King Lewanika is a luxuriously designed safari camp which retains an authentic atmosphere. Named after the 19th-century king of the Lozi people, this lodge sits in an isolated, protected area and exudes a majestic appearance with sweeping vistas of the plains and a feeling of being completely immersed within the surrounding wilderness.
Awarded: Silver
Location
The lodge is in the very heart of Liuwa Plains National Park and is the parks first permanent safari camp. One of Africa’s earliest protected areas, Liuwa Plains was preserved by King Lewanika who declared the land royal hunting ground in the 1880’s. To this day, thanks to his early protection, the plains remains an unspoilt and exclusive landscape, rich in game and with an interesting natural heritage. The camp’s position on the upper Munde stream accentuates the feeling of complete wilderness immersion.
Rooms
Six villas are raised on platforms and make the most of their location amid the vast plains. With an airy, light atmosphere, the rooms are open-fronted for far-reaching views and lead out to a large deck and sunken lounge terrace leading straight out to the surrounding grasslands. Interiors are minimalist in design, boasting a comfortable lounge, large en suites with indoor and outdoor showers and muted, natural colours so as to blend gently into the plains.
Communal Areas
The open-plan main area is designed in a classic tented safari style with a modern design, natural tones and wooden textures with African inspired décor thrown in. The spaces flow through to one another seamlessly from the dining area, lounge and bar straight through to the plunge pool and raised timber decks.
Activities
Take day and night drives through the plains where guests are unlikely to see another vehicle in sight. Enjoy walking and seasonal canoe safari’s or indulge in a scenic helicopter ride over the sprawling landscape. Presentations on the Zambian Carnivore Programme are given at the lodge, and guests are even invited to collect information on the park’s carnivores while out on safari. If visiting in April, guests may have the opportunity to see the ancient Kuomboka ceremony, in which the Lozi king passes through the park on a floating barge.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
WET SEASON
Wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are a very pleasant, averaging 30°C/86°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F. During this period the park transforms into a lush green landscape, a stark contrast to the dry season.
Herds of thousands of wildebeest and their calves around King Lewanika Camp. Cheetah, lion and hyena regular sightings.
WET SEASON
Wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are a very pleasant, averaging 30°C/86°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F. During this period the park transforms into a lush green landscape, a stark contrast to the dry season.
Herds of thousands of wildebeest and their calves around King Lewanika Camp. Depending on water levels, there is the possibility for canoe safaris during this month.
WET SEASON
Wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are a very pleasant, averaging 30°C/86°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F. During this period the park transforms into a lush green landscape, a stark contrast to the dry season.
Depending on the water levels, this is the perfect month for canoe safaris. No hippos or crocs. Tens of thousands of wildebeest in the area.
DRY SEASON
April can be a real gem of a month to visit, if you are not necessarily looking for that classic safari – the best month of the emerald season. Temperatures are pleasant, and the rains are beginning to ease.
Wildlife will begin to move closer to the riverfront as the clear skies dominate. The rains fade, and midday temperatures are more pleasant. Mornings can be surprisingly cool, so it is advisable to pack some warm clothes.
The floodwaters recede and leave pools of water. The Park is full of birdlife, predators, plains game and wildebeest. Possibility of seeing the Kuomboka Ceremony.
DRY SEASON
May is the beginning of the dry season, although the landscape will still be many shades of green following the rains. Midday temperatures are average around 28°C/82°F, the mornings can, however, be surprisingly cool at around 10°C/49°F, so be sure to pack a warm fleece.
The pools are dotted with flowers. Beautiful photography opportunities of predators and prey.
DRY SEASON
The landscape continues to dry up, with good game sightings becoming more likely. Midday temperatures are average around 25°C/77°F, the mornings can however be surprisingly cool at around 11°C/52°F, so be sure to pack a warm fleece.
Predators still prevalent with cheetah, lion and hyena regularly spotted along with wildebeest and hundreds of red lechwe.
DRY SEASON
The landscape continues to dry up, with good game sightings becoming more likely. Midday temperatures are average around 25°C/77°F, the mornings can however be surprisingly cool at around 11°C/52°F, so be sure to pack a warm fleece.
The pools start to shrink and the main herd begins to move north to the woodlands surrounding the Park. Resident wildlife remains both herbivores and predators
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate, the landscape has now become quite parched; ultimately making this the perfect time for game viewing. Midday and night temperatures are a little warmer during these months, averaging 32°C/90°F and 16°C/61°F respectfully.
King Lewanika Camp closed for business during this month.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate, the landscape has now become quite parched; ultimately making this the perfect time for game viewing. Midday and night temperatures are a little warmer during these months, averaging 32°C/90°F and 16°C/61°F respectfully.
King Lewanika Camp closed for business during this month.
DRY SEASON
Game viewing can be spectacular during October; however, temperatures continue to rise before the start of the rains, with midday temperatures over 40°C/104°F not uncommon. We suggest early morning starts during this time to make the most of the cool temperatures!
The main wildebeest herd is starting to move south into the area of our camp. The Plain is dotted with pink sandflowers. A good chance to see serval, wildcat and jackal along with the ever present hyena.
WET SEASON
The first rains arrive, usually in the form of sharp afternoon showers. The temperatures still however remain very hot, while the humidity adds a level of discomfort. Game viewing can still be great, but just be prepared for a little heat.
Wildebeest are calving and moving into the south of the Park. Fantastic photography opportunities. Thousands of pratincoles cover the sky.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
Wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are a very pleasant, averaging 30°C/86°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F. During this period the park transforms into a lush green landscape, a stark contrast to the dry season.
Herds of thousands of wildebeest and their calves around camp. Cheetah, lion and hyena regular sightings.
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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