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Best known for
Known for the variety of birdlife found here including many species considered rare. The area is also known for the large numbers of the endemic Kafue Flats Lechwe found on the Kafue Flats. There are more than 30 000 and they move seasonally according to the flood level of the Kafue River. The hot springs at Gwisho occur along a geological fault and the water rises from depths of over one kilometre coming out at temperatures between 60 and 90C. Sebanzi Hill is one of the oldest archaeological sites in Central Africa and is the site of an Iron Age village. The Park has WWF status as a "Wetland of International Importance".

Location
Lochinvar National Park lies to the north of Monze, 235 km from Lusaka, and is situated on the southern edge of the Kafue Flats. The Kafue Flats is a wide flood plain of the Kafue River between the Itezhi Tezhi Dam in the west and Kafue Gorge in the east.

Size
The Park covers an area of 428 sq km.

Wildlife
Besides the Kafue Lechwe there are also buffalo, bushbuck, bush pig, kudu, oribi, vervet monkey, wildebeest and zebra. Known as a bird sanctuary (supported by WWF), over 400 species of birds have been recorded here. Species seen here include: African skimmer, Baillon's crake, black tailed and bar tailed godwits, Cape and European shovellers, Caspian tern, Denham's bustard, greater and lesser flamingos, pink backed and white pelicans, marabou storks, sanderling, turnstone, wattled crane, whimbrel, white bellied and black bellied korhaans. Over 50 raptors can also be seen.

Environment
The Park includes the shallow Chunga Lagoon - the endemic Kafue Lechwe can be seen wading and eating the grasses within the lagoon.

Vegetation
There are basically three parts to the Park: the northern floodplain (part of the Kafue Flats), the central grasslands, and the southern woodlands. The northern plains are covered with grasses and herbs. The central grasslands have areas with large termite mounds on which trees and shrubs grow, and grasses in between. The southern woodlands are mainly Acacia and Combretum trees.

Climate and when to go
The best time to visit is during the dry months of October and November when the river is at its lowest - peak floods occur in May at the end of the rainy season. The bird viewing is best during the wet season when the migrants arrive from the north. The Park is open all year.

Activities
Walking is permitted in the Park but beware of the buffalo. Bird watching is by far the most rewarding activity in this scenic Park. Visiting the hot springs and Iron Age village.

Accommodation
The exclusive Lechwe Plains Tented Camp provides upmarket accommodation and in the Park a basic campsite is also available.

How to get there
By road
Access via the town of Monze on the Livingstone - Lusaka road. (Monze is 282 km from Livingstone and 186 km from Lusaka). The drive from Lusaka takes three hours. Just north of the grain silos at Monze turn west along a gravel road signposted at Namwala, then after 25 km turn right at the signpost to Lochinvar - then travel another 48 km to the gate.

By air
Charter aircraft can land at the Park.