Liuwa Plain National Park

Liuwa Plain National Park

Very few visitors make it to Liuwa National Park, which is fast gaining a reputation as one of Africa’s most unspoiled wilderness experiences. The park comprises some 3,500 sq kms of seasonally flooded grassland in western Zambia, where the upper reaches of the Zambezi spill out across the flat expanse of Barotseland. Once the hunting ground of the local chief, or Litunga, this area has long been rich in game. Its recent emergence on the tourist radar has coincided with a major conservation effort from African Parks, which has seen wildlife numbers increase dramatically.

This is not a Big Five destination – high-profile absentees include elephants – but its wildlife attractions are considerable. Best known are the many thousands of blue wildebeest that troop out of the surrounding woodlands after the rains to feast on the new growth. With them come good numbers of other grazers, including zebra, tsessebe, lechwe and eland. The herds draw many predators – notably abundant spotted hyena, but also cheetah, wild dog and a growing population of lion, whose numbers have been boosted by recent reintroductions. Buffalo numbers have also benefitted in this way. The birdlife is outstanding: seasonal pools attract countless pelicans, storks and other water birds, while wattled cranes and Denham bustards stalk the flower-studded grasslands.

Fist timers might not choose Liuwa Plain. For the experienced safari-goer, however, it offers a truly pristine environment. Development remains very limited, with access by air, and travel on the park’s few roads an adventure in itself. At present, there is only one permanent camp, though some innovative operators also offer mobile safaris. Walking as much as driving sets the agenda. With seasonal fluctuations in game numbers, you will need to time your trip carefully. Whenever you choose to visit, however, you can count on having Liuwa’s empty horizons largely to yourself.