Liuwa Plains Migration Zambia Camping Safari
Summary of this Budget Safari Package
Embark on a real African bush camping experience in the wild and remote Liuwa Plains National Park of Zambia! This isolated game park remains one of the most pristine safari destinations, ideal for an authentic African wildlife adventure. This lesser-known wildlife area rewards ardent nature lovers with crowd-free game viewing in the unspoilt wilderness.
When the rains come in about November, the second largest wildebeest migration on the planet sweeps across the plains of Liuwa. Thousands of blue wildebeest and numerous zebras cross the plains, gathering around water sources – an unforgettable natural spectacle! A good variety of mammals can be sighted throughout the year, including numerous predators such as lion, cheetah, wild dog, hyena and jackal. Liuwa is also an excellent birdwatching destination with massive flocks of migrant species during the rains and a diversity of resident species in the woodlands.
On this Zambian camping adventure, you can expect delicious fireside cuisine, top-notch guides and exceptional service from the expert safari crew.
Itinerary for this Tour
Day 1: Livingstone – Zambia
When you land at Livingstone International Airport in Zambia one of our team members is there to meet you. From the airport, you are transferred to Maramba River Lodge, nearby.
Your guide meets up with you at the lodge and runs over the plans for the rest of the day. There is time to settle in and freshen up before our first adventure. Depending on when your flight arrives there may even be some time to explore Livingstone town.
In the afternoon, at about 15h00, we hop on our bus and head to the Zambezi Waterfront for a sunset boat cruise. The sunset cruise on the Zambezi River lasts for about two hours and is a great way to end your first day in Livingstone. Bring your binoculars as interesting birds and animals are often spotted on the leisurely cruise.
After the sunset cruise, we return to the lodge for dinner next to the pool. Your guide fills you in on the plans for day two and what to expect on the wild adventure ahead.
- Meals included: Dinner
Day 2: Ngonye Waterfalls & Kabula Lodge – Zambia
Our first morning gets off to an easy start, with breakfast at the lodge before we check out and load the vehicles.
Leaving Livingstone we travel west through the gentle foothills of southern Zambia. Today we travel about 300 km’s to our first campsite, located on the banks of the Zambezi River. Along the way, we pass the Kazangula ferry crossing on the Botswana border.
We stop to visit the beautiful Ngonye Waterfalls, first discovered by David Livingstone prior to his finding Victoria Falls. After spending time at the waterfalls, also known as Sioma Falls, we continue to our riverside campsite where you can sit back and enjoy sundowners. While you soak up nature with a cold gin and tonic in hand, the chef prepares dinner and the safari crew sets up camp for the night.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 & 4: Kwale, Liuwa Plains National Park – Zambia
Day three begins with an early breakfast before we set off northwest for Mongu. In Mongu we pause to stock up on groceries and refuel the vehicles.
Then we cross the new bridge over the Luambimbo River, driving north to Kalabo where we access Liuwa Plains National Park. Entering Liuwa Plains Park we make our way to Kwale, in the southern region of the reserve. Throughout the year, buffalos are often sighted in the Kwale area.
The area around our campsite attracts numerous wild animals so keep your eyes open for interesting sightings. Tonight we enjoy our first authentic bush experience in Liuwa Park. The following day is spent exploring Liuwa, wildlife watching and relaxing at camp.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 & 6: Lyangu – Zambia
On day five, we proceed northwest to the nearby Lyangu Camp, situated near the western boundary of the national park. Lyangu lies on the edge of an expansive plain where a variety of wildlife roams freely. We may see unusual lechwe antelopes, scavenging hyenas and herds of wildebeest here, depending on the season.
Most of day five and six is spent exploring the Lyangu area on game drives searching out the diverse array of wildlife and birds inhabiting Liuwa Plains.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 & 8: Katoyana – Zambia
Next, we drive on to Katoyana Camp, northeast of Lyangu. The campsite is tucked into the fringes of the Katoyana woodland on the open plains of Nundu. Many permanent pans lie close to the camp attracting a rich variety of birds.
Over the next two days, we take game drives on the grassy plains of the Katoyana area. This region offers excellent game viewing and is known for its large wildebeest herds in season. Migrating wildebeest are often sighted here with their newborn calves as the return from the north. Not far from the camp are the favourite hunting grounds of Liuwa’s lion pride which we may get to see too. Packs of hyenas are also often sighted in the areas around camp.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9, 10 & 11: Sikale – Zambia
From Katoyana we continue north to the scenic Sikale Camp of Liuwa, where we camp for the next three nights. This is an even more remote campsite situated further away from the park boundaries.
The quietest and least visited campground in Liuwa, Sikale is the ideal place for an authentic African bush escape. In the dry season we may get close to herds of wildebeests, thousands strong. Witnessing this massive wildebeest migration here, more than makes up for the basic camping facilities. The camp does not have running water and flush toilets, making for a back to basics bush experience.
While at Sikale we embark on daytime game drives and night game drives, encountering various wild animals and birds in the area. Between game drives, we soak up the wild setting of our camp in the heart of the African bush.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Kwale, Liuwa Plains National Park – Zambia
Day 12 begins with a scrumptious breakfast before we pack up camp and head south. Take a leisurely game drive through the park we return to Kwale Camp in the southern part of Liuwa.
Keep an eye out for predators such as cheetahs which are becoming more numerous since reintroduction into the park. We may also see lions given the healthy increase in numbers of this majestic big cat.
By late afternoon we arrive at Kwale Camp. Sit back and relax while the safari crew sets up the tents and the chef prepares a delicious dinner.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13: Livingstone – Zambia
On the last day of this Liuwa Migration Safari, we get up early and enjoy breakfast at camp.
Then the crew breaks camp and we pack up for the last leg of our journey back to Livingstone. By late afternoon, we arrive back in the bustling safari hub of Livingstone where you are dropped off at the Maramba River Lodge for a comfortable night in chalet accommodation. Unwind with a cold beer on the deck overlooking the Maramba River in Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, before celebrating your African adventure with a final dinner together.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Luggage Allowance: A maximum of 20kg of baggage in a soft bag is appropriate. No hard-shell cases can be carried. Excess luggage can be stored safely in Lusaka
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