AREA & ACTIVITIES

Habitat & Wildlife
The Liuwa Plain National Park is located on the extreme western edge of Zambia along the Angolan border. The vast plains, formerly the hunting grounds for Lozi kings, was proclaimed a National Park in 1972 and is largely cut off from the rest of the country when the Zambezi floodwaters spread out across the plains between Mongu (the nearest large town) and Kalabo (a small frontier town).

The 3600 sq. km. park is dominated by huge plains, dotted with small woodland islands and since 2003 has been managed by African Parks. It is home to the second largest wildebeest migration (after the Serengeti), which gather on the north-west plains during the start of the dry season and slowly graze their way southwards until the onset of the rains again in November.

Aside from the wildebeest, the park has always been a stronghold for oribi and has growing numbers of tsessebe, red lechwe, and zebra. Hyaena have traditionally been the apex predator in the park, but lion and cheetah are also resident and wild dogs were seen for a few years up until 2016 – it is hoped they will return. Other species returning include roan antelope and very occasionally sightings of elephant occur, a sure sign that the protection now afforded by African Parks is starting to pay dividends. Since 2007, African Parks have introduced a number of other species including eland and buffalo.

A total of 334 species of birds has been recorded and the birdlife is particularly spectacular in the rains when large flocks of migratory cranes, storks, egrets, pratincole and waterfowl are seen. Liuwa is an important breeding ground for the rare wattled crane.

Activities
Liuwa is home to the second largest wildebeest migration (approximately 25,000 strong) in Africa, which is resident on the southern plains close to King Lewanika Lodge from November to June. Liuwa has healthy populations of spotted hyaena, the dominant predator, and with careful management the number of other predators (lion and cheetah in particular) are increasing. Birdlife on the plains is superb, especially during the ‘flood season’ (January to April) and around the many lagoons as the waters dry up. Activities focus on daily game drives across the plains in open 4×4 vehicles, whilst guided walks and night drives are also available. Liuwa is a fairly specialist game viewing destination where guests can enjoy the wilderness, incredible open scenery, big skies, wonderful birding and exclusive game drives. Canoeing on the flood plain is also possible.

Seasons
King Lewanika is open from October through to mid-July each year.