Declared a national park in 1972, Lavushi Manda sits quietly between the Lavushi Manda Hills in the southeast, and the floodplains of Lake Bangweulu in the northwest. Rising more than 500 metres above the surrounding lowlands, the Lavushi Manda Hills form an enormous escarpment in the east of the park. From this plateau numerous seasonal and perennial rivers flow down the escarpment, through the park into the low-lying valley, draining into the Bangweulu Wetlands and eventually Lake Bangweulu.

Vegetation is mostly miombo woodland interspersed with grassland, and riparian forests along the perennial rivers. The vegetation is pristine, and the combination of high altitude hills and low altitude floodplains attract a high variety of game species to the park, though in low numbers.

Identified as an IBA (Important Birding Area) in 2001, the park is host to more than 270 species, including Palmnut Vulture, African Finfoot, Red-capped Crombec, Pale-billed Hornbill and Anchieta’s Sunbird.

The park’s road infrastructure is limited and often overgrown, so an off-road vehicle is required to travel here. The exception is the main gravel road from the highway to Bangweulu which is well maintained as it’s the primary access route from Mpika to the inner villages. Exploring the park on foot is recommended but take reasonable care. Hiking in such a pristine environment is very rewarding with beautiful views over the rivers and valleys from the top of the hills. Climbing to the top of Mount Lavushi offers magnificent views over the Malauzi Valley, while the dramatic landscape offers excellent photographic opportunities.

Fishing is allowed in the rivers so bring your gear. Approximately 30 species of fish occur here including tilapia, yellowfish, tigerfish and the Bangweulu Killifish, endemic to Zambia. The Congo Yellowfish occurs in the Lukulu River, and is known for its spirited fighting when hooked.

At the turn-off to Lavushi Manda National Park, about 50 km south of Mpika, you’ll find Nachikufu Caves (entry USD15pp - Aug 19) where there’s some interesting rock paintings which date back to the Stone Age. Mutinondo Wilderness is nearby, this private reserve sits on the edge of the Luangwa escarpment and offers pristine vegetation, sparkling-clean rivers and beautiful waterfalls.

Rising more than 500 metres above the surrounding lowlands, the Lavushi Manda Hills form an enormous escarpment in the east of the park. From this plateau numerous seasonal and perennial rivers flow down the escarpment, through the park into the low-lying valley, draining into the Bangweulu Wetlands and eventually Lake Bangweulu. Vegetation is mostly miombo woodland interspersed with grassland, and riparian forests along the perennial rivers. The vegetation is pristine, and the combination of high altitude hills and low altitude floodplains attract a high variety of game species to the park, though in low numbers.

Having been heavily poached in past years, the game here is shy but numbers have been on the increase since Kasanka Trust took over park management. Sightings include sable antelope, side-striped jackal and Kinda baboons; there have been no predator sightings or big game sightings in recent years, aside from the occasional lion tracks. Identified as an IBA (Important Birding Area) in 2001, the park is host to more than 270 species, including Palmnut Vulture, African Finfoot, Red-capped Crombec, Pale-billed Hornbill and Anchieta’s Sunbird.

The park’s road infrastructure is limited and an off-road vehicle is required to travel in the park. Exploring the park on foot is recommended but keep in mind the lion tracks and take reasonable care. Hiking in such a pristine environment is very rewarding with beautiful views over the rivers and valleys from the top of the hills.

Fishing is allowed in the rivers so bring your gear. Approximately 30 species of fish occur here including tilapia, yellowfish, tigerfish and the Bangweulu Killifish, endemic to Zambia. The Congo Yellowfish occurs in the Lukulu River, and is known for its spirited fighting when hooked.

All Year

ACCESS:
This park is open all year round.

EMERGENCY SERVICES:
Visitors to Zambia are advised to have their own personal travel insurance. Local police, hospitals, clinics etc. cannot be relied upon.
Please note that any emergency numbers indicated on our data will be for the local police, hospital, clinic etc. and most of the times, don't work. Many tourism sites show the numbers like 999 for police, they often don’t work.

If you have a medical problem when in Zambia, Specialty Emergency Services has a Call Centre (24 hours). Phone them on 737. This company has offices in Livingstone, Lusaka and Kitwe. But they will fly anywhere to assist if visitors have the right insurance.
If you want to check your insurance, contact SES on [email protected]. (http://ses-zambia.com/).

SHOPS & SERVICES:
There are none - you have to be self-sufficient in this park.

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