Lochinvar National Park

Overview

A Scottish cattle farmer named Horne arrived here in 1908. It seems that the local chief granted him the land, although this is debatable, but he took it over, and registered it in the name of the British South Africa Company. 

He then built his home, an imposing redbrick farmhouse, which he called Lochinvar, to commemorate his Scottish roots. Today, the building stands dilapidated, a relic from the past. 

Without any thought of the harm he was causing, Horne ruthlessly wiped out all the wildlife in the area, including herds of sable and roan antelopes, wildebeest, and all predators, the last lion being killed around 1947.

In 1966, the land was bought back by the Zambian Government, and in 1972 the Lochinvar National Park was created in an attempt to preserve the remaining game. 

The Lochinvar National Park is situated southwest of the capital, Lusaka. Bounded by the Kafue River in the north, it is divided into three distinct regions:

• Northern floodplain

• Central grassland 

• Southern woodland

“Unspoilt" is probably the best description of Lochinvar National Park. There are no tourist-centric luxury lodges, invasive development, and few home comforts. For this reason, the park attracts only the most enthusiastic birdwatchers, but those who do come are well rewarded.

There are only some basic campsites, so you'll need to carry your equipment. Lolchinvar Safari Camp and Campsite, which offers tented accommodation and other amenities such as bathrooms and a community dining area, is just outside the park.

Apart from the bird- and wildlife, attractions include:

• Sebanzi Hill — the site of an ancient Iron Age village

• Drum Rocks — so-named because they produce a drum-like sound when tapped

• Gwisho Hot Springs — situated 2 km west of the old Lochinvar Lodge, where the remnants of a well-preserved Stone-Age settlement were uncovered