Liuwa Plain National Park: Zambia’s Hidden Safari Gem

Liuwa Plain National Park, located in western Zambia, is one of Africa’s most remote and untouched wilderness areas. Covering 3,660 square kilometers, the park is famous for its annual wildebeest migration, the second-largest in Africa after the Serengeti. Every year, tens of thousands of wildebeest move across the vast golden plains, accompanied by zebra, red lechwe, and tsessebe. This spectacular migration, combined with the park’s low tourist numbers, makes Liuwa a truly exclusive safari experience for those seeking solitude and raw nature.

Despite its isolation, Liuwa is home to a thriving predator population, including lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and wild dogs. The park’s most famous lion, Lady Liuwa, was a lone survivor for years before successful conservation efforts reintroduced more lions to restore the population. Large hyena clans, often seen hunting in groups, dominate the predator hierarchy, making for thrilling wildlife encounters. Liuwa is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 330 bird species, including wattled cranes, marabou storks, and fish eagles.

Visitors can explore Liuwa through game drives and walking safaris, experiencing the unspoiled beauty of its vast grasslands and seasonal floodplains. The best time to visit is during the dry season (May to October) for general wildlife viewing, while November to December is the peak of the wildebeest migration. Due to its remoteness, Liuwa has limited lodges and camps, ensuring an intimate and exclusive safari adventure. Whether witnessing the dramatic migration, tracking big predators, or enjoying the endless open landscapes, Liuwa Plain National Park offers a truly wild and unforgettable safari experience in Zambia.