Tucked away in Zambia’s far west, near the border with Angola, Liuwa Plain National Park is one of Africa’s best-kept secrets. Remote, raw, and remarkably rich in biodiversity, Liuwa offers a safari experience like no other—far from the crowds and deep in the heart of nature.
Where is Liuwa and why visit?
Liuwa lies in the Barotseland region of western Zambia, accessible via charter flight or a long (but scenic) 500km drive northwest from Livingstone. Managed in partnership by African Parks and the Zambian Department of National Parks and Wildlife, this vast seasonal plain—spanning around 4,000 square kilometres—is one of the oldest protected areas on the continent, conserved since the 1880s by the Lozi kings.
What makes Liuwa special is its sense of space and solitude. The plains stretch endlessly to the horizon, dotted with wildflowers in the green season and teeming with wildlife as the rains arrive. Liuwa is home to Africa’s second-largest wildebeest migration—smaller than the Serengeti’s, but still hugely impressive, with around 45,000 wildebeest moving across the landscape.
You’ll also find zebra, tsessebe, lechwe, and a healthy predator population, including hyena, lion, leopard, wild dogs (successfully reintroduced in 2021), and cheetah—the park’s fastest residents. Keep an eye out for serval and the elusive zorilla (striped polecat), and don’t forget your binoculars—birdlife here is superb.
When to go and how to plan
Liuwa’s safari calendar runs counter to the rest of southern Africa. The best time to visit is November to December, when the plains come alive with wildlife and migrating herds, just as the first rains arrive. November is peak migration time and ideal for birders.
January to May is lush and beautiful, but access can be tricky due to flooding—you’ll need a sense of adventure and a willingness to get stuck in the mud (literally!). June to October is the dry season, when resident wildlife remains, but sightings can be more scattered as animals move into the woodlands.
We recommend spending at least four nights in Liuwa to make the most of your stay. Because of its unusual seasonality, it doesn’t pair as easily with other Zambian parks, which are at their best from June to October. That said, combining Liuwa with a few days at Victoria Falls works well. In November, water levels are low, offering dramatic views of the gorge. Visit between March and May for the thunderous spectacle of the Falls in full flood.
A landscape with purpose: conservation in Liuwa
Liuwa isn’t just beautiful—it’s significant. The park has become a model for community-led conservation, with African Parks working alongside local residents—around 12,000 people now legally live within the park’s boundaries. Since 2008, reintroduction efforts have brought back species including lion and buffalo. Elephant numbers remain low, but they are occasionally spotted.
Explorers Against Extinction has supported field based conservation of cheetah and wild dog in Zambia through the Zambian Carnivore Programme, and Liuwa plays a vital role in this wider carnivore recovery network. Wild dogs have been successfully reintroduced here, and Liuwa’s cheetah population is one of the most stable in the country.
It’s this kind of quiet, determined conservation—often behind the scenes—that makes Liuwa such a meaningful place to visit.
Stay at the newly refurbished King Lewanika Lodge
There’s only one permanent camp in the park—King Lewanika Lodge, operated by Ker & Downey Zambia. The lodge reopened in April 2025 following a stunning soft refurbishment.
Now offering six beautifully styled tents, including a family suite, King Lewanika blends Lozi-inspired design and craftsmanship with natural materials and thoughtful modern touches. Spacious open-plan living areas keep you connected to the wilderness.
King Lewanika also offers Zambia’s first-ever fleet of rooftop game viewers—custom vehicles that give guests an elevated vantage point over the plains, perfect for photography and soaking in the panoramic views.
Add to that the chance to do canoe safaris, stargazing, night drives, sleep outs, yoga, art sessions, bush cinemas, conservation and cultural visits, and the opportunity to enjoy a reimagined kitchen led by award-winning Chef Craig Cormack, and you have a safari experience that’s as soulful as it is luxurious.
Ready to step off the map and into something truly wild? Liuwa is calling.
Images: Marcus Westberg, Daan Smit, Ker & Downey Zambia
