In a vast arid country, Mamili (Nkasa Lupala) National Park holds the distinction of being the largest wetland area with conservation status in Namibia. The Mamili (Nkasa Lupala) was proclaimed in 1990, shortly before Namibia's Independence. And there is much to celebrate about this wet wonderland. The 318-km2 Mamili (Nkasa Lupala) National Park protects the flora and fauna living within a complex channel of reed beds, lakes and islands that make up the Linyanti swamps. Spectacular herds of elephant, buffalo, red lechwe and reedbuck are among the highlights of any game-viewing experience. But be careful, the waters are also home to five-metre-long crocodiles and families of hippopotamus, which venture onto the floodplains at night to feed. During the rainy season, as much as 80% of the park can become flooded and inaccessible, and yet it remains a sanctuary for birds. With more species of birds recorded here than anywhere else in Namibia, Mamili (Nkasa Lupala) National Park is a bird-watcher's paradise.