Bumping along on the dusty road scanning the vast plains for wildlife, it’s exhilarating to witness the endless red sun that expands across the horizon dotted with Ilala palm silhouettes. A dramatic quintessential African masterpiece, with not a soul in sight. The feeling is intoxicating: unbridled freedom. In today’s world, increasingly fewer locations can provide the wonderful sense of discovery and glorious solitude found in settings like this. With the combination of immense wilderness, a park leading world-class conservation efforts and the greatest displays of wildlife phenomena on earth, Liuwas location’s safari experience is unrivalled. At Explorations, we have access to the most exclusive, far-flung locations and experiences in the world. Take our private safari trip to the Liuwa Plains in Zambia and you won’t be disappointed.
"After each day’s enthralling adventures, retreat to your exclusive lodge where you’ll be greeted by expansive views over the vast terrain."
Located in western Zambia, Liuwa Plains National Park covers woodlands and flat Kalahari sand plains that stretch over 3,369 square kilometres. These transform when the rains come and the river swells to over forty kilometres of glimmering water. The park is run by the highly regarded non-profit African Parks organisation and provides a blueprint for what sustainable, low-impact tourism should be, working alongside the Zambian National Parks Department and other conservation programmes. Around the size of Wales, it contains only one lodge which caters for a maximum of 12 guests. Exclusive, remote and wild, this unique location provides the ultimate backdrop of pristine Africa devoid of tourists and abundant with wildlife. Drive for hours and your only company are wildebeest herds, a dazzle of zebra and the feathery golden grasses and marshes that blanket the plains. You might also spot lion, cheetah and hyena (the dominant predator in Liuwa) on your travels.
Each day a different spectacle of nature awaits. Liuwa Plains is home to the second largest wildebeest migration in Africa, so watch in awe as tens of thousands of blue wildebeest thunder between the western boundary and the centre of the plains in one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena. One day you might discover fresh lion tracks leading to a thrilling glimpse of a lioness with her cubs during a game drive, the next you will find herds of buffalo and steenbok sprawled across the landscape at sunrise on a bush walk or whilst gliding along in a canoe. Amongst the wide range of other animals you can potentially encounter are the oribi, the endangered roan antelope and the tsessebe – the fastest antelope in Africa.
You will be accompanied by an experienced wildlife expert throughout your intimate safari excursions, whose knowledge of the landscape and wildlife that roam here is unrivalled. Your guide will also be able to point out some of the 257 bird species that you would have otherwise missed, from the endangered wattled crane to waders, egrets, bustards and water birds that find sanctuary in this fertile environment.
After each day’s enthralling adventures, retreat to your exclusive lodge where you’ll be greeted by expansive views over the vast terrain. Relax in the spacious seating areas, indulge in sundowners on the wooden verandah or take a refreshing outdoor shower before dining in the luxurious eco-friendly accommodation. Your every need will be catered to for the duration of your stay, from the excellent service and cuisine to the semi-aquatic land cruisers at your disposal for travelling across the pans during the wet season.
Discuss with us what you’d like to see and we will provide a highly personalised itinerary taking into account all of your wishes. Whether it’s visiting during the green season or spending time meeting the local Lozi people, we’ll ensure that every moment of your time in this magnificent destination is maximised. Here beneath the vast Zambian skies, you’ll find a sense of freedom and solitude unlike anywhere else during this simply unforgettable experience.
