LIUWA PLAINS NATIONAL PARK

Liuwa Plains National Park, located in Zambia’s Western Province, is home to Africa’s second-largest annual wildebeest migration.  

More than 47,000 wildebeest flood the vast savannah plains in November to February. The park also boast large predator numbers, such as lion, cheetah, and hyena clans that number up to 50 individuals. Liuwa Plains has the densest concentration of endangered wattled cranes in Africa, among numerous other bird species. There is currently only one permanent camp in Liuwa so you can be sure that your safari is exclusive!  

Liuwa Plains experiences a distinct rainy season from October through March, with the wettest months December to February. The rains draw the migration of thousands of wildebeest and induces their calving season. The dry season occurs April through September, with little to no rain. As such, the wildebeest start to move out of the area around July when the water pools start shrinking. During the wettest months, you can enjoy canoe safaris on the local water channels that fill up. Temperatures in December to March are usually warm and humid with temperatures averaging around the mid 80s. They drop slightly to an average of 80°F in the dry season with cool mornings and evenings and low levels of humidity.

Liuwa Plains is home to a variety of mammals, including buffalo, eland, zebra, tsessebe, oribi, lechwe, reedbuck, and roan. It also hosts the second-largest annual wildebeest migration in Africa! Over 47,000 wildebeest flood the vast savannah grassland habitat every year, following the rains and new growth vegetation. After intensive conservation efforts, Liuwa Plains now boast a healthy predator population, including cheetah, leopard, lion, and hyena. There are over 300 bird species in Liuwa, including grey crowned cranes and the endangered wattled crane. This little-visited park is a truly wild and remote region!