Liuwa Plain National Park
It is in Liuwa Plain National Park that one of the planet’s true wildlife spectacles can be seen: the second-largest wildebeest migration in Africa.
photo credit Scott Ramsay
Experience Liuwa Plain National Park
Although it is the wildebeest migration that first draws visitors to Liuwa Plain National Park, its astounding biodiversity keeps them coming back. Some 40,000 migrating wildebeest are joined by herds of zebra, tsessebe and lechwe, and predators such as wild dog, hyaena, cheetah, and lion. Smaller, but equally impressive carnivores include the enigmatic zorilla (striped polecat) and serval. Liuwa also boasts an extraordinarily diverse list of bird species, including the rare wattled and crowned cranes. One of Africa’s oldest conservation areas, Liuwa is a spectacular wildlife experience and a renowned safari destination.
Experience the second-largest migration in Africa without the crowds – a world-class spectacle in a jaw-dropping setting.
Self-Drive through Liuwa
Liuwa is open from sunrise to sunset daily. Enter via Kalabo, stop in at Reception, then set off to explore the 3,660km2 park. 4×4 vehicles with high clearance are required.
Available For: Liuwa Campsites, Liuwa Camp, Day Visitors
Guided Walks
Join a qualified walking guide for a walk across the plains, with a chance to spot wildlife, birds and reptiles. Note: Dependent on guide availability.
Available For: Liuwa Camp
Guided Game Drives
Meet your qualified guide in Kalabo, board the game drive vehicle and enjoy a day of exploration of Liuwa Plain. (Advance booking required.)
Available For: Liuwa Camp, Day Visitors
Self-drive with Community Scout
Book a Community Scout to join you on your vehicle, who will direct you through the park and bring local knowledge to your visit. (Advance booking required.)
Available For: Liuwa Campsites, Liuwa Camp, Day Visitors
Morning and Sundown Game Drives
Game drives in the cool mornings or late afternoons on a 10-seater game viewer led by a qualified guide take place at Liuwa Camp.
Available For: Liuwa Camp
Kuomboka Festival
Experience the historic and epic Kuomboka Festival: when the Barotse Plains are flooded, the King and his procession move to higher grounds by boat along the river. Note: Dependent on water levels.
Available At: Liuwa Campsites, Liuwa Camp, Day Visitors
Where We Are
In Zambia’s remote Western Province, on the floodplains of the upper Zambezi Basin.
Getting Here
Ten hours’ drive from Lusaka / eight hours from Livingstone via Kalabo town to Liuwa Reception. 4×4 vehicle with high clearance required.
The Weather
It is dry and cooler from May to July, warmer from August to October, rains typically occurring from November to April.
Africa’s second-largest wildebeest migration
The sounds of thousands of wildebeest are heard within the Liuwa system, moving between numerous pans and following seasonal rains.
Where We Are
In Zambia’s remote Western Province, on the floodplains of the upper Zambezi Basin.
Getting Here
Ten hours’ drive from Lusaka / eight hours from Livingstone via Kalabo town to Liuwa Reception. 4×4 vehicle with high clearance required.
The Weather
It is dry and cooler from May to July, warmer from August to October, rains typically occurring from November to April.
Africa’s second-largest wildebeest migration
The sounds of thousands of wildebeest are heard within the Liuwa system, moving between numerous pans and following seasonal rains.
Where to Stay
Liuwa Plain National Park has a range of campsites, self-catering chalets and an upmarket camp for visitors seeking to enjoy its abundance of wildlife and birdlife.
Visiting Liuwa is one of the best ways to support communities, wildlife conservation and the long-term success of Africa’s wild areas. Choose from the different accommodation options available below and enjoy a spectacular wildlife experience.
Liuwa Camp
Set under a shady canopy of mabola plums and jackalberry trees, 18-bedded Liuwa Camp is airy, spacious and eco-friendly, looking out over an enormous floodplain.
Liuwa Campsites
Liuwa’s five campsites are spread across the park, each offering classic wilderness experiences coupled with excellent game viewing.
King Lewanika Lodge
Set on the Munde Stream, the lodge’s six open-front luxury villas were built using local techniques and sustainable materials.
Sishekanu House
This boutique guesthouse in the south-eastern corner of Liuwa has five en-suite, self-contained bedrooms that offer comfort, privacy and stunning views of the plains.
Liuwa Camp
Set under a shady canopy of mabola plums and jackalberry trees, 18-bedded Liuwa Camp is airy, spacious and eco-friendly, looking out over an enormous floodplain.
Liuwa Campsites
Liuwa’s five campsites are spread across the park, each offering classic wilderness experiences coupled with excellent game viewing.
King Lewanika Lodge
Set on the Munde Stream, the lodge’s six open-front luxury villas were built using local techniques and sustainable materials.
Sishekanu House
This boutique guesthouse in the south-eastern corner of Liuwa has five en-suite, self-contained bedrooms that offer comfort, privacy and stunning views of the plains.
About Liuwa Plain National Park
Situated in the massive unexplored western region of Zambia, and an icon of Africa’s conservation history, the Liuwa Plain National Park is a spectacularly rich wildlife ecosystem. Its endless grasslands, shimmering floodplains and woodlands form the backdrop of an ever-changing seasonal pattern. Fed by two tributaries of the mighty Zambezi – the Luanginga and the Luambimba rivers – the vast plains are inundated every year, the fluctuating floodwaters transforming the park into a mosaic of brilliant pans, lush green grasslands and wooded islands and bringing carpets of wildflowers and changing movements of wildlife in their wake.
Liuwa is classified by Birdlife International as an Important Bird Area, compounded by its significance as an important breeding ground for grey crowned and wattled cranes.