This remote park in the far west is pristine wilderness, which, to the ardent bush-lover, is its biggest attraction, and the rewards are great indeed.
The game is spread out across the plains and takes some driving around to find, but to come upon a vast herd of blue wildebeest, a prowling wild dog, or a pride of dozing lions in this forgotten piece of Africa is especially fitting because of its completely natural and uncommercialised state.
The birdlife is abundant and the very dramatic storms and lightning rising up on the horizon, contrasting with the green and gold grasslands, create spectacular views and fantastic photographic opportunities.
What to do in Liuwa Plains National Park
It is advisable to get a local guide if you are driving through this park. It is vast and easy to get lost. But the rewards are great. Huge herds of wildebeest can be seen, over 43 000 traverse the park. Also herds of Zebra, Tsessebe, Roan and Red Lechwe. Predators are primarily wild dog, cheetah and at the moment one pride of lion. Hyaena are also common. Buffalo and Eland have been recently re-introduced to the park.
Liuwa also has extraordinarily diverse birdlife which includes many rare and migratory species. A total of 334 bird species have been recorded so be sure to bring those binoculars. Liuwa is considered to be the fourth most important breeding site for wattled cranes. The arrival of the annual floods marks the arrival of a wealth of water birds and the spectacle of massive migrating flocks is not uncommon in Liuwa.
When visiting Liuwa ask the local people about cultural dancing, traditional fishing and boating activities on offer from the community camp sites. This is a dimension of Liuwa well worth experiencing, especially after the great effort it takes to reach the plain!
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