King Lewanika Lodge

Zambia, Liuwa Plains

The first permanent luxury lodge built in Zambia's Liuwa Plains National Park, King Lewanika Lodge can truly say that it is uniquely positioned in this extraordinary wilderness. The lodge draws its name from the most famous paramount chief of the local Lozi people, perhaps inspiring too its majestic appearance. Consisting of only six elegant tented suites and a main camp, Time + Tide King Lewanika mirrors the broad lines of the Liuwa landscape. From your king-sized bed or private deck, you can look out over the flat Liuwa grasslands.

Time + Tide King Lewanika sits at the centre of one of Africa's most remarkable natural events. Following the onset of the rains in October, tens of thousands of wildebeest arrive on the Liuwa Plains to take advantage of fresh grazing. Not to be confused with the Great Wildebeest Migration through the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya, this ‘mini migration' is a localised movement of animals in a smaller area. Complete with attendant predators – mostly large packs of spotted hyenas as well as lions and cheetahs – the herds provide dramatic game viewing until the lodge closes in December, augmented by Liuwa's other animals such as zebra and antelope. There are game drives, night drives and guided nature walks on offer as well as the chance to spot rare creatures such as wild dogs or elusive honey badgers.

By opening from late October to December, and again between April and July, King Lewanika Lodge ensures guests have the best possible experience at Liuwa Plains. The rainy seasons are avoided and the humidity of high summer are avoided, giving you a very comfortable safari. The wildebeest migrate at the end of the year in November and December, which coincides with the best bird-watching months, too. Game viewing and birding is fascinating all year round and, as water levels rise in April, guests at the lodge may catch sight of the spectacular Kuomboka ceremony, during which the current Lozi king floats down a nearby river on an elaborate barge, exchanging his lowland residence for his highland one to escape the rising waters.