The animals roam the area throughout the year, it’s only their backdrop that changes with the seasons.

Floods wash over the landscape from May onwards, carving seasonal channels though the park that serve as mokoro routes for guests and their polers. Water levels begin to rise from June to September, with only the giveaway ears of hippos to break the sparkling surface of the waterways.

The summer rains breathe new life into the park between December and March, springing emerald grass towards blue skies, that conceal lions as they pace softly behind unsuspecting prey. The bursts of rain though are short and refreshing, painting a safariscape full of fresh tone, texture and promise.

Game drives offer the best way to get out and explore the watery terrain and discover the many species within it.  Observe and learn about every aspect of life in the reserve, from the tiniest details to the overwhelming beauty of it all from your highly qualified guide.

Those eager to make the most of the camp’s position at the heart of an expansive wetland though, could take a seat in a boat for a bit of water based game watching or a quiet sundowner. Floating through the wetlands allows you to observe the landscape from a unique perspective.

The national park borders three of Botswana’s best-loved reserves: Linyanti, Kwando and Selinda. Since there are no fences between them, the wildlife wanders freely across the rivers, resulting in bountiful and diverse wildlife populations in Nkasa Rupara – one of Africa’s most beautiful national parks.

Extending to around 70,000 acres, the national park is positioned at the core of the KAZA (Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area), and is one of southern Africa’s most significant protected areas and a crucial trans-boundary link for wildlife migrations between Angola, Botswana, Namibia and Zambia. 

Flashes of gold give away the many predators who stalk the region, enticing guides to venture closer and allow guests to observe animals such as lions and leopards who are particularly abundant here. The big cats themselves prowl the trails of huge herds of mega herbivores. Impala, reedbuck, warthog, kudu, zebra, wildebeest and even sitatunga punctuate the reserve, while massive herds of elephant parade through the wetlands and buffalo ruminate in huge gatherings. Splashes herald the movements of red lechwe in the watery expanse, watched by the hippos who congregate in large pods. Spotted hyenas fill the shadows, their calls haunting most nights.

The skies meanwhile are a kaleidoscope of feathered hues, with more than 430 species of birds having been recorded here.