About Liuwa Plains Mobile Safari

Liuwa Plain experiences its wettest period in January, with frequent heavy showers dominating most days. The mercury often soars above 30°C, accompanied by high humidity. The park's landscape transforms into a lush, emerald expanse of rampaging vegetation, with crystal-clear skies between downpours. However, the abundance of water causes wildlife to scatter, making sightings more challenging.

Many areas are inaccessible due to flooding, limiting exploration options. The park sees very few safari visitors, but a serene experience awaits any who can get here as large numbers of migratory birds flock to the area.

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The wet season in Liuwa Plain continues through February; dramatic thunderstorms punctuate otherwise sunny days. The national park remains awash with water, affecting wildlife distribution and accessibility.

Dense vegetation growth everywhere further complicates game viewing, but intrepid observers will be rewarded with unique sightings. The flooded plains create temporary waterways, offering distinctive boating opportunities in areas usually traversed on foot or by vehicle. Few safari visitors can get here at this time, providing an intimate experience of the park's raw beauty for those who can.

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March marks the final full month of the rainy season in Liuwa Plain. Daily downpours persist, maintaining high water levels throughout the national park. Temperatures consistently exceed 30°C, with humidity levels remaining elevated.

The lush vegetation and difficult access continue to pose challenges for safari-goers, even though the wildlife viewing can be exceptional. Many species rear their young during this period allowing the Liuwa's predators to take advantage of vulnerable prey. As March progresses, clearer skies emerge, offering breathtaking photographic opportunities against vivid backdrops. Birdwatching remains excellent as migratory species prepare to leave on their seasonal journeys.

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April heralds a transitional period in the national park: heavy rains give way to lighter, sporadic showers. Liuwa Plain retains its vibrant green hue as conditions for wildlife viewing begin to improve. Areas of the national park start to become less inaccessible as flood waters recede. However, many parts remain difficult to reach.

April offers a unique blend of the wet and dry seasons' characteristics, with the landscape slowly beginning its transformation. Animal behaviour and sightings gradually shift as the wildlife slowly adapts to the changing conditions.

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May typically ushers in the dry season at Liuwa Plain. While occasional showers may still occur, most days are clear with sunny skies. Temperatures begin to drop, with daytime highs averaging around 26°C.

The park's landscape starts to dry out, improving accessibility and enhancing game viewing opportunities. As standing water diminishes, the proliferation of vegetation slows and some begins to die back a little. The air clarity remains excellent, benefiting photographers. Late May can see a small uptick in visitors as favourable conditions set in, though the park remains very quiet by any normal standards.

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June brings reliably dry conditions to Liuwa Plain, with sunny days becoming the norm. Humidity levels plummet, and temperatures continue to decrease, often dropping to around 10°C at night while reaching 25°C during the day.

The park's vegetation is now thinning out a little, gradually enhancing the visibility of the wildlife. Wild dogs start denning; impalas are rutting. Smaller water sources become scarcer, wildlife sightings around remaining water bodies improve. The cooler temperatures make for comfortable daytime exploration of the park. The changing landscape offers an easier environment for viewing wildlife than the dense greenery of the wet season.

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In July, Liuwa Plain's dry season is in full swing. Vegetation continues to recede, and water sources continue to shrink, leading to excellent wildlife viewing opportunities around those that remain.

Daytime temperatures hover in the 20s Celsius, but nights can become cold, dropping to single digits. Early morning and late evening game drives can be particularly chilly: bring warm layers, gloves and hats!

The national park sees an increase in visitors during this prime viewing season, though Liuwa remains less crowded than most other African parks. The landscape takes on a golden hue as grasses dry out.

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August in Liuwa Plain National Park offers very good game viewing conditions as animals congregate around dwindling water sources. Wild dog dens still active. The chance of rain is minimal, with consistently sunny days. A slight haze may begin to appear on the horizon due to dust and distant bush fires.

Nighttime temperatures are cold, dipping below 5°C, so come prepared; daytime highs reach the mid-20s Celsius. The golden landscape contrasts sharply with the wet season's lush environment. This is a popular month for visitors, attracted by the excellent wildlife sightings and comfortable daytime temperatures.

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September is often considered the prime time to visit Liuwa Plain. Rainfall is rare, humidity is low, and temperatures begin to rise, with daytime highs typically in the low 30s Celsius.

Wildlife viewing is excellent as many animals cluster around the few remaining water sources. The wildebeest herds start appearing in the north of the park, and wild dog puppies are now mobile. The landscape is at its driest, providing a striking backdrop for photography, though some haze may affect long-distance views.

Despite being the park’s peak month for visitors, Liuwa Plain still receives relatively few visitors and retains a very exclusive feel.

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October sees Liuwa Plain National Park at its driest and hottest. The landscape is parched, with little ground vegetation remaining. Daytime temperatures frequently soar above 40°C, rarely dropping below 20°C at night. These extreme conditions concentrate wildlife around the few remaining water sources, leading to exceptional game viewing opportunities.

The heat can be challenging for visitors, but visitors are rewarded with larger herds of wildebeest moving south on the plains. A haze often permeates the air, affecting long-distance visibility and photography.

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November in Liuwa Plain is as unpredictable as the transition from dry to wet season. Temperatures remain high and humidity builds as the month progresses; then everything changes as the first proper rains arrive.

Early November can still offer excellent game viewing, as the spectacular wildebeest migration masses across the park's southern plains. Many animals disperse as the rains strengthen and water becomes more readily available. Visitors numbers plummet; those who can get here witness the dramatic change from brown to green as vegetation explodes.

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December usually sees Liuwa Plain in the midst of its wet season. Heavy thunderstorms may be a daily occurrence, interspersed with periods of sunshine. Daytime temperatures often exceed 30°C, accompanied by high humidity. The landscape undergoes a remarkable transformation, turning lush and green.

Game viewing is challenging as areas of the nation park become inaccessible due to flooding. Despite the challenges, the rain washes away dust and haze, revealing stunningly clear skies that provide excellent photographic conditions.

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