Flights inclusive package ex London = 5 nights - £3566    pp 
                                                                     4 nights -  £3150    pp                                

Without flights                                        =5 nights - $4180    pp 
                                                                     4 nights - $3568    pp

May - June  & Nov - Dec 2012 

 This is a fantastic chance to safari in one of the last undiscovered gems of Africa with one of Africa's best known and respected guides.

This vast open plain lies west of the Zambezi River, on the Angolan Border. This is an extremely difficult area to access and few people have been to this isolated and rarely visited national park. The safaris which we offer are 4 or 5 nights in duration, starting with a charter from Lusaka of 2+ hours to Kalabo or Mongu depending on the season and are lead by Robin Pope the best-known and most highly respected guide in Zambia. Robin and his small team will personally guide you throughout giving an insightful view of Liuwa and its ecology. The plains are a haven for many bird species and a good population of various antelope species. Interestingly the greatest migration of Wildebeest after that found in the Serengeti occurs here. Lions once roamed here but persecution put paid to all but a single Lioness who prior to a recent relocation program roamed the plains alone. As a consequence of this the Lions nemesis the Hyena prospered, and today they are the apex predator and are seen in great numbers.

Liuwa Plain National Park is situated in the Upper Zambezi flood plains of Western Zambia.The park covers an area of 3,600km² of vast grasslands and wooded islands, and the plain from which the park takes its name is 70km long and 30km wide. The park plays a vital role in the Zambezi's catchment and is flooded from late December to June each year.

During the wildebeest migration, herds cover 200km from an area to the northwest of the park in June to concentrate in the southern region of the park by November. The park boasts an abundance of bird species, particularly during the rainy season. Liuwa Plain was accredited a national park in 1972 and has one of the oldest wildlife protection histories in Africa. It was originally declared a royal hunting ground and game reserve by the Litunga (the King) Lubosi Lewanika in the 19th century. Lozi people were originally placed in the park by the Litunga as his official game keepers and their strong system of traditional practices, rules and regulations still exists today. 20,000 local people in 432 villages still have utilization rights in the park and it is not unusual to see people walking their cattle through the park or fishing traditionally, sometimes involving up to 100 people. They also use many of the wild plants for traditional basket and mat making.

Not for the first time safari goer this journey would suit those looking for the really unique journey, one which truly goes where few others have been and in the company of the most knowledgeable guide possible.

During December there will be dramatic skies with fantastic cloud build up and amazing electrical storms that pass through. This time of year blue wildebeest migrate from Angola, and can be viewed in their thousands, often mingling with zebra and tsessebe. The plains come alive with many flowers covering the ground. In May and June the rains have gone, but there is plenty of water remaining in the depressions providing water for all the inhabitants. Liuwa Plains is home to many antelope species that are rare in other locations such as roan, red lechwe, steinbuck, oribi and duiker. Africa Parks has recently re-introduced eland and buffalo and their numbers are expected to increase. The area is famous for its abundant birdlife as a mix of plains and woodland allow a larger diversity of species. More unusual species include pink-throated longclaw, sooty chat, black winged pratincoles and wattled cranes. The rolling grasslands and diversity give rise to many superb photographic opportunities.

On landing at Kalabo you will be driven the two or so hours onto the plain and to camp.

Day 1- From Lusaka, taking off around 0800 hours, the charter flight to Kalabo will take between 1.5 and 2.5 hours depending on the aircraft. The first half of the flight is over the extensive Kafue River flats - with water, reed and channels as far as the eye can see. After flying over the Iteshi Iteshi dam the landscape changes to sandveldt bush. Then you will see Mongu to the left and the Zambezi River and its surrounding flood plain. Kalabo is a further 10 minutes. You will be met by Robin or the guide and driven to the pontoon to cross the Luanginga River. The harbor seems to be the centre of this remote town and there is plenty of activity to watch. The drive to camp is two hours, firstly through woodland on sandy roads and then out onto the open plain. The game and birds will start to slow you down! You will arrive in camp for a late lunch.

After settling in, lunch and a rest, the afternoon drive will take you out onto the plains. There will be a host of birds and wildlife to see. Sunset will be out on the plains, with a well-earned beer or G&T and then you will head back to camp for showers, the campfire and dinner.

Day 2 - 5 (or 4 for 5 night safaris) Exploring the plains and woodlands will be an amazing experience. Robin or his guide will take you out and with them you can either walk or drive. There are lagoons and waterholes, literally filled with birds to walk around. There are miles of open plains to drive through, finding the host of wildlife. The pattern of the days will vary but will be based around an early start with a light breakfast, returning for an early lunch. A siesta before afternoon tea and the afternoon drive. A sundowner out on the plains and then returning at dark to camp.

Day 6 (or 5 for 4 night safaris)

December safaris

At Mongu you will be met at the harbor, transferred to the airport where your charter flight will be waiting for you. The flight will arrive in Lusaka around 1330-1400. This is in time for the Mfuwe afternoon flight.

May - June safaris- Up early and leave camp by 0530 for the two-hour drive back to Kalabo. Board the awaiting swamp cruiser boat for a 3-hour boat ride to Mongu. This will be through the magical water world of the flooded Zambezi and you will see many birds and even stork colonies.

Leave camp around 0730 for the 2 hour drive back to Kalabo. Charter flight back to Lusaka arriving around midday. This is in time for the Mfuwe afternoon flight.