In the west of Zambia lies its greatest secret. Witness Africa’s second-largest wildebeest migration on a remote Liuwa Plains safari. Dramatic skies, predators & wildflowers await in Western Zambia. This is about as remote as a safari can get.
Mid-Oct to Mid-July
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In the west of Zambia lies its greatest secret. This showcase of regeneration - Liuwa Plain National Park - is more colloquially called Liuwa Plains. It's about as remote as a safari can get.
Hidden in the far west of Zambia, Liuwa Plain National Park is one of Africa’s best-kept secrets. Vast, wild, and deeply spiritual, Liuwa Plains is home to the continent’s second-largest wildebeest migration—and one of its most touching conservation stories.
You’ll find almost no tourists, one sublime lodge, and wide open spaces brimming with life… especially when the rains bring wildflowers, birds, and predator drama to the plains.
First protected in the 1880s by King Lewanika of the Lozi people, the Liuwa Plains was one of the earliest game reserves in Africa. The plains are unspoilt and exclusive with rare game species and a rich natural history.
Unlike South Luangwa, Kafue and Lower Zambezi, the best time to visit Liuwa Plains is in the summer months - with the vast plains, dramatic skies, incredible birdlife and wildflower blooms. Plus in the early winter until mid-July, it offers superb game-viewing.
Once devastated by poaching, Liuwa has been brought back to life through the efforts of African Parks. Their work began in earnest in 2008 with the reintroduction of lions, eland and buffalo to rebuild a thriving ecosystem. Lady Liuwa, the last remaining lioness of the old park, was reunited with her kind. She became a symbol of the park's rebirth—as she slowly joined a pride that grew to 10 lions, and reclaimed her wild legacy.
As the plains game began to increase, they became a good-sized prey base for the lions, as well as cheetah and hyena.
Liuwa Plain is an area rich with stories. Legend even says Lady Liuwa was the reincarnation of Mambeti, a local woman who once walked these plains. (Local people believe that this explains why the lioness was so receptive to people. And why she spent so much time in the same woodlands frequented by the elderly lady in her twilight years.)
Whether myth or magic, this bond between wildlife and people is part of what makes Liuwa Plains so special.
Background - African Parks is a remarkably successful conservation Non-Profit Organization that manages Liuwa Plains, as well as a number of other Southern African parks
Getting to the Liuwa Plain National Park
Liuwa is not easy to reach—which is exactly why it’s so rewarding. Access is via private charter flight (no scheduled seat in plane flights as yet) to Kalabo, from Lusaka or Livingstone. From there, it’s a 2.5-hour game drive to camp.
PRO TIP: The only lodge, King Lewanika, is open from 15 October to 15 July.
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Step into Liuwa Plains, where lion prides return, wildflowers bloom, and the wild still wins. Talk to us about your safari to Liuwa.
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