Kafue National Park (Busanga Plains), Likumbi Lya Mize traditional ceremony
Overview
Embark on a cultural journey into Zambia’s traditional Ceremony: the Likumbi Lya Mize of the Luvale people. Recognized by UNESCO in 2005, this vibrant ceremony marks the climax of the mukanda initiation for young boys. Experience powerful Makishi dances, sacred masked characters, and symbolic rituals reflecting ancestral beliefs and spiritual rebirth. Accommodation includes mixed camping and city lodges, with local guides and chefs enhancing authenticity. Witness the chilende graduation and discover rare cultural teachings on manhood, values, and survival. This exclusive expedition offers a profound and mystical encounter with one of Africa’s most sacred and awe-inspiring traditional celebrations.
Highlights
- Experience a sacred tradition honored globally for cultural significance.
- Witness stunning masked performances symbolizing ancestral spirits and transformation.
- Discover the powerful rite marking boys’ journey into manhood.
- Travel with a local guide and chef for genuine insight.
- Attend a sacred event few outsiders have ever witnessed.
- Visit one of Africa's most remote and pristine National Parks
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Lusaka international airport, you will be welcomed by your guides and assisted in final preparations (local SIM card, forex, etc.) before your Safari starts. Short transfer across town and check-in at Sandy’s Creations, a beautiful accommodation immersed in wonderful gardens with two swimming pools, bars and restaurants. Dinner in Lusaka not included.
Lusaka – Kafue National Park – Busanga Plains (Travel distance: 390 km / 9-10 hr – Tramac Road + Bush trails)
Kafue National Park, extending for 22,400 km2, is Africa’s second largest National Park and is characterized by many different eco-systems and sceneries. From the southern Nanzhila Plains, to the lake habitat of Itezhi-tezhi, to the fit bush and Miombo forest up to the northern Busanga plains.
During your Safari you will visit the northern part of the National Park, camping in some of the most spectacular places and conducting numerous Game Drives in each area.
Our vehicle will pick you up from your accommodation in Lusaka at 06,30 and departure for a 290km transfer on tarmac road to the Hook Bridge over the Kafue River, where we will stop briefly for a pic-nic lunch.
From here you will start heading to the northern sector of the park along the Spinal Road with good opportunities of spotting wildlife along the way. We will reach Bongololo Campsite around late afternoon and set up our camp for the following three nights. Dinner prepared by our accompanying chef and night camping around the fire.
Camping in an unfenced, equipped area with sharing ablutions, including toilet and hot showers.
Days entirely dedicated to game-viewing activities in the Kafue National Park: ether 2 Game drives per day (sunrise and afternoon) or a full-day game drive. Evenings will be spent around the campfire and night camping.
Camping in an unfenced, equipped area with sharing ablutions, including toilet and hot showers.
Days entirely dedicated to game-viewing activities in the Kafue National Park: ether 2 Game drives per day (sunrise and afternoon) or a full-day game drive. Evenings will be spent around the campfire and night camping.
Camping in an unfenced, equipped area with sharing ablutions, including toilet and hot showers.
Sunrise breakfast and break of camp. Departure for a transfer to the rural village of Kasempa, travelling for 150km in the African Bush on mixed Gavel roads and bush trails. From here, we will continue for additional 400km of tarmac road to the small village called Zambezi, where the Likumbi Lya Mize will take place. Packed lunch along the way and arrival expected in the late afternoon.
ATTENTION: ZAMBEZI IS A VERY RURAL AREA WITH ONLY ONE GOOD LEVEL LODGE, USUALLY RESERVED FOR POLITICIANS AND HEAD OF STATES WHO VISIT DURING THE LIKUMBI LYA MIZE CEREMONY. DUE TO OUR LONG-ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LUVALE ROYAL CHIEFTAINSHIP WE WILL HAVE A PREFERENTIAL LANE TO BOOK THIS LUXURY HOTEL. HOWEVER, PAYMENT FOR THESE ROOMS MUST BE DONE WELL IN ADVANCE AND IF THE PRESIDENT OR HIS DIGNITARIES WILL DECIDE TO OCCUPY THE WHOLE LODGE, THEY WILL HAVE THE PRIORITY OVER ANY OTHER EXISTING BOOKING.
IF IT WILL NOT BE POSSIBLE TO FIND ACCOMMODATION IN THIS LODGE, WE WILL HAVE TO RESORT TO LOCAL GUESTHOUSES WHERE STANDARDS MIGHT BE MUCH INFERIOR TO THOSE OF WESTERN ACCOMMODATIONS. THEREFORE, SPIRIT OF ADAPTATION IS ESSENTIAL!
After arrival you will check in for the next 6 nights on a Full Board basis, and have the opportunity to wander around the small village of Zambezi, that will be a hive of activities for the Likumbi Lya Mize or rest at your accommodation. Night lodging.
Makishi (the spirit of the ancestors of the Luvale people) emerge from their graves and possess the bodies of the dancers. These spirits, confused and disorientated are led by the Luvale women along the streets of Zambezi, screaming, shouting, dancing, and performing esoteric rituals along the way. At sunset, they will gather along the shores of the Zambezi River and cross by boat on the other side, symbolising the crossing of the passage from the world of the dead to the world of the living. Your expert guide will lead you through the village, ensuring you will always be at the centre of the celebrations.
Full board at the Hotel. Night lodging.
After breakfast, you will have a meeting with your expert guide during which you will learn about the history of the Luvale people, their traditions and the Likumbi Lya Mize, explaining the rituals and meaning. Afterwards we will break for leisure and lunch before proceeding to attend the second day of celebration of the Likumbi Lya Mize on the white beach of the Zambezi (second day of celebration usually starts after 12.00). At Sunset, return to the hotel by canoe or boat. Full board at the Hotel. Night lodging.
After breakfast, Local tour to see and explore the most interesting landmarks of the Region. Afterwards we will break for leisure and lunch before proceeding to attend the second day of celebration on the white beach of the Zambezi (usually starts after 12.00). At Sunset, return to the hotel by canoe or boat. Full board at the Hotel. Night lodging.
After breakfast, visit of the Zambezi village and purchase of gifts to present to the Senior Chief to thank him for his hospitality. We will then try to obtain a private meeting with the chief inside the Royal Palace of Mize, during which we may ask questions about the tradition of Likumbi Lya Mize or simply pay our respects (Please note: The chief will be extremely busy during this day, so we might have to wait a long time and audience might be rejected if he will be too busy meeting with politicians and dignitaries). In the afternoon, the celebrations of Likumbi Lya Mize will take place outside the royal palace. At Sunset, return to the hotel by canoe or boat. Full board at the Hotel. Night lodging.
Immediately after breakfast, we cross the Zambezi River and reach the Royal Palace Arena, where the climax of Likumbi Lya Mize will take place. We will have VIP seats in a vantage position, being personal guests of the Royal Family.
Attention: it is possible that we will have to wait for quite some time to allow all the head of states, the politicians, and representatives of all tribes to reach the Arena. Therefore, we will have to be patient while waiting for everything to be ready.
During the day, there will be many celebrations and rituals that will be explained by your guide. Makishi will enter the arena and kneel in front of their king, while the living will be chanting the prise of the Luvale people. There will be numerous dances by the traditional dancers, animal sacrifice and finally the Tudanji children will come back to life in a climax of dances. Lunch and drinks can be bought from the numerous stands next to the arena. At Sunset, return to the hotel for our last night in Zambezi. Full board at the Hotel. Night lodging.
Early breakfast at the lodge followed by departure for a long return transfer (500 km of tarmac road) to Solwezi, the capital city of the Luba-Kaonde people, the final chapter of our cultural journey among the culture of the Luba, Lunda and Vaka Chinyama Tribes.
Pic-nic lunch along the way and arrival in Solwezi expected in the early afternoon. Time available to relax by the pool or to visit the town, market, and/or the art gallery. Accommodation will be at the Royal Solwezi hotel, a comfortable accommodation in this very remote region. Dinner at the lodge is not included
Breakfast at the lodge and time to relax and prepare your luggage. Based on your flight schedule, you will be brought to Solwezi airstrip, where you will board a domestic flight to Lusaka and connect with your international return flight.
End of the tour.
Rates
The Rates Include:
- All accommodations indicated in the itinerary, with the specified arrangements
- All meals specified in the itinerary
- Vehicle, fuel, certified professional local guide (English speaking), chef
- All camping gear, excluding pillows, towels and torch for personal use
- All associated participation fees
- All game-viewing activities specified in the itinerary
- Domestic flight Solwezi - Lusaka
The Rates Exclude:
- International flights
- Alcoholic beverages
- Visas
- Activities not offered by African View Tours and Safaris and not specified in the itinerary / specified as “optional”
- Personal comprehensive insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips (Tips are not compulsory, but always welcomed. We suggest: 5 US$ per day per person /couple for the chef, 10 US$ per day per person /couple for the local guide, on discretion for the international guide, when present)
- Anything not stated under “standard inclusions”
FAQs
Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.
It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.
For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.
