Lochinvar National Park Zambia

Lochinvar, although not abundant in the larger mammals, is nonetheless a park of exceptional beauty and outstanding birding opportunities with over 420 recorded species in its 428 square kilometers.

The Park is situated on the southern edge of the Kafue Flats, a wide floodplain of the Kafue River between Itezhi tezhi dam in the west and Kafue Gorge in the east. The area extends for 33kms from the Kafue River in the north to low wooded hills in the south. It includes the large, shallow Chunga Lagoon which fluctuates considerably in size with variations in river levels. The varying vegetation makes it an interesting park to visit with floodplains, woodlands, and termitaria.

It is particularly well known for the large herds of Kafue lechwe, unique to the Kafue flats. Other antelope are the blue wildebeest, kudu, Oribi, and buffalo. Waterbirds are especially abundant.

The Kafue Flats floodplain, in the northern section, floods from the Kafue River, and here you’ll find thousands upon thousands of the endemic Kafue lechwe, one of three subspecies of lechwe found in Zambia. More than 30 000 of them make the flats their home and move seasonally according to the flood level.

At high water, massive herds may be seen along the upper flood line and in the open grassland further south. As the floods recede the herds move north into the grassy floodplain. They feed on grasses and herbs in water up to a meter deep and are often seen wading or swimming in the Chunga Lagoon. Mating takes place mainly between December and January. Males fight over small territories known as leks and then mate with several females.

In the Termitaria Zone, trees and shrubs grow only on the large termite mounds with grasses and herbs covering the rest of the area, which often become waterlogged during the rainy season. There are also many small grey mounds which are always unvegetated. The magpie shrike is one of the birds to be seen in the scattered trees of this zone and the surrounding grassy plains are grazed by buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, and Oribi. Very much in evidence is the ‘candelabra’ tree.

The southern area is mainly woodland, dominated by Acacia Albida and Combretum trees, and is free from flooding. Bushbuck kudu, baboon, bush pig, and Vervet monkey inhabit this area.

The Gwisho Hot Springs occur along a geological fault here, surrounded by lush vegetation and vegetable ivory palms. The water rises by convection from depths of over 1 km with temperatures ranging from 60° to 90° C. There are high concentrations of sodium, chlorine, calcium, and sulfates in the water. A distinctive rock is known as a ‘fault breccia’ occurs along the line of the fault and can be seen at Gwisho or the Lodge.

Sebanzi Hill is an archaeological site that has been excavated. It was the site of an Iron Age village, inhabited for most of the last century. Look out for The Baobab Tree with a hollow trunk large enough for several people to sleep in. Historically the tree was said to boast special powers that would protect passing travelers from wild animals. There is a curious rocky outcrop called Drum Rocks not far from the lodge, which produces a resonant sound when tapped. They are also part of local superstition in former times and passers-by had to stop and greet the rocks before proceeding.

Size of Lochinvar national park Zambia

The park’s total area is 428 square kilometers. The park is very similar to Blue Lagoon National Park on the other side of the Kafue on the northern flats. A former ranch, the park was designated in 1972 and is known for its Kafue lechwe and birdlife, with over 400 species recorded.

Location of Lochinvar national park Zambia

The Lochinvar National Park lies southwest of Lusaka in Zambia, on the south side of the Kafue River. The national park straddles two of Zambia’s Ecoregions: Zambezian and Mopane woodlands in the south, and Zambezian flooded grasslands over most of the park.

How to get there Lochinvar national park Zambia

Lochinvar is only a three-hour drive from Lusaka and is also accessible by charter aircraft. The access road is via the town of Monze on the Livingstone – Lusaka road. Monze is 282 km from Livingstone and 186kms from Lusaka. Just north of the grain silos at Monze, turn west along a gravel road signposted at Namwala, then after about 25kms turn right at the signpost to Lochinvar, a distance of about 48 km. The park gates are open between 6h00 and 18h00 and park fees are payable on entry.

Things to do in Lochinvar national park Zambia

Birding safaris

The park has seen a rapid depletion of game, but the birds remain a major attraction in the area. If you are a keen birder, the best sightings are close to the water of the floodplains. The rains in December to March bring migrant birds from the north and a variety of water birds including flamingos (greater and lesser), pelicans, great snipe, and the marsh warbler.

Walking safaris

Along with the prolific birdlife, there is also a great opportunity for walking safaris as there are very few predators or large mammals in the park. The Kafue lechwe is an amphibious antelope, their hooves being well suited to wading through the wetlands. Other animals that are fairly common are blue wildebeest, kudu, zebra, and buffalo.

Gwisho Hot Springs

Formed by a geological fault, the springs stretch across the southern end of the park on the edge of the Kafue Flats Basin. The water temperature varies between 60 °C and 90°C and contains a high concentration of chlorine, calcium, sulfates, and sodium.

Lochinvar Lodge

The old building left here is crumbling and falling apart but its setting does provide some magnificent views over the park

Sebanzi Hill

A national monument that marks the position of an Iron-Age village. It has an excellent view of the park and its springs.

Drum Rocks

In the south of the park lies an outcrop of rocks that echo and produce fascinating sounds when tapped. These rocks are considered sacred by locals and are used in rituals.

When to visit Lochinvar national park Zambia

Water sources in the bush dry out from July to October – the middle and end of the Dry season. At this time animals tend to congregate around the Chunga lagoon, the main area accessible to visitors. Therefore, July to October is the best wildlife viewing months.

Where to stay in Lochinvar national park Zambia

There are no lodges or camps in Lochinvar National Park, but you can camp in the park with your own camping equipment.

The rate for camping is USD 5 per person. Park Entry fees are USD 10 per person.

The park is managed by the Department of wildlife and you do not need to pre-book, the officers stationed at the Park will help you and show you where to camp inside the park.

ACTIVITIES TO DO

HOW TO GET THERE

AREAS OF INTEREST

POPULAR SAFARIS

BEST TIME TO VISIT

WHERE TO STAY

RECOMMENDED AFRICAN SAFARIS

Great Wildebeest Migration Tanzania & Kenya

Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda

Victoria Falls Zambia – Zimbabwe

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda