About Liuwa Plains Mobile Safari
Bringing together flexibility and enthusiastic guiding, this mobile safari is a superb way to explore the remote Liuwa Plain.
Take experience, enthusiasm, understanding and knowledge; add a mobile safari on Liuwa Plain; result – the makings of a great trip.
Hidden away in the remote west of Zambia, Liuwa Plain itself is a little-known national park that very safari-goers have visited. Given the challenges of travel here, that’s no great surprise – but a Liuwa Plains Mobile Safari opens up this wildlife-rich area to just a handful of adventurous visitors.
Liuwa offers its rewards at any time of year, including superb birding in the rainy season. But for many, the big attraction is between October and November, when herds of wildebeest and zebra gather here to feast on the newly sprouting grass before giving birth to their young.
Staying in simple walk-in tents with shared but clean ablutions, no more than six guests spend their days out on guided walks or drives, exploring the grasslands of this pristine environment with their guide.
Experience is the key – something that the team of guides have acquired over many years of travel in this region. Their enthusiasm is infectious, bringing together a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the environment to ensure that yours is a memorable journey.
- Accommodation
- 3 tents
- Children
- Open
- All year
Traveller reviews of Liuwa Plains Mobile Safari
1 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 37 pictures of Liuwa Plains Mobile Safari to get the candid view.
View galleryLiuwa Plains Mobile Safari's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Liuwa Plains Mobile Safari.
When to go to Liuwa Plain National Park
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Liuwa Plains Mobile Safari in Liuwa Plain National Park
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Liuwa Plain National Park in January
Liuwa Plain experiences its wettest period in January, with frequent heavy showers dominating most days. The mercury often soars above 30°C, accompanied by high humidity. The park's landscape transforms into a lush, emerald expanse of rampaging vegetation, with crystal-clear skies between downpours. However, the abundance of water causes wildlife to scatter, making sightings more challenging.
Many areas are inaccessible due to flooding, limiting exploration options. The park sees very few safari visitors, but a serene experience awaits any who can get here as large numbers of migratory birds flock to the area.
- Wet season peak, frequent downpours
- Lush grasslands, ideal for photography
- Wildlife dispersed, challenging to spot
- Access very difficult; lodges closed
- Amazing time for migrant cranes
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in January
Liuwa Plain National Park in February
The wet season in Liuwa Plain continues through February; dramatic thunderstorms punctuate otherwise sunny days. The national park remains awash with water, affecting wildlife distribution and accessibility.
Dense vegetation growth everywhere further complicates game viewing, but intrepid observers will be rewarded with unique sightings. The flooded plains create temporary waterways, offering distinctive boating opportunities in areas usually traversed on foot or by vehicle. Few safari visitors can get here at this time, providing an intimate experience of the park's raw beauty for those who can.
- Continuous rainfall, humid conditions
- Verdant landscapes, photogenic scenery
- Game viewing difficult due to thick vegetation
- Superb bird-watching opportunities
- Limited accommodation options
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in February
Liuwa Plain National Park in March
March marks the final full month of the rainy season in Liuwa Plain. Daily downpours persist, maintaining high water levels throughout the national park. Temperatures consistently exceed 30°C, with humidity levels remaining elevated.
The lush vegetation and difficult access continue to pose challenges for safari-goers, even though the wildlife viewing can be exceptional. Many species rear their young during this period allowing the Liuwa's predators to take advantage of vulnerable prey. As March progresses, clearer skies emerge, offering breathtaking photographic opportunities against vivid backdrops. Birdwatching remains excellent as migratory species prepare to leave on their seasonal journeys.
- Persistent rains, warm temperatures
- Flourishing flora, picturesque vistas
- Abundant newborns but elusive wildlife
- Virtually no visitors make it here
- Accommodation still closed
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in March
Liuwa Plain National Park in April
April heralds a transitional period in the national park: heavy rains give way to lighter, sporadic showers. Liuwa Plain retains its vibrant green hue as conditions for wildlife viewing begin to improve. Areas of the national park start to become less inaccessible as flood waters recede. However, many parts remain difficult to reach.
April offers a unique blend of the wet and dry seasons' characteristics, with the landscape slowly beginning its transformation. Animal behaviour and sightings gradually shift as the wildlife slowly adapts to the changing conditions.
- Rainfall tapering off, occasional showers
- Wildlife viewing slowly starting to improve
- Vibrant greenery, clear skies for photos
- Retains a fresh feeling with many dry days
- Travellers are a rare sight in Liuwa
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in April
Liuwa Plain National Park in May
May typically ushers in the dry season at Liuwa Plain. While occasional showers may still occur, most days are clear with sunny skies. Temperatures begin to drop, with daytime highs averaging around 26°C.
The park's landscape starts to dry out, improving accessibility and enhancing game viewing opportunities. As standing water diminishes, the proliferation of vegetation slows and some begins to die back a little. The air clarity remains excellent, benefiting photographers. Late May can see a small uptick in visitors as favourable conditions set in, though the park remains very quiet by any normal standards.
- Dry season onset, mostly sunny days
- Majority of accommodation options open
- Bush still green and lush, with clear air for photographers
- Wildlife sightings start to improve
- Last month for off-peak pricing
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in May
Liuwa Plain National Park in June
June brings reliably dry conditions to Liuwa Plain, with sunny days becoming the norm. Humidity levels plummet, and temperatures continue to decrease, often dropping to around 10°C at night while reaching 25°C during the day.
The park's vegetation is now thinning out a little, gradually enhancing the visibility of the wildlife. Wild dogs start denning; impalas are rutting. Smaller water sources become scarcer, wildlife sightings around remaining water bodies improve. The cooler temperatures make for comfortable daytime exploration of the park. The changing landscape offers an easier environment for viewing wildlife than the dense greenery of the wet season.
- Clear skies, cooler nights
- Improved visibility for wildlife spotting
- Park is largely accessible; good conditions for safaris
- Safari season starts
- Lodge rates still less than peak season
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in June
Liuwa Plain National Park in July
In July, Liuwa Plain's dry season is in full swing. Vegetation continues to recede, and water sources continue to shrink, leading to excellent wildlife viewing opportunities around those that remain.
Daytime temperatures hover in the 20s Celsius, but nights can become cold, dropping to single digits. Early morning and late evening game drives can be particularly chilly: bring warm layers, gloves and hats!
The national park sees an increase in visitors during this prime viewing season, though Liuwa remains less crowded than most other African parks. The landscape takes on a golden hue as grasses dry out.
- Pleasant days, chilly evenings
- Lovely time in Liuwa: landscape not yet parched
- Prime time for wildlife observation
- Excellent conditions for safaris
- Peak season rates in force
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in July
Liuwa Plain National Park in August
August in Liuwa Plain National Park offers very good game viewing conditions as animals congregate around dwindling water sources. Wild dog dens still active. The chance of rain is minimal, with consistently sunny days. A slight haze may begin to appear on the horizon due to dust and distant bush fires.
Nighttime temperatures are cold, dipping below 5°C, so come prepared; daytime highs reach the mid-20s Celsius. The golden landscape contrasts sharply with the wet season's lush environment. This is a popular month for visitors, attracted by the excellent wildlife sightings and comfortable daytime temperatures.
- Dry climate, warm days, cool nights
- Superb game viewing near water sources
- Optimal for walking safaris
- Puppies venturing out at wild dogs dens
- Peak season, premium rates apply
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Liuwa Plain National Park in September
September is often considered the prime time to visit Liuwa Plain. Rainfall is rare, humidity is low, and temperatures begin to rise, with daytime highs typically in the low 30s Celsius.
Wildlife viewing is excellent as many animals cluster around the few remaining water sources. The wildebeest herds start appearing in the north of the park, and wild dog puppies are now mobile. The landscape is at its driest, providing a striking backdrop for photography, though some haze may affect long-distance views.
Despite being the park’s peak month for visitors, Liuwa Plain still receives relatively few visitors and retains a very exclusive feel.
- Hot days, mild nights, clear skies
- Exceptional month for wildlife encounters
- Landscape hazy due to dust
- Wildebeest starting to congregate in the north
- Wild dogs vacating dens and moving with puppies
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Liuwa Plain National Park in October
October sees Liuwa Plain National Park at its driest and hottest. The landscape is parched, with little ground vegetation remaining. Daytime temperatures frequently soar above 40°C, rarely dropping below 20°C at night. These extreme conditions concentrate wildlife around the few remaining water sources, leading to exceptional game viewing opportunities.
The heat can be challenging for visitors, but visitors are rewarded with larger herds of wildebeest moving south on the plains. A haze often permeates the air, affecting long-distance visibility and photography.
- Parched landscape waiting for the rains
- Increasingly hot days and nights
- Peak wildlife viewing month
- Wildebeest migration heading south
- Hazy conditions may affect photography
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Liuwa Plain National Park in November
November in Liuwa Plain is as unpredictable as the transition from dry to wet season. Temperatures remain high and humidity builds as the month progresses; then everything changes as the first proper rains arrive.
Early November can still offer excellent game viewing, as the spectacular wildebeest migration masses across the park's southern plains. Many animals disperse as the rains strengthen and water becomes more readily available. Visitors numbers plummet; those who can get here witness the dramatic change from brown to green as vegetation explodes.
- Wet season begins, hot and humid
- Wildebeest migration spectacle at peak
- Wildlife disperses as rains arrive
- Palearctic migrant birds here
- Many young animals are born
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Liuwa Plain National Park in December
December usually sees Liuwa Plain in the midst of its wet season. Heavy thunderstorms may be a daily occurrence, interspersed with periods of sunshine. Daytime temperatures often exceed 30°C, accompanied by high humidity. The landscape undergoes a remarkable transformation, turning lush and green.
Game viewing is challenging as areas of the nation park become inaccessible due to flooding. Despite the challenges, the rain washes away dust and haze, revealing stunningly clear skies that provide excellent photographic conditions.
- Rainy season in full flow
- Verdant vegetation and everything feels alive
- Lush scenery, ideal for landscape photos
- Limited wildlife viewing opportunities
- Lodges are closed; very few visitors
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in December
Other areas in Zambia
Zambia fact file
Useful information and advice to help you prepare for a trip including Liuwa Plains Mobile Safari
Flights to Zambia
How to get there & on to safaris camp destinations
LGBT travel in Zambia
Attitude, the law & our experiences
Tipping in Zambia
Expectations & guidelines for tipping
Zambia general info
Essential travel information
Weather & climate
The best time to visit Zambia
Other lodges in Liuwa Plain National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.