May 2013 – dates to be announced
includes flights from Lusaka, accommodation, drinks, guiding by Robin Pope and David Rogers, park fees, laundry.
This is a trip with a difference — and to one of the most inaccessible parts of Zambia. Liuwa Plain is remotely situated in the far west of Zambia, on the Angolan border. The park is the park is 3600 sq. km of wooded islands in a flat plain of 70 x 30 km. This whole area is part of the Zambezi catchment and is flooded from late December to early May. During these flood months the 100 metre wide Zambezi becomes a 40 km wide stretch of water, swamp, reeds and islands. What a sight to fly over.
The plain is flat – horizon to horizon and under the vast skies run 30,000 blue wildebeest along with zebra, red lechwe, oribi, eland, buffalo and others. These antelope are prey to many hyena, some wild dog and a few cheetah. There is a well known single lioness, Lady Liuwa, who was joined by two introduced males in 2009. Hopefully a new pride will develop. The birds and the landscapes above everything are breathtaking here. There are many species and lots of them! Especially in the months of May, June and November, December. During these months as the water recedes and latterly the rains arrive there are carpets of flowers just to put the finishing touch to the extraordinary scenes.
African Parks have taken on the administration of the reserve and are doing a great job on law enforcement, reintroduction of species and during certain months Robin Pope Safaris have access to their private camp.
It is a great honour for me to run this trip with Robin Pope — he is an extraordinary guide and gentleman who was largely responsible for the development of walking trails in Zambia. He loves the remote areas of Western Zambia deeply and it is a rare privilege to spend time with him here. I will be the photographic guide on the trip and what opportunities there are here.
