King Lewanika Lodge reopens in Zambia’s Liuwa Plain after full refurbishment

King Lewanika Lodge has reopened in Liuwa Plain National Park under new operator Ker & Downey Zambia after a full refurbishment that adds solar power, a new poolside sanctuary and migration sleepouts. The relaunch aims to deepen access to one of Africa’s most remote grassland safari destinations and its second-largest wildebeest migration.

Why it matters: - King Lewanika Lodge is the only permanent luxury camp in Liuwa Plain National Park, giving the reopening outsized importance for tourism in one of Africa’s most remote wilderness areas. - The relaunch strengthens access to the park’s wildebeest migration, predator viewing and conservation history. - The refurbishment also pushes the lodge toward lower-impact operations with full solar power and an on-site water filtration system.

What happened: - King Lewanika Lodge reopened in Liuwa Plain National Park, Zambia, after a full refurbishment under new operator Ker & Downey Zambia. - The reopening introduces a new poolside sanctuary, custom-built game-viewing vehicles, migration sleepouts and streamlined air access. - Ker & Downey Zambia says the lodge is a gateway to Africa’s second-largest wildebeest migration and one of the continent’s most exclusive grassland safari destinations.

The details: - The new poolside area sits above the plain and includes a pool, open-air dining pavilion, shaded loungers and seating nooks with broad views across the grassland. - The redesigned central camp area includes a lounge, bar and dining room under an open-fronted roofline, plus a spa, indoor and outdoor dining, and an outdoor fire boma. - The new fleet of game vehicles is built for Liuwa’s terrain and includes elevated rooftop seating, adjustable armrests and photography bean bags. - Migration sleepouts run as a two-day mobile experience from June through September, with guests bivouacked in mosquito-net tents and meals served around an open campfire. - Daily Ker & Downey flights from Livingstone and Lusaka now land at Matiamanene Airstrip, about a ten-minute game drive from camp. - The lodge now runs entirely on solar energy, uses an on-site filtration system for water and has eliminated single-use plastic bottles. - Every suite now includes an in-room minibar, coffee station and radio communication system for in-suite service requests. - King Lewanika Lodge sits on a forested island knoll at the southern tip of the park and has a maximum capacity of 15 guests. - The camp includes five tented twin safari suites and one family suite. - Each twin suite measures 650 square feet indoors plus a 430-square-foot verandah. - The family suite measures 865 square feet plus a verandah. - The lodge is open from March through December. - Rates start at US$3,615 per person for a three-night stay and include a complimentary “Explore All Liuwa” sleep out. - The included sleep out is an optional full-day excursion that can provide access to far-flung parts of the park and, when active, the wildebeest migration.

Between the lines: - Liuwa Plain has a long conservation legacy, first protected in the late 19th century by King Lubosi Lewanika, Litunga of Barotseland. - The park is now managed by African Parks, Zambia’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife and the Barotse Royal Establishment. - The collaborative agreement was renewed in 2026 for another term. - An estimated 12,000 Lozi people live within the park boundaries, reinforcing Liuwa’s model of people and wildlife sharing the landscape. - Liuwa is also known for more than 480 bird species, large crane flocks and sightings of lions, hyenas, cheetahs, African wild dogs and rare antelope. - King Lewanika Lodge lies within the migration’s southern central range, where more than 47,000 animals pass nearby and predator activity is intense from October through May. - Ker & Downey Zambia brings six decades of safari operating experience from Botswana and made a conservation investment in Zambia in 2024. - The company’s guiding philosophy centers on “connection over consumption,” emphasizing high-activity wilderness experiences led by experienced guides.

What’s next: - Guests can book day and night game drives, armed walking safaris, canoe trips, stargazing, conservation talks and a half-day cultural immersion to Kalabo Town. - Depending on the season, visitors may also see Lozi fishing methods or the Kuomboka Ceremony. - Walking, canoeing and sleepout experiences are restricted to guests 12 and older, while the lodge otherwise welcomes children 6 and up. - The reopening positions King Lewanika Lodge for the next migration seasons as travel access improves and the refurbishment becomes fully operational.

The bottom line: - Ker & Downey Zambia is betting that better access, stronger sustainability features and a refreshed guest experience will make Liuwa Plain easier to reach without diluting its wild appeal.