aerial view of the wrecks.
• Guided Desert Hikes
• • Trek through the Kaokoveld region, an untamed wilderness rich in fascinating plant and animal life.
• Wildlife Viewing at the Hoanib Riverbed
• • One of the best spots to see desert-adapted lions, elephants, and giraffes in their natural habitat.
• Sandboarding
• • For adrenaline seekers, sandboarding down the massive Namib Desert dunes is a thrilling experience.
• Kayaking Along the Coast
• • Paddle alongside seals, dolphins, and seabirds, offering a unique perspective of the Atlantic coastline.
• Coastal Tours to Sandwich Harbour
• • Visit one of Namibia’s most breathtaking dune landscapes on a guided tour.
• Bogenfels & Ghost Town of Pomona
• • Explore the forbidden Sperrgebiet diamond mining area near Lüderitz, where eerie abandoned settlements meet dramatic rock formations.

Important Travel Considerations

• Due to its remote location, visitors should plan and book tours well in advance.
• Special permits are required to access some areas north of Terrace Bay.
• Many activities are only available through guided tours.
• Temperatures fluctuate significantly between day and night—warm clothing is recommended.

Khaudum National Park – Pure Wilderness for Adventurers

Overview & Key Features

Located in northeastern Namibia, near the Botswana border, Khaudum National Park spans 3,841 square kilometers, making it nearly as large as Luxembourg. However, unlike Namibia’s more famous national parks, Khaudum remains largely untouched. Originally established as Khaudum Game Reserve in 1989, it later gained national park status.

Khaudum is considered one of Namibia’s wildest and most remote parks. There are no luxury lodges or paved roads—instead, visitors must navigate rugged terrain in a 4x4 vehicle, requiring careful planning and a true spirit of adventure.

The park’s landscape consists of dense bushland, dry woodlands, and seasonal rivers known as omiramba, which fill with water during the rainy season. These water sources are vital for the park’s wildlife, making Khaudum a critical sanctuary for many species.

As part of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA), Khaudum allows free wildlife migration between Namibia and Botswana. Because of its low visitor numbers, the animals here are often less shy than in more frequented parks, offering a rare and intimate wildlife experience.

However, travelers should be prepared for a true off-grid adventure—with minimal infrastructure, no marked roads, and extreme isolation, Khaudum is a destination best suited for experienced self-drivers looking to escape mass tourism and embrace raw wilderness.

Flora, Fauna & Scenic Highlights

Khaudum National Park is best known for its large elephant herds. During the dry season, up to 8,000 elephants migrate through the park, congregating at the few available waterholes—a spectacular wildlife sight.

The park is also home to some of Africa’s rarest predators, including:

• African Wild Dogs – One of the most endangered carnivores, forming strong packs that thrive in Khaudum.
• Lions, Leopards & Hyenas – Roaming freely through the park’s vast wilderness.

Additionally, a variety of herbivores can be found here, including:

• Kudus, Elands, Blue Wildebeests & Roan Antelopes – Expertly adapted to the dry environment.
• Roan Antelopes & Tsessebe – Rare sightings in Namibia, with Khaudum being one of the few places where they are regularly observed.

For bird enthusiasts, Khaudum is a true paradise, with over 300 recorded species, including raptors, ostriches, and rare waterbirds around the seasonal riverbeds.

Scenic Landscapes

Khaudum’s dramatic landscapes are as striking as its wildlife, featuring:

• Red Kalahari Sand Dunes – Creating a classic desert backdrop stretching across the region.
• Dense Dry Woodlands – Featuring Zambezi teak and sand seringa trees.
• Seasonal Riverbeds (Omiramba) – Transforming into vital water sources during the rainy season.
• Majestic Baobab Trees – Iconic landmarks frequented by wildlife for shade and food.

A highlight for safari travelers is the well-positioned waterholes, where viewing platforms allow for breathtaking close-up encounters—especially with elephants and antelopes during the dry season.

Best Time to Visit & Activities

The best time to visit Khaudum National Park is during the dry season (May to October), with July to October being particularly ideal. These months offer:

• The best wildlife viewing, as animals gather at the limited water sources.
• Clear visibility, with less dense vegetation.
• Comfortable temperatures, averaging around 26°C (79°F) during the day.
• Better road conditions, as the sand tracks are drier and more navigable.

During the rainy season (November to April), the landscape transforms into a lush green wilderness, attracting migratory birds. However, many roads become impassable, significantly limiting access to the park.

Safari & Outdoor Adventures in Khaudum

Khaudum National Park is a true adventure destination for experienced self-drivers, offering:

• Challenging 4x4 Self-Drive Safaris – Navigating deep sand tracks through remote terrain.
• Unforgettable Wildlife Encounters – Spotting elephants, wild dogs, lions, and antelope species in their natural habitat.
• Wild Camping – Staying in basic but authentic bush camps surrounded by nature.
• Untouched Wilderness Exploration – Particularly in the Khaudum dry riverbed, perfect for independent adventure seekers.
• Birdwatching – With over 300 bird species, including raptors and wetland birds during the rainy season.

Important Guidelines for Self-Drive Visitors

Due to the extreme remoteness of the park, visitors must follow special safety precautions:

• A minimum of two vehicles is required for entry to ensure backup in case of breakdowns.
• Sufficient fuel, water, and supplies must be carried—there are no facilities inside the park.
• Experience in off-road driving is essential, as deep sand tracks make navigation difficult.
• Entry permits must be pre-arranged before visiting.

Nkasa Rupara National Park – Namibia’s Hidden Wetland Gem

Overview & Key Features

Located in the southwestern part of the Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip) near the Botswana border, Nkasa Rupara National Park covers 320 square kilometers, making it Namibia’s largest protected wetland area. Officially established on March 1, 1990, just before Namibia’s independence, this park remains one of the country’s best-kept safari secrets.

Nkasa Rupara’s landscape is shaped by a complex network of channels, lagoons, reed-covered islands, and seasonal floodplains. During the rainy season, up to 80% of the park is submerged, temporarily transforming it into a smaller version of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. The abundance of water attracts large herds of elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and Namibia’s largest buffalo population.

The park is part of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA), one of Africa’s largest transboundary wildlife reserves. It plays a vital role as a wildlife corridor, allowing elephants and other species to move freely between Namibia, Botswana, Angola, and Zambia.

Despite its stunning scenery and rich biodiversity, Nkasa Rupara remains one of Namibia’s least-visited parks, offering an exclusive and off-the-beaten-path safari experience for adventurous travelers.

Flora, Fauna & Scenic Highlights

Nkasa Rupara’s wetland ecosystem is home to an impressive range of wildlife, including:

• Large Mammals
• • Besides elephants and buffalo, the park supports populations of lions, leopards, hyenas, and African wild dogs.
  • Rare antelope species such as sitatunga, puku, marshbuck, ellipsen waterbuck, and lechwe thrive in these swampy environments—species that are rarely seen elsewhere in Namibia.
  • Crocodiles and hippos are permanent residents of the park’s rivers and lagoons.
  • Other notable species include zebras, wildebeests, impalas, kudus, and various smaller mammals and reptiles.
• Birdlife
• • With over 430 recorded species, Nkasa Rupara is a birdwatcher’s paradise.
  • Rare species such as the wattled crane, rufous-bellied heron, and great cuckoo can be spotted here.
  • During the rainy season (November to April), the park attracts migratory birds from Europe and Asia, making it one of Namibia’s top birding destinations.

Nkasa Rupara’s unique landscape creates a fascinating contrast between water-rich floodplains and drier savanna regions:

• The park’s core islands, Nkasa and Rupara, are crisscrossed by channels of the Kwando River, forming dense wetlands.
• In the dry season, many floodplains turn into expansive grasslands, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

Best Time to Visit & Activities

The best time to visit Nkasa Rupara National Park is during the dry season (May to October), when conditions are ideal for wildlife viewing and exploration:

• Improved accessibility – Many of the park’s tracks become impassable during the rainy season, as up to 80% of the park floods.
• Optimal wildlife viewing – Animals gather around the remaining water sources, increasing the chances of sightings.
• Pleasant climate – Daytime temperatures average 21–22°C (70–72°F), creating comfortable safari conditions.

June marks the start of the peak safari season, when conditions are at their best. Due to the park’s limited accommodation options, early booking is recommended.

Safari & Outdoor Activities in Nkasa Rupara

• Game Drives
• • Explore the park on guided safari drives, which take place early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
  • Expect to see elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, and other large mammals.
• Boat Safaris on the Linyanti River System
• • One of the best ways to observe hippos, crocodiles, and wetland birds up close.
• Birdwatching
• • With over 430 species, Nkasa Rupara is one of Namibia’s premier birdwatching destinations, particularly during the rainy season, when migratory birds arrive.
• Guided Bush Walks
• • Expert guides lead small-group walking safaris through the savanna and wetland landscapes, offering a more immersive nature experience.
  • Walks typically last around two hours.
• Night Game Drives
• • During the dry winter months, special night safaris offer the chance to spot nocturnal wildlife, such as leopards, hyenas, and aardvarks.
• Cultural Visits
• • Travelers can visit Wuparo Conservancy, where they can learn about the local community’s traditional way of life.
  • Activities include wildlife tracking, storytelling, and traditional craft demonstrations.

Plan Your Visit

• Accessibility – The park is best explored with a 4x4 vehicle, as many routes are unmarked and sandy.
• Limited Infrastructure – Nkasa Rupara is a remote park, with few lodges and campsites, so booking in advance is essential.
• Flooding in the Rainy Season – From November to April, many areas are inaccessible, requiring boats or specialized vehicles to navigate.