Liuwa Plain National Park Best Time To Visit
Philip is our Zambia expert and author of more than 20 guidebooks to Africa.
Liuwa Plain National Park offers very seasonal wildlife viewing. The pattern here is different to most other Zambian parks and reserves. Animals migrate to the plains to stay during the Wet season (from November to April) and into May. The best time to visit is after the first rain in November. December is also good, but as the Wet season progresses, game-drive tracks deteriorate. Another good time to visit is in May/June, just before the animals retreat. Time + Tide King Lewanika, the only luxury lodge in the park, operates from mid-October to mid-July.
May to October Dry Season
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The plain dries up and driving conditions are good
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Sunny days with little rainfall
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There is still resident wildlife around, especially in May, June and October
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Malaria risk is less and there are fewer insects around
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Wildlife viewing is better in the Wet season
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The sky is very hazy and the grassland looks parched
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October is very hot
November to April Wet Season
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Animals migrate to the plain for the Wet season – the best time for wildlife viewing
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November is the best compromise between driving conditions and wildlife viewing
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Scenery is green and fresh with lots of wildflowers
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The best time for birding as migrants are present
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Many newborn animals are around as this is the calving season
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The plains are inaccessible for game drives from January to April/May and self-drive visitors can’t enter the park
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Conditions are hot and humid
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Malaria is a bigger concern than in the Dry season