lochinvar

Lying to the south side of the 'Kafue Flats' Lochinvar is divided into three distinct zones; the northern flood plain; the central grass lands & the southern woodland. Although a relatively small area ( once a private cattle farm ) of 410 sq. km. on the Kafue River flood plain, this park boasts 428 bird species including waders, ducks, water fowl and unique woodland species including the endemic Chaplin's Barbet. Lochinvar is probably one of Africa's best known 'Birding' destinations.

The waterways attract an incredible number of birds and masses of antelopes on the Kafue floodplains, including about 2,000 blue wildebeest.It is the last stronghold of approximately 30,000 graceful, aquatic Kafue lechwe well as many other antelope including Eland, zebra, wildebeest, Oribi, kudu, bushbuck, bushpig and Buffalo. Leopard, Caracal and Jackal are the main predators here.

Once it was bequeathed to the nation in 1904, land belonging to an old colonial farmhouse under a preservation order, returned to its wild state. Lochinvar's huge swath of unique wetland and beautiful floodplain savannah was subsequently deemed to be important enough to be granted World Heritage Status.

This park of exceptional beauty is situated on the Kafue River floodplain, easily accessible midway between Livingstone and Lusaka. It extends from the Kafue River in the north, to low wooded hills in the south and includes the Chunga Lagoon whose levels fluctuate according to river flow. Within the park are two National Monument sites: Sebanzi Hill iron-age village site which has dramatic views over the surrounding flats and thick bushland, and the sulphurous Gwisho Hot Springs whose saline deposits attract animals who delight in licking the salt. Lochinvar is a tranquil hideaway far from the main safari circuits, offering peace and beauty together with ever-changing waterscapes. Local villagers are also part of the eco system and support themselves by fishing from mokoro dug-out canoes.