Liuwa Plains

In the west of Zambia lies its greatest secret. This showcase of transformation and regeneration - Liuwa Plain National Park - is more colloqually called Liuwa Plains. It's about as remote as a safari can get. And yet in its prime season, which differs from the rest of Zambia, it offers superb game-viewing.

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 and a rich natural history.

NOTE: It is difficult to get to with no scheduled 'seat in charter' options available so it is a private charter in and out.

African Parks's Involvement

African Parks is a remarkably successful conservation Non-Profit that manages Liuwa Plains. In 2008, African Parks began a series of lion reintroductions to reunite the last lioness, Lady Liuwa,  with her own kind. And thus new life began as she slowly joined a pride that grew to 10 lions. Over a similar period, they reintroduced eland and buffalo into the park. So the plains game began to increase. Thus providing a healthy prey base for the lions, as well as for cheetahs and hyena.

Liuwa Plain is an area rich with stories. One of our favourites is the legend of Mambeti and Lady Liuwa. Mambeti of the Lozi tribe, lived, died and was buried nearby to camp. Legend has it she was reincarnated into Lady Liuwa, the lioness and matriarch of Liuwa's lion pride. Local people believe that this explains why the lioness is receptive to people. And why she spent so much time in the same woodlands area frequented by the elderly lady in her twilight years.

Getting to the Liuwa Plain National Park

Liuwa Plain is a 1½ hour flight from Livingstone or 2½ hour flight from Lusaka to Kalabo just outside the park. Then it is 2½ hours drive to the lodge, or a 15 min helicopter flip.

The only lodge, King Lewanika, is open from 15 October to 15 July.