Nkasa Rupara National Park National Park
Seasonal wetland park rich in wildlife and birds
Nkasa Rupara in Namibia's Zambezi Region is a seasonally flooded wetland of oxbow lakes and channels. Visitors come for canoe safaris, birdwatching and close encounters with hippos and elephants.
Nkasa Rupara National Park at a Glance#
Address: Nkasa Rupara National Park, Zambezi Region, Namibia
Website: https://www.nwr.com.na/
Hours: Park access seasonal; consult Namibia Wildlife Resorts or local operators
Admission: Park entry fees apply; camping and concession rates vary - expect NAD ~50-200 for guided game drives (variable)
How to Get to Nkasa Rupara National Park#
Nkasa Rupara lies in Namibia’s Zambezi Region. Most visitors fly into Katima Mulilo (KAT) and travel by 4x4 or arrange a transfer with a lodge operator; expect 3-6 hours of overland travel depending on route and road conditions. There are also boat routes from nearby river communities during the wet season.
Tips for Visiting Nkasa Rupara National Park#
- Arrange river-based game drives with a licensed operator well in advance; the floodplain landscape is best explored by motorboat at dawn or dusk.
- Bring a guide experienced in tracking - the park's wildlife is seasonal and concentrated in channels during the dry season.
- Pack waterproof bags and expect mosquitoes during flood months; vehicle and boat transfers are often basic and unheated.
Best Time to Visit Nkasa Rupara National Park#
Wildlife concentration and accessibility vary dramatically by season. Dry months (May-October) are best for land-based game viewing; the wet season turns the park into a true river wilderness best seen by boat.
Weather & Climate near Nkasa Rupara National Park#
Nkasa Rupara National Park's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in October) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 8°C to 35°C. Moderate rainfall (521 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (127 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 11°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 27°C and lows of 8°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 8°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 10°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is the warmest month with highs of 35°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is the warmest month with highs of 34°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm) and partly cloudy skies.