Exciting New Camp in Liuwa Plain

A new camp has opened in December 2023 in Liuwa Plain National Park, one of the oldest conservation areas in Africa with a history that dates back to the late 1800s when the King of Barotseland appointed his subjects as custodians and guardians of the land.

Sleeping 18 guests, Liuwa Camp has a deliberately light footprint and is solar powered throughout. There are seven two-person raised tents and a family unit that accommodates four. Built on either side of the main area, the tents are shaded by jackalberries and mabola plum trees and have been positioned to maximise both privacy and views of the waterhole and plains beyond. Touches of vibrant Lozi culture are found throughout the dining area, lounge and library.

You can enjoy two guided activities a day, either heading out in a game-drive vehicle or on foot to explore the smaller creatures and get closer to the details. Be sure to take your camera and binos as the landscapes and game are spectacular.

Why Go to Liuwa Plain

This 3 660km² / 2 274mi² park has mixed habitats of grasslands, floodplains and woodlands, all supported by the Luanginga and the Luambimba Rivers, which form part of the upper Zambezi River catchment area. This natural abundance means safari lovers can expect to experience:

•  The second largest blue wildebeest migration on earth (after the Serengeti-Mara migration, of course, but without the crowds and vehicles.
•  A growing predator population including lion, cheetah, spotted hyena, wild dog, striped polecat and serval.
•  Significant breeding zone for migratory birds and home to wide diversity of species, including large populations of crowned and wattled crane. Liuwa is a recognised IBA (Important Birding Area).
• Rich Lozi culture including the magnificent annual Kuomboka festival that honours the rising waters, as the Lozi king and queen move from the Leului Palace on the Zambezi floodplains to higher ground via a boating ceremony.

When to go to Liuwa Plain

September to October

•   The wildebeest begin to migrate south to graze on short grasses and pans.

October to December

•   The start of the green season with first rains.
•   Sprawling carpets of wildflowers fill the plain.
•   Wildebeest drop their young with predators often seizing the moment for easy prey.

January to April

•   The flood waters gently rise.
•   Migrants have arrived and many birds are in breeding plumage. Look out for black-winged pratincoles and great white pelicans.
•   Dramatic cloud build-up and fleeting thunderstorms make for spectacular photographic opportunities.

May to August

•   Waterholes start drying out.
•   Best game drive conditions.
•   Wildebeest head north in search of nutritional grasses after natural fires have made room for new growth.

What You’ll see in Liuwa Plain

Thanks to careful management – first by the Lozi under the King of Barotseland and then a joint effort from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, the Barotse Royal Establishment and Africa Parks – the game is springing back. Lion, eland and buffalo have all been successfully reintroduced while populations of plains game such as wildebeest, zebra, oribi, red lechwe and tsessebe are all growing steadily. They, in turn, are supporting hyena, lion, cheetah and wild dog.

Liuwa is an IBA with almost 300 recorded species including specials like slaty egret, rosy-throated longclaw, whiskered tern and swamp boubou.

How to Get There

Access is either by road or air charter with Proflight Zambia into Kalabo Airport. Self-drivers staying at Liuwa Camp will be transferred from either the airport or Liuwa Headquarters. Vehicles can be left at either location. However, please note that a suitable 4×4 is required to access Luiwa Headquarters via the pontoon or soon-to-be completed bridge.

From Namibia: five-hour drive from Katima Mulilo border crossing

From Livingstone: 90-minute flight or eight-hour drive

From Lusaka: two-hour flight or 10-hour drive

From Kafue: seven-hour drive from the Nalusanga Gate or 90-minute flight