A land unchanged by time, Liuwa Plain’s vast savannah is one of the oldest conservation areas in Africa, yet it’s one of Africa’s best-kept secrets. With its golden grasslands and shimmering lagoons, Liuwa Plain transforms with the arrival of the rains from a vast grass plains to a watery wonderland. Time + Tide King Lewanika is the only permanent camp in the Liuwa Plain, named after the King of Barotseland, Lubosi Lewanika, who appointed his people as the custodians of the reserve.
Watch a flock of cranes swirl over a sea of wildflowers in the clear morning sun. Listen to the distant rumble of an afternoon thunderstorm gathering on the curved horizon. Take a deep breath and catch the scent of the long grass as a soft breeze whispers through it. Feel humbled amid the second-largest gathering of wildebeest, thousands of zebra and oribi, hyena in clans of 50 or more, or a speeding cheetah teaching its cubs how to hunt. This is Liuwa Plain!
Region information
- 3,660 km2
- Vast savannah that transforms with the seasonal rains
- Habitat that attracts rare and endangered bird species
- Large lion prides
- Clans of up to 50 hyena
- Large wildebeest movement through the Liuwa Plain
- Reintroduced Wild dog thriving pack
One of the oldest conservation histories in Africa, Liuwa Plain was proclaimed a protected area in the early 1880s by the head of the Lozi tribe, King Lewanika. Its 3,660 km2 of broad savannah are home to the second largest wildebeest movement on the continent, a flourishing cheetah population, the famed Lady Liuwa lion pride, Africa’s densest concentration of endangered wattled cranes and other rare game, yet it remains one of Africa’s greatest secrets.
Time + Tide King Lewanika is the first permanent camp in the Liuwa Plain and was conceived in collaboration with African Parks, who since 2003 have managed the national park in partnership with the Zambian Department of National Parks and Wildlife and the Barotse Royal Establishment, the monarchy of the Lozi people who live in and around the park.
Camps in
Nosy Komba
Journey to a kingdom of golden light and vast blue skies, where space is endless and time stands still.
Nosy Komba, Madagasacar
Let’s plan your trip
Ready to plan your trip?
One of the oldest conservation histories in Africa, Liuwa Plain is a celebration of thriving wildlife, culture and community.
"The uniqueness of being in a camp with only four safari tents is the ultimate feeling of luxury. Luwi overlooks a wide open grassland that on my first morning we watched a high speed chase - a pack of Wilddogs on a hunt. It was exhilarating to watch and sent our heart rates through the sky adding a lot of chatter and laughter once the pack had passed by."
Jessica, Guest Time + Tide Luwi
"The authenticity and remoteness of the seasonal camps will be a special experience that I will long to return to. There really is no place on earth that you can really escape like you can at the seasonal camps. Falling asleep at Kakuli to the distant lion roars and waking to the call of the fish eagle - really what a magical walking safari!"
Lara, Guest Time + Tide Kakuli
This is the most magical place you're ever likely to experience. Nestled under a grove of imposing Albida trees, it is clearly favoured by the many elephant who graze on the Albida pods. Their presence adds an incredibly special energy to the camp.
Charles, Guest at Time + Tide Chongwe Camp
The lodge is stunning and all the staff are utterly wonderful. The views from the lodge are outstanding, lovely Liuwa wilderness.
My bedroom was incredibly comfortable, very stylish, hitting a difficult combination of minimalist yet luxury. Incredibly comfortable bed and many relaxing areas to rest.
Mandy, Guest at Time + Tide King Lewanika
Our family had the most joyful time at Chongwe, really everything was perfect and every detail taken care of. The team ensured we had the best time at every activity (even tiger fishing!). We felt privileged to spend a few days here and look forward to returning.
Richard, Guest at Time + Tide Chongwe
"Thank you for embracing the unique culture of Barotseland through storytelling, song, dance, drums and the marimba - this is a jewel in the necklace of the African Parks managed conservation areas we are visiting across Africa - much appreciated."
Kingsley Holgate, Guest at Time + Tide King Lewanika
Chinzombo is a stunning lodge in a beautiful location of the South Luangwa. The rooms are luxurious and spacious, with a deck and plunge pool overlooking the Luangwa River. There is always an abundance of wildlife around the rooms, we had a banded mongoose, bushbuck, elephants and hippo's - just to name a few.
Michael, Guest at Time + Tide Chinzombo