Welcome to Zambia’s Luiwa Plain National Park!

Getting to Liuwa National Park in Zambia is not for the faint of heart. The roads can be quite challenging to navigate, especially after the rains. To ensure a smooth journey, it’s best to plan your visit between August and late November.

Let me show you how to get there:

First, begin your journey in Pretoria. Head onto the N1 and then turn onto the N11. Once you’re at the Groblersbrug border post, make sure to arrange your third-party insurance in advance. You can do this by sending an email to Kwa Nokeng Lodge at [email protected], and it won’t cost you a thing.

After crossing into Botswana, continue your trip via Palapye to Francistown on the A1. From there, turn onto the A3 and head towards Nata. For a peaceful overnight stay, we recommend Nata Bird Sanctuary.

Hey there! Let me give you some directions for your journey.

To start, continue heading north on the A33 road towards Kasane. But here’s a tip: don’t drive directly into Kasane. Instead, take a left onto the road that leads to Kasane Forest Reserve. Yes, I know, it’s a sandy and lonely road, but trust me, it will save you both time and fuel.

Once you’re back on the A33, keep going towards Botswana’s Ngoma border post. When you reach there, cross into beautiful Namibia.

Now, the road that leads across the Caprivi Strip to the next border crossing, which is at Katima Mulilo, is actually paved, so you won’t have to deal with any bumps and potholes. Once you’re in Katima Mulilo, you’ll cross over into Zambia at the Wenela border. Keep your eyes peeled for the immigration buildings on your left; they can be a bit tricky to spot because of the thick bushes and vines growing along the fence.

Before you move on, it might be a good idea to do your final shopping at the new Pick ‘n Pay center in Katima Mulilo and top up your fuel tank there. You’ll find that fuel is much cheaper in Namibia, so it’s worth taking advantage of that.

Now, onto the next leg of your journey. Take the M10 gravel highway that leads towards Sitoti. It’s about 60 kilometers from Wenela. There, you can find the Kabula Lodge, where you can spend the night and rest up before continuing your adventure.

You know what’s interesting? The Kalangola ferry is located around 120km from Kabula Lodge. It’s a pivotal point in the M10 road because you have two different options. You can either continue your journey north along the M10 by taking the pontoon, or you can embark on a more challenging route by following the western fork.

If you choose to stay on the M10, you’ll reach Mongu first before heading to Kalabo and Liuwa. Along the way, you might need to stop and ask for directions on how to navigate through a series of sandy roads. But fear not! These sandy roads will eventually lead you to a broken causeway, where a small pontoon will take you across the Zambezi River. Once you’ve successfully crossed the river, just keep following the road until you reach Kalabo. That’s where Liuwa Plain National Park awaits you. Oh, and don’t forget to grab a map of the national park and get directions from the friendly folks in town.

Now, let’s talk about the way back.

If you’re a die-hard 4×4 enthusiast who lives for the thrill of off-roading, then the western fork leading back to the Kalangola ferry is just for you! But be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart. This route is rugged and will really put your driving skills to the test. It’s a real adventure, especially if you’re traveling with a group in a convoy.

So, I decided to take the western fork back down to Sitoti. Let me tell you, it’s not for the faint of heart. This route is more suited for the adventurous types and couples looking to test their relationships. The 192 kilometers ended up taking us much longer than the three and a half hours that Google Maps promised.

We spent the night at Sioma Lodge on the M10 road. From there, it’s about a three-hour drive to get back to the Wenela border post. Just before reaching the border post, there’s a sneaky turn you need to take to the left. After that, you’ll cross the Zambezi again, but this time using a bridge. From there, just keep going towards Livingstone.

Hey there! Let me tell you about my incredible journey from Livingstone to Pretoria. It was an epic adventure filled with beautiful sights and thrilling roads. I’ll give you all the details, so sit back and enjoy!

First, we started on the M10, a long road that stretches for about 200 kilometers. It was a smooth ride, and we couldn’t wait to see what was waiting for us in Livingstone. We heard amazing things about the Victoria Falls, so we decided to take the road through Zimbabwe. We heard that the A33 in Botswana wasn’t as well-maintained, and we wanted the best experience possible.

After a breathtaking visit to the Victoria Falls, we hopped back in our car and continued our journey on the A8. This road took us from Livingstone to Bulawayo, a distance of around 450 kilometers. The drive took us about five hours, but it was totally worth it. The scenery was stunning, and we couldn’t resist stopping along the way to take in the views.

From Bulawayo, we followed the A6 all the way to Beitbridge, covering quite a bit of ground. This leg of the trip was about 470 kilometers long. The road was in good condition, and we made good time as we headed towards the border of South Africa.

Finally, we arrived at the Beitbridge border, marking our entry into South Africa. By this point, we had already traveled quite a distance, but we still had one more destination to reach: Pretoria. It was another 470 kilometers from the border to Pretoria, and we were excited to reach our final stop.

• During our journey, we encountered some roadworks on the M10 in Zambia. The road was being tarred by a Chinese organization. Unfortunately, we’re not sure when it will be completed, but it’s good to know that improvements are being made.

Now, let me share some tips with you about where to stay along the way. Here are a few options:

Welcome to Nata Bird Sanctuary, a special place where nature and community come together. Situated on the Nata Pan, part of the breathtaking Makgadigadi Pans, this wildlife project is a haven of rustic charm. When you visit, you’ll be able to camp under the starry African sky and experience the wonders of the pano landscape. And don’t worry, you won’t go thirsty – our small shop stocks a variety of refreshing beverages just for you. The cost for camping and Pan access is only R70 per person, per night. For more information or to make a reservation, please call us at +267-7154-4342 or visit our website at www.natavillage.org.

Discover Kabula Lodge, a hidden gem nestled on the M10, just an hour and a half after crossing the Wenela border post in Zambia. With its convenient location, it’s the perfect place to take a break during your journey. Known for its incredible Tiger Fishing opportunities and stunning views of the Zambezi River, it offers a truly unforgettable experience. If you prefer camping, you’ll be pleased to know that it costs only R115 per person, per night. And if you’re looking for a little more comfort, our chalets range from R600 to R900 per night, depending on your preferences. To book your stay or to get more details, call us at 082-672-5168 or email us at [email protected]. You can also visit our website at www.kabulalodge.com.

If you’re planning a trip to Liuwa Plain National Park, there are two camping options you should consider. The first one is Mutoya Campsite in Mongu. While we didn’t stay overnight in Mongu ourselves, we heard great things about this place. It’s conveniently located off the Mongu-Senanga Road, making it a good stopover before heading to Kalabo and then Liuwa. To make a reservation, you can contact them through the Open Africa organization. The camping fee is R75 per person per day, which is quite reasonable. You can reach them at 021-683-9639 or via email at [email protected] If you want more information, you can check out their website at www.openafrica.org.

The second option is within Liuwa Plain National Park itself. The entry fee to the park is US$40, and camping costs US$10 per person per day. There are four community campsites available, namely: Lyangu, Kwale, Sikale, and Katoyana. These campsites have basic facilities like cold showers and flush toilets (except for Sikale). If you want to book a campsite, you can reach them at +26-097-961-1975 or via email at [email protected] For more details about the park, you can visit their website at www.african-parks.org.

Both options offer a unique and exciting experience. Whether you choose to stay at Mutoya Campsite or camp within Liuwa Plain National Park, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and wildlife of this incredible destination. So, if you’re ready for an unforgettable adventure, pack your camping gear and get ready to explore Liuwa Plain National Park!

Welcome to Sioma Camp! We’re conveniently located near the main M10 Sesheke-Senanga road, just south of the mesmerizing Sioma (Ngonye) Falls. Our camp offers a variety of accommodations to suit your needs. You can choose from six luxurious safari tents, each with its own raised wooden deck and open-air bathroom, or opt for one of our four standard safari tents. Additionally, we offer self-catering and camping options.

When it comes to rates, we have different packages to choose from. Accommodation only starts at US$ 55, which is approximately R442. For Bed and Breakfast, the rate is US$ 65 (approximately R523), and for full board (excluding drinks), it’s US$ 105 (approximately R844).

If you have any questions or would like to make a reservation, feel free to contact us. You can reach us at Tel +26-0977-771098 or email us at [email protected] Alternatively, you can visit our website at www.siomacamp.com. We’re here to assist you!

About Vehicle Requirements

Now, let’s talk about the vehicle you’ll be using during your visit. We used a 2001 Toyota 3-door Prado, but your vehicle should meet certain criteria:

• It must be a 4×4.
• You should have a low-range capability.
• A Differential Lock (Diff Lock) is essential.
• Make sure your vehicle has high clearance, especially for the sandy ‘middle mannetjie.”

In the wet season, we recommend a diesel engine to prevent it from cutting out when you encounter deep puddles. Having a snorkel can be advantageous in these situations, but it’s not vital.