In November, with the onset of the rains, massive herds of blue wildebeest arrive from Angola, crossing the Liuwa Plain in their tens of thousands, very often mingling with zebra, as they gather around water holes. This, the second largest wildebeest migration in Africa, is one of nature’s greatest spectacles.
Liuwa’s carnivore population is on the rise thanks to the conservation work of African Parks. The cheetah population is rising, the spotted hyena population is thriving and a small, but growing pride of lion has been successfully introduced through valiant conservation efforts. Massive flocks of birds also migrate here during the rains and you are likely to see bustard, teal and crane, as well as fish eagle, tawny eagle and marshall eagle. The mixture of long grasses, pans, and occasional groves of trees suit a multiplicity of birds.
For a unique experience, travel to Liuwa Plain for the historic Kuomboka Festival, which takes place when the plains begin to flood. In an epic procession, the king and court move to higher grounds in an epic procession of boats along the river.
