LUSAKA: CHAKWELA MUKUMBI CEREMONY EXPERIENCE

Chakwela Makumbi Ceremony 

The name of the festival translates to “pulling the clouds”, which refers to the role of the Chieftainess Nkomeshya II who prays to the ancestors for rains so as to start the farming season. Highlights of the festival include the burning of a small area in the royal field and planting new seeds. The rest of the ceremony includes dances performed by different cultural groups that make up the Soli kingdom. Chibwela Mushi takes place during the last weekend of October. 

Day 1: Arrival

Lusaka, Zambia’s cosmopolitan capital, is a typical modern African city. Set on open plains at the heart of the country, the city serves as Zambia’s rapidly developing economic and transport hub with new buildings popping up everywhere and many chain stores and shopping malls springing up all over the sprawling suburbs. Lusaka’s wide, tree-lined boulevards feature a range of tourist facilities including hotels, guest houses, coffee shops, fast food outlets, nightclubs, and pubs. Visitor attractions include the Henry Tayali Gallery, showcasing local artworks; The National Museum, covering Zambia's colonial history; the Lilayi Elephant Orphanage; and a number of colorful markets. Don’t miss the popular Munda Wanga Environmental Park where you will find a Wildlife Park and Sanctuary, Botanical Gardens, Recreational Village, and an Environmental Education Centre.

Day 2: Lusaka City Tour

A van will be picking you up from Protea Hotel to start your tour around Lusaka. You will be visiting, Munda Wanga Environmental Park, Munda Wanga Botanical Gardens, Lusaka National Museum, Kabwata Cultural Village, and many more! 

Day 3: The Ceremony

The Soli people who are the original inhabitants of Lusaka province commemorate the Chakwela Mukumbi ceremony in Chongwe, a town approximately 40 kilometers from Lusaka city center. 

Included:

• Accommodation

• Meals as mentioned

• Transportation

• Local/English Speaking Tour Guides

Excluded:

• Airline Tickets (Domestic and International)

• Personal expenses (like sunscreen, souvenirs, insect repellent, etc…)

• Alcoholic Drinks and soft drinks (we supply juice and drinking water) 

• Laundry services

• Visas

• Travel and Medical Insurance (mandatory to bring, show, and prove to participate)

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COVID-19 SAFETY GUIDELINES 

What you can expect during this experience: 

• Guides required to regularly wash and sanitize their hands. 
• Face masks are required for travelers and guides in public areas. 
• Tour equipment is sanitized before and after usage.
• Hand sanitizers are available to travelers and staff. 
• High Traffic areas are regularly sanitized. 
• Regular temperature checks are conducted for the staff, before and after the tour. 
• Regular temperature check before the tour will be done for the travelers. 
• Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized, before and after use. 
• Social distancing will be enforced throughout the duration of the tour.