Wildlife Safari & Likumbi Lya Mize Festival
The Likumbi Lya Mize of the Luvale people is a cultural experience in the centre of Zambian traditional masquerade. This trip is mainly lodging in National Park and hotels in the major cities. To make the most of your trip, you will be accompanied by a local guide with vas knowledge about wildlife Safari and another one in local tradition.
Likumbi Lya Mize Ceremony is a traditional ceremony of the Luvale speaking people in which the Makishi masquerades are displayed. The Makishi masquerades are very special and artistic, it is what makes this ceremony of the Luvale so interesting. The ceremony takes place on both sides of the Zambezi River in the North-Western Province of Zambia. It takes place at the last weekend of August every year. The Likishi is one of the two masquerades in Zambia that have received official recognition by UNESCO as ‘Artefacts of Indelible Culture’.
Highlights
- South Luangwa National Park
- Game Drives & Walking Safari
- Cultural experience with Likumbi Lya Mize is a traditional ceremony
- Explore Zambia Safaris and Cultural Tour
Inclusions
M’kango Golfview Hotel – Lusaka
- 3 Nights Ensuite Rooms (Bed & Breakfast)
Zikomo Safari Camp – South Luangwa National Park
- 4 Night Ensuite Chalet Accommodation
- Two Game Viewing Activities Per Full Day (Morning and Night Game Drive Safari)
- All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Afternoon Tea/Coffee with Snacks)
- National Park Entry Fees & Conservation Fees
- Laundry & Wi-Fi Services
- Government Taxes and Service Charge
Royal Kutachika & Likumbi Lya Mize Annual Festival – Zambezi
- 5 Night Ensuite Accommodation
- Breakfast & Dinner
Transportation:
- All Road Transfers & Driver services
The Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival/Transfer to the Hotel, Lusaka
Upon arrival at Lusaka international airport, Meet & greet our representative then assist you with the luggage and transfer to Cresta Golfview Hotel where you will overnight on dinner , bed and breakfast.
Day 2
Trip to Zikomo Safari Camp, South Luangwa NP
Breakfast in the morning and then the transfer of about 9 hrs to Zikomo Safari camp in South Luangwa National Park, if you arrive on time, you check in and tea/coffee with snacks and then afternoon/night game drive returning in time for dinner and later bedtime.
Day 3 - 5
Breakfast in the morning followed by morning game drive and then return to the camp in time for lunch and free time to relax. Later in the afternoon, you will have afternoon tea/coffee and snacks then an afternoon game drive returning to the camp in time for dinner and then bedtime
Day 6
Road Trip to M'kango Golfview Hotel – Lusaka
Breakfast at Wildlife Camp then the lodge will make some pack lunch for you and then our driver will take you on about 9 hours’ adventure drive through the towns and mountains to Lusaka, check-in at Cresta Golfview Hotel and relax.
Day 7
Transfer to the Zambezi for the Festival
Breakfast at the hotel in Lusaka and preparation to start the journey to the Zambezi through the Copperbelt route. We will stop for lunch in Solwezi, a mining town, to try the region’s traditional meal: Nshima.
Arrival in the Zambezi is at around 6:00 pm, with Check-in at a local guest house, Guests are advised to make their dinner arrangements through the restaurant.
Day 8
Likumbi Lya Mize
The Likumbi Lya Mize Ceremony is kickstarted by KUVUMBUKA, the resurrection of over 100 Makishi from the land of the dead. The Luvales believe that the Makishi are not humans, but spirits of their ancestors. Every year, the Makishi resurrect from the Graveyards on the Eastern banks of the mighty Zambezi River and make their way to the plains called CHILENDE.
During this procession, Business in Zambezi districts comes to a standstill as scores of people line up the streets to have a glimpse of the Makishi Masquerades. The spectacular procession of Makishi displays a diversity of masked characters, each with its distinct features, personality traits and dancing style, from elegant to naughty and acrobatic. Most characters are from LUVALE FORKLORE, but some are based on modern-day situations. Before proceeding further, some Luvale women called NYATUNDANJI to hide gifts called VISWEKA in sandy mounds called LIHANGA.
Day 9
Likumbi Lya Mize
The following day, the Makishi and different cultural groups host another Chilende called CHILENDE CHA HAUSEKESEKE, a dance show on the sandy beach of the Zambezi River. This is another remarkable count down to the Likumbi Lya Mize and attracts Makishi from all parts of Zambia.
The beautiful sandy beach and waters of the mighty Zambezi River set the mood for great jubilation. The performances start from midday to sunset and after which the Makishi Proceed to the Mize capital of His Royal Highness Senior Chief Ndungu.
Day 10
Mize
The performances continue, this time in the palace from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. This Proceeds to an overnight performance to welcome the official day of the ceremony.
Day 11
Mize
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. Please note that we may have to wait for quite some time to allow all the heads of state, 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 praise of the Luvale people. There will be numerous dances by the traditional dancers’, including an animal sacrifice. Lunch and drinks can be bought from the numerous stands next to the arena.
On the actual Mize Day or Likumbi Lya Mize, the ceremony starts with various cultural performances in the main arena by the Luvale speaking people from different parts of Zambia, while most dignitaries invited to the event are already seated in the enclosure awaiting the arrival of His Royal highness Senior chief Ndungu while listening to the royal slit drum.
Senior chief Ndungu then makes a grand entry into the main arena on a 3- wheel carriage known as Kalikoki, accompanied by his wife, Lisano. This makes the event colourful and interesting as the people have a rare opportunity to catch a glimpse of their chief, clothed in a colourful robe, wearing his Muchama Crown and carrying a fly whisk. At sunset, we will return to the guesthouse for our last night in the Zambezi.
Day 12
Transfer Back to Lusaka
Early departure for a transfer of about 9hours to Lusaka, we arrive and check-in at the hotel then relax before our flight the following day.
Day 13
Departure
Today we have breakfast from our hotel and check out, based on your flight schedule, you will be taken to Lusaka International Airport for your outbound flight to wrap up your tour!
Where You'll Be Staying
M’kango Golfview Hotel
Lusaka City
Zikomo Safari Camp
South Luangwa National Park
Royal Kutachika Lodge,
(LIKUMBI LYA MIZE)
What's not included
Visa Fees - Flights & Travel/Medical Insurance - Lunch & Dinner at Cresta Golfview Hotel - Lunch at Royal Kutachika Lodge in the Zambezi - Laundry Service at Cresta Hotel & Royal Kutachika - Anything of personal nature - All Drinks
Why Choose Absolute Zambia Safaris?
Absolute Zambia Safaris is a specialist in bespoke and private safaris in Zambia. Through our large safari operators, we proudly assist our guests in designing custom-made safaris.
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