National park · Namibia
Nkasa Lupala National Park
Enter Nkasa Lupala for N$50 per adult (check) and spend 3–4 h on the bird‑watching boardwalk; best hike is the river‑edge trail in May–Oct; avoid the wet season (Dec–Mar).
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
320 km² (124 sq mi)124 sq mi (320 km²)
approximate
Established
1990
Best months
May–Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 9Nine African countries on this site have no trip line bec…Across the subregion, plan every road leg to arrive befor…
- Africa ↗When a route touches a yellow-fever country — even a transit of 12 hours or more — keep the original yellow card (ICVP) in your hand luggage; health desks and airlines can refuse boarding or entry without it.
- Africa ↗Nine African countries on this site have no trip line because governments advise against travel; several others have no-go regions. Read your government's advice for every country on the route before paying deposits.
- Southern Africa ↗A rental car may leave its home country only with the rental company's cross-border letter, the registration papers and paid road taxes at each post; driving into Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique or Angola without them ends at the border.
- Southern Africa ↗Across the subregion, plan every road leg to arrive before sunset: livestock, wildlife, pedestrians and unlit trucks make night driving the main cause of serious visitor accidents.
- Namibia ↗Check visa and entry rules for your passport on official Namibian government sources before booking: since 1 April 2025 citizens of 33 countries, including the US, UK, most of the EU, Canada and Australia, need a visa on arrival or an e-visa.
- Namibia ↗Taking a rental car into Botswana, South Africa, Zambia or Zimbabwe needs written permission from the rental company and the right papers; ask when you book.
- Namibia ↗Etosha gates open at sunrise and close at sunset: you must be inside a camp or out of the park by closing time.
- Caprivi ↗The B8 is tarred and good. The C48 to Bagani is gravel but fine for a sedan. Wetland tracks east of Katima Mulilo need a 4x4 and can be impassable in the rains.
- Caprivi ↗Do not swim in any river: crocodiles and hippos. Stay in the car near elephants and keep 10–15 m.
At a glance
- Country
- Namibia
- Area
- 320 km² (124 sq mi)124 sq mi (320 km²)
- The park covers about 320 km² of wetlands, channels and islands; figures vary slightly by source.
- Established
- 1990
- Best months
- May–Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
Nkasa Lupala National Park offers remote wetland wilderness with abundant water‑dependent wildlife and a rich birdlife, best experienced on dry‑season boardwalk walks and guided river trips.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1990.
Size and age
320 km² (124 sq mi)124 sq mi (320 km²) · national park since 1990
The park covers about 320 km² of wetlands, channels and islands; figures vary slightly by source.
Why go
- Extensive wetlands and floodplain habitats found only in this part of Namibia.
- Large herds of buffalo, elephants and predators in a remote river landscape.
- Over 400 bird species, including rare wattled crane and black‑cheeked lovebird.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarCaution
- AprGo
- MayBest
- JunBest
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovGo
- DecCaution
- JanWet season, many channels flooded.
- FebWet season, poor road conditions.
- MarTransition, still wet.
- AprEnd of rains, water receding.
- MayDry, wildlife concentrated at water.
- JunDry, good birding.
- JulDry, cooler nights.
- AugDry, excellent game viewing.
- SepDry, water levels stable.
- OctDry, wildlife still active.
- NovStart of rains, some flooding.
- DecRainy, many tracks impassable.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo, elephant, lion, hippo, crocodileAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Wattled crane, black‑cheeked lovebird, Pel’s fishing‑owlMar–Oct | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Red lechwe, sitatungas, reedbuckMay–Oct | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Katima Mulilo
Drive south on B8 (Trans‑Caprivi) 120 km (75 mi), turn right onto D3511 after Kongola Bridge, follow signs to Sangwali and the park gate.Drive south on B8 (Trans‑Caprivi) 75 mi (120 km), turn right onto D3511 after Kongola Bridge, follow signs to Sangwali and the park gate.
2–2.5 h
Open the page →
From Windhoek (self‑drive)
Take B1 to Katima Mulilo (≈13 h) then follow B8 as above; or fly to Katima Mulilo and drive the last leg.
≈14 h total
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Sangwali gate | Entrance, visitor information, basic facilities. | Open daily; entry fee payable. |
| River‑edge trail | Boardwalk and mud‑track along Kwando/Linyanti channels, good for birding and wildlife spotting. | Open with entry ticket; 4WD recommended. |
| Community campsite | Basic camping area on northern border, managed by Wuparo Conservancy. | Open; pay campsite fee (check). |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates approximate, based on park centre and main facilities.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (per adult) | NAD 50 | person | 2026 estimate (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Park rules
- Guides
- Required for night drives and boat trips.
- Camping
- Only in designated community campsite; wild camping prohibited.
- Fire
- Open fires not allowed; use provided stoves.
- Vehicle
- All‑wheel‑drive recommended; low‑range gear for mud.
- Pets
- Domestic animals not allowed in the park.
Where to stay
Near the park
Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge
Tented accommodation with meals, 20 min from gate.
Near the park
Jackalberry Tented Camp
Basic tents, communal facilities, 30 min from gate.
Near the park
Rupara Campsite
Community campsite with shared ablutions.
Safety
Malaria medium
Flooded tracks high
Wildlife encounters medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Sangwali gate reachable by standard car; boardwalk is wheelchair‑compatible (check surface).
- River‑edge trail and night drives not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Support community‑run camps and lodges; keep waste out of wetlands.
- Use licensed guides and boat operators to limit disturbance.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Nkasa Lupala National Park?
Entry is N$50 per adult (2026 estimate, check). Children under 12 enter free.
What are the best hikes in Nkasa Lupala National Park?
The river‑edge boardwalk walk (3–4 h) and the guided night drive to the buffalo islands are the most rewarding.
When is the best time to visit Nkasa Lupala National Park?
May to October offers dry conditions, good wildlife viewing and accessible tracks.
Do I need a 4WD vehicle?
Yes, most tracks become muddy and water‑logged outside the dry season; a 4WD with low‑range is recommended.
Is malaria a risk?
The park lies in a malaria zone; take prophylaxis and use insect repellent.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
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Ask about Nkasa Lupala National Park
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