Why Liuwa Plains Should Be on Your Bucket List

Zambia has become a favourite destination here at Nomad, and we can’t wait to tell you about this hidden gem in the western part of Zambia: Liuwa Plains!

What makes Liuwa Plains truly unique is its remote and untouched feel, with endless skies that amaze you whether it’s daytime or night—perfect for sky gazing. It’s a vast expanse of grasslands and floodplains, serving as a true wildlife haven.

2nd Largest Migration Happens Here!

From November to December, the green season ushers in the second-largest wildebeest migration, transforming the landscape into a lively haven. Wildflowers bloom, wildebeest calves are born, and the herds attract predators like spotted hyenas, lions, cheetahs, and wild dogs. It’s nature at its rawest and most thrilling!

                                                                                                                                      Image of Lady Liuwa before she gained a Pride © Andrea Reid

The Story of Lady Liuwa

One of the park's most remarkable stories is about its lion population. By the 1990s, all lions in Liuwa Plains had been eliminated due to human-wildlife conflict, poaching, and illegal trophy hunting. For years, only one lioness remained—Lady Liuwa, discovered by African Parks in 2002. She had grown accustomed to humans and often wandered near the Liuwa camp in search of companionship.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  New generation of lions © Egil Drodge

To address her solitude, efforts to reintroduce lions began in 2008 with a male lion from Kafue National Park. Tragically, he died shortly after arrival, likely due to the stress of long sedation. In 2009, another attempt brought two male lions from Kafue, and this time, it was a success. While Lady Liuwa couldn’t conceive—likely due to her long years of solitude—she found a role in the pride by helping care for cubs born to introduced lionesses. It was a touching sight, as she finally had a family of her own.

Although poaching posed challenges, the pride of lions at Liuwa has steadily grown, symbolizing hope and resilience.

                                                                                                                                                      Wild dogs were reintroduced to Liuwa plains in 2022. ©Lorentz Fischer

A Legacy of Conservation

Liuwa Plains conservation story goes all the way back to the 19th century when King Lubosi Lewanika of Barotseland declared his people the guardians of the plains, a birthright that continues to this day. However, by the early 2000s, decades of unsustainable resource use had caused serious habitat degradation. In partnership with the Barotse Royal Establishment and the Zambian government, African parks has been working tirelessly to restore the wildlife and ecosystem. Initiatives like community land-use planning, fish harvesting programs, and sustainable agriculture education have been game-changers in this transformation.

For adventurers seeking something off the beaten path, Liuwa Plains offers a true wilderness experience. Visiting the park means you could be the only safari vehicle in sight. Trust us—you’ll enjoy such an intimate connection with nature. If you’re into photography or simply love wide-open landscapes and raw wildlife, Liuwa Plains is an absolute must-see!