Liuwa Plain National Park : This isolated park in the far west is a stunning wilderness adjacent to Angola. The area covers approximately 3600 square kilometres across the Barotse floodplain. Two rivers, Luambimba and Luanginga, flow over the expansive grassland plains of the park, inundating the area during the rainy season and creating pans along the banks for the dry season. The majority of these pans and water pools attract animals and wild birds in the grasslands, as well as in the Angolan region. This particular remote park in the far west can be characterized as an empty wilderness along the border of Angola. It covers an area of nearly 3600 square kilometres within the Barotse floodplain. The Luambimba and Luanginga waterways sustain the park’s expansive grassland plains, flooding during the wet season and subsequently leaving behind several pools for the dry season. Such pans and water pools indeed attract animals and birds from the plains and across the Angolan region.
Wildlife in Liuwa Plain National Park
Extensive groups of wildebeests, zebras, and tsessebe traverse the national park. While hiding in the grasslands, one might encounter reedbucks and oribi. Lions have made a return to Liuwa, and the cheetah population is on the mend, so you might encounter these magnificent big cats during your Zambia safari. A robust population of hyenas exists, boasting more than 350 of these laughing predators. The 357 species of birds will engage birders throughout birdwatching safaris. Slaty egrets and whiskered terns visit this park for breeding purposes. Be sure to watch for other species such as the black-winged pratincole, wattled crane, and saddle-billed stork.
What to do in Liuwa Plain National Park
Bird watching in liuwa National Park in Zambia
Liuwa National Park offers excellent bird watching opportunities throughout the year, but the wet summer months, from April to November, are particularly exceptional as this is when migratory birds are present and many species display their breeding plumage. Liuwa Plain National Park hosts a diverse range of bird species, including the endangered wattled cranes and various water birds.
See Wildebeest Migration in Liuwa Plain National Park
Liuwa is home to the second largest wildebeest migration in Africa, with a population exceeding 30,000 individuals. This is truly one of the most magnificent sights on Earth. However, this was not consistently true. Each year, as the rains restore the Liuwa Plains National Park, the region hosts the second largest wildebeest migration in Africa.
Remarkable Koumboka Festival in Liuwa Plain National Park, Zambia
The historic and epic Koumboka Festival occurs when the plains are flooded, as the king and his procession travel to higher ground by boat along Liuwa Plains National Park, a 3,369 square kilometre national park in Zambia. The historic and epic Koumboka Festival occurs when the plain is on the rise.
Tiger fishing in Liuwa Plain National Park, Zambia.
Tiger fish breed in the numerous pools of the Liuwa floodplains and are swept away each year by the floods. The optimal period for tiger fishing at Kabula is from April to December, as the water is warm and the river levels are low prior to the onset of the rainy season.
Best Time to visit Liuwa Plain National Park
In November, the start of the rains marks the time when the wildebeest reach the park as part of their migration. The wet season, spanning from November to April, is considered the optimal period for a wildlife safari in Zambia. It is advisable to schedule your safari between November and mid-December, as the conditions of game-drive tracks deteriorate with the advancement of the wet season. The landscape is vibrant, and migratory birds can be observed. May and June occur during the dry season, and the presence of resident animals in the area makes this period an excellent option for a Zambia safari as well.
Getting there
Starting from Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia, proceed onto Lumumba Road located in the industrial area. At the traffic lights, search for a sign directing you to Mongu and proceed along Mumwa Road (M9). Continue along this road for approximately 620 km, while passing the turnoffs to Mumbwa and Kaoma. Your journey will also take you through Kafue National Park. Once you depart from Lusaka, the sole locations to refuel are Kaoma and subsequently Mongu.
While in Mongu, remain on the same road unless you require supplies. The road leads into the center of Mongu, ending at a roundabout. Continue straight through the roundabout, keeping the government buildings to your right. Upon reaching a T-junction, you will take a left turn and proceed towards the harbour. Make a right turn and continue along the path for approximately one hour until you reach the Zambezi River. Once you have crossed the river, continue driving straight for an additional hour. At the T-junction, take a right and proceed through Kalabo until you reach the harbour. The old headquarters and visitor centre of Liuwa are located at the harbour to your left. The harbour features a ferry run by the local council, ready to transport your vehicle across the Luanginga River. Upon crossing the river, you will need to drive just 12km to arrive at the new park headquarters and reception.
Liuwa Plain National Park features its own airstrip within the park for those who choose not to drive, although it does not provide any commercial flight services. Requests for landing permission should be submitted in writing to liuwatourism@africanparks.org
Seasons of Liuwa Plain National Park
Long wet season (January – April)
Temperature range: 15 to 22 degrees Celsius. The park is flooded prompting local residents to seek refuge on higher ground, reminiscent of the renowned Kuomboka ceremony. The wildebeest and zebra depart from the park, moving westward along the Luanginga River. Lechwe arrive at the park from the wetlands of the Luanginga River to gather at the park’s center. Birds on the move have arrived.
Short dry season (May – July)
Temperature range: 9 to 15 °C. The park is arid and easily reachable. As the water recedes, birds indulge in a feast of fish. Numerous flocks of cranes are present, creating an ideal opportunity for capturing images of birdlife. Lechwe begin their descent towards the wetlands. Large herds of wildebeests gather outside the park in the Luola to Mushukula regions.
Long dry season (August – October)
Temperatures range from 22 to 32 °C. Birdlife remains plentiful, particularly around expansive fishing pools. Vegetation withers, and trees shed their foliage. A significant number of wildebeest make their way back to the park via the northern corridor, gathering alongside other wildlife in the northern region. As the season draws to a close, trees begin to return to their vibrant green state.
Short wet season (November – December)
Temperatures range from 22 to 32 °C. The rainy season is beginning, marked by dense cloud cover, thunderstorms, and flashes of lightning. The park is adorned with flowers and lush green grass, while large numbers of wildebeest begin to arrive and calve. The most thrilling predator action takes place during this period.
