National Park in Zambia
The great wildebeest migration of the west
Liuwa Plain National Park, in the far west of Zambia, is a remote floodplain of grassland, and the site of Africa's second-largest wildebeest migration. From about November, around 40,000 or more blue wildebeest gather on the plains, and then spread across the grasslands as the rains arrive, with zebra, lechwe and hyena in attendance. The park is also known for one of the highest densities of spotted hyena in Africa.
Liuwa lies in Barotseland, home of the Lozi people, and the park is run by African Parks, with the support of the Litunga, the Lozi king. The area has a strong cultural link to the Kuomboka ceremony, in which the king moves from his floodplain palace to higher ground at the start of the rains.
The camps are remote and simple. Visits are best from November to early December for the migration, and the park is quiet for the rest of the year.
Wildebeest are the headline sight, with zebra, red lechwe, tsessebe and eland. Spotted hyena are numerous, and lion, cheetah and wild dog have been reintroduced or have returned. Lions are seen less often than in other parks.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
An open plain with a wide sky, dotted with palm islands and pans. The vast horizon is striking at sunrise and sunset.
Activities here
Liuwa has a hot, wet summer from November to April and a dry, cool winter. Parts of the plain flood, and access is difficult in the rains.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30 | 18 | 200 |
| Feb | 30 | 18 | 190 |
| Mar | 30 | 17 | 150 |
| Apr | 30 | 15 | 40 |
| May | 28 | 10 | 5 |
| Jun | 26 | 7 | 0 |
| Jul | 26 | 7 | 0 |
| Aug | 29 | 9 | 0 |
| Sep | 33 | 13 | 3 |
| Oct | 34 | 17 | 30 |
| Nov | 32 | 18 | 110 |
| Dec | 30 | 18 | 190 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
May to October is dry. The plain is open and dusty, and the days are warm.
November to April brings storms and flooding. The wildebeest migration arrives with the first rains.
November and early December for the wildebeest migration. The park is accessible from about May, but the animals are widely spread in the dry season.
Best time to visit Oct to Nov
Liuwa is reached by a charter flight from Lusaka or Livingstone to Kalabo or Mongu, followed by a road transfer. It is very remote, and trips are arranged through the operator.
Park fees are included in our safaris. Many nationalities are exempt from a Zambian visa for stays of up to 90 days, and others can buy a visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa. Please check the rules for your passport.
Liuwa is remote and a malaria area, so please take medical advice. Evacuation is by air, so good insurance is essential.
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“Our take”
Time a trip for November and give it three nights. The migration moves with the rains, so we choose dates with care.
Safaris from
US$9,024 per person
Plan your time in Liuwa Plain
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