Liuwa Plain | Western Zambia

"Situated in Barotseland on the upper Zambezi flood plains, Liuwa covers an area of 3,660km2 of grassland and wooded ‘tree islands’. A tour during November or December places the focus on Liuwa's annual wildebeest migration, second largest in Africa."

Liuwa Plain Wildebeest Migration | Zambia

Tour highlights:

• Challenging and interesting route to reach Liuwa in western Zambia
• Great photographic opportunities, including Sioma Falls and Zambezi River
• Spectacular grassland plains and tree islands of Liuwa
• Opportunity during October - December to see blue wildebeest and zebra massing on the plain - Africa's 2nd largest migration
• Opportunity to see a variety of predators including hyena, cheetah, wild dog, leopard and lion
• Excellent birding, including many species of water birds

Depending on the option chosen, fly to either Windhoek or Livingstone where your guide will meet you. If joining the self-drive group tour, we then travel to Katima Mulilo in the next few days, meeting the rest of our travelling companions for a pre-departure briefing. We then travel up to the Sioma Falls area and our camp next to the Zambezi RIver. The following day is spent driving to the town of Kalabo, our springboard to Liuwa Plain.

Situated in Barotseland on the upper Zambezi flood plains, Liuwa covers an area of 3,660km² of grassland and wooded islands. It is home to a great variety of animals, birds and plants. At the end of the year our focus is on Liuwa's spectaclar wildebeest migration, the second largest in Africa - annually during November and December, around 33,000 wildebeest emerge from the surrounding woodland to mass on the Plain. Other game includes zebra, tsessebe, eland, red lechwe, oribi and reedbuck. Predators include African wildcat, side-striped jackal, hyena, cheetah, wild dog, leopard and, of course, lion. With over 300 bird species, Liuwa is also a paradise for keen birdwatchers - keep a lookout for marabou- and saddle-billed storks, fish- and martial eagles, and large populations of endangered species such as wattled- and crowned cranes.

Our well-situated and shady campsites have cold water showers and flush toilets with septic tanks. A curio shop is also usually available, with a selection of crafts and baskets made by the local villagers. Please note that this is a malarial area and anti-malaria prophylaxis are advised. There are no shops in Liuwa and we will be completely self-sufficient for the time that we are there. Our booked-seat tour ends in Livingstone. Why not stay for a day or two longer to see the spectacular Victoria Falls and experience some of the many other activities available in the area. This expedition-style tour appeals to adventurous travellers who enjoy the journey as much as the destination...

Important notes:

• Malaria area, therefore anti-malarial prophylaxis strongly advised
• Passports are required for entry to Botswana and Zambia. Depending on nationality, visas may be required
• A single soft bag (maximum 60 litre volume) plus small day-pack only is permitted
• A canvas ground tent with groundsheet, mosquito netting and flysheet is provided, together with a camp-bed and foam mattress
• Bring your own sleeping bag and pillow, or ask us to provide these freshly-laundered items for you at a nominal charge
• Breakfast, snack-lunch and dinner is provided daily
• Soft drinks and bottled water included

Check our tour schedule for set departure tour dates, or contact us with your preferred travel dates, and for further information.

We signed up for a private trip to Liuwa Plain with Navigators, starting our adventure by arriving at Victoria Falls and spending 2 days enjoying the splendour of the mighty Victoria Falls! We then met up with Chris, the owner of Navigators who personally guided our tour, and we travelled with him in his trusty Defender that is so well equipped! Apart from his professional and calm leadership during what can be a demanding trip, he kept us regularly informed with interesting information and anecdotes along the way. The animals and birdlife in Liuwa were spectacular, and the large herds of migrating Wildebeest a sight to remember! Many other operators seem to focus on larger groups to make their trips viable; a Navigators tour may cost a little more, but the detailed information, well-planned itinerary, relaxed manner and personalised attention certainly makes it all worthwhile and enhances the experience. Navigators is a very professional outfit, and we highly recommend travelling with them.

Steve & Emily Patterson

Tour Information

Tour cost includes:

• Transport in 4x4 vehicle with tour guide
• Accommodation & camping costs
• Camping equipment
• Park & reserve entrance & conservation fees
• Meals as specified
• Bottled water & soft drinks
• Specified activities

Fitness level:

Guests should be reasonably fit to cope with the climatic, travelling and camping elements of the tour

Essentials:

Light-weight clothing, warm jacket or jersey, light rain jacket, wide-brimmed hat, sunblock, open shoes, sturdy closed shoes (eg. hiking boots)

Recommended:

Sunglasses, binoculars, camera equipment, anti-bug spray

Distance:

1,450 km Livingstone to Liuwa and return to Livingstone