Liuwa Plain National Park

Overview

Liuwa Plain in western Zambia has one of the oldest conservation histories in Africa, tracing all the way back to the late nineteenth century when the King of Barotseland delegated his kin as the caretakers of the reserve. Liuwa is a great representation of how people and wildlife can coincide and benefit in a shared landscape. Liuwa Plain is Zambia's most sizzling, off-the-beaten-track destination. The park is home to an astounding wildlife migration including thousands of blue wildebeest, zebra and other grazers, which accumulate toward the start of the Wet season.

High Season

Never Busy

Best Time to Go

November

Pros & Cons

Migration of zebra, wildebeest and other grazers can be witnessed here
Limited area and very remote park
Zambia's most exclusive camp is available here
Game drives, walking safaris and boat safaris are available

Limited wilderness appeal
Single exclusive premium lodge is available in the park
Very seasonal park, only accessible from July to December

Map in Zambia

Want to Visit Liuwa Plain National Park?

Gallery Images

Explore the stunning beauty of Liuwa Plain National Park through our curated collection of photographs showcasing its landscapes, wildlife, and natural wonders.

Want to Visit Liuwa Plain National Park?

Wildlife & Animals

Liuwa is home to an assortment of mammals, including buffalo, common eland, common tsessebe, oribi, red lechwe, reedbuck, roan antelope, sitatunga and migrating blue wildebeest. More modest omnivores in Liuwa incorporate the banded mongoose and side-striped jackal. Frequently sighted large predators include the cheetah, spotted hyena, and lion.

Wildlife Highlights

The park's grasslands support a variety of large mammals, including tens of thousands of blue wildebeest, whose annual migration is Africa's second-largest. With the herbivores come the predators. The spotted hyena is especially normal. This is likewise a prime cheetah nation, and wild dogs are also spotted sometimes. Lions were near wiped out in the park, yet after a few re-introductions, maybe they are back nearby to remain. A few lions have now likewise moved in for their own.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Liuwa Plain National Park is very seasonal for wildlife viewing. The best time to visit the park for self-drive visitors is in November as roads can be accessible. During the dry season, roads are restricted in the park. King Lewanika Lodge (the only accommodation option in the park), is open from late October to mid-July.

Want to Visit Liuwa Plain National Park?

Birds

Over 350 bird species are inhabitants of Liuwa or seasonal visitors. The park's extraordinarily assorted birdlife incorporates numerous rare and migratory species, including universally significant populaces of storks, cranes and other water birds. The park is popular for the huge number of migrant black-winged pratincole that can be seen here. The appearance of the yearly floods denotes the appearance of an abundance of water birds, and the vulnerable crowned crane and wattled crane are bountiful, sometimes forming flocks numbering several hundred.

Best Time for Birding

Liuwa Plain offers a great birding experience throughout the year. However, the best time to visit is during the wet season from November to April. It is also the time when migratory birds coming from the north are available and a lot of birds can be seen in breeding plumage. Roads are impassable to travel after December, so the best time for birding and wildlife viewing is from November to December.

Want to Visit Liuwa Plain National Park?

Best Time to Visit – Liuwa Plain National Park

High Season

Never Busy

Low Season

July to October

Best Weather

April to August

Worst Weather

October to March

May to October (Dry Season)

Better wildlife viewing opportunities in this season
It is sunny, and there is little rain
Plain dries up and better conditions for driving
Fewer mosquitoes and less chance of catching malaria

Warm clothes are recommended for the early morning & night chill weather
The sky is hazy with a lot of dust in the air
The weather is extremely hot in October

November to April (Wet Season)

Birding is best as migratory birds are present
Plenty of baby animals that attract predators
The scenery is beautiful and at its most lush also known as 'Emerald Season'
Animals migrate to the plain for the Wet season – the best time for wildlife viewing