Signarture Safaris
The Kuomboka Safari
The RBS Difference
What to Expect
Experience Zambia’s largest cultural festival, where centuries-old Lozi traditions come to life in a spectacular royal procession across the Barotse Floodplain.
Experience the rich culture and traditions of Western Zambia through an exclusive journey to the Kuomboka Ceremony, the largest and most celebrated cultural festival in Zambia. Held annually as the floodwaters rise across the Barotse Floodplain, the ceremony marks the Litunga’s royal journey from the plains to higher ground aboard the magnificent Nalikwanda, a giant traditional barge accompanied by paddlers, musicians, and thousands of spectators. This unique safari offers guests rare access to one of Africa’s most authentic cultural experiences, combined with exceptional hospitality, local insights, and the personal hosting of Gavin and Penny Johnson. Witness centuries-old traditions come to life while immersing yourself in the history, culture, and landscapes of the Barotse Kingdom.
Executive Summary
7 Nights | Cultural Safari
- Location: Western Zambia
- River: Zambezi River
- Duration: 7 Nights
- Company: 8 Guests per safari
- Included: Accommodation, All meals & snacks, Unlimited guided fishing, All fuel and levies
- Excluded: Bar account, Lost/broken tackle, Airport transfers
- Time of Operation: One safari per year between April – May (Timing is dependent on when the Zambezi floods)
Lozi Culture
The Kuomboka Ceremony
For centuries, the Lozi people have lived in harmony with the annual flooding of the Zambezi River, shaping a unique culture deeply connected to the rhythms of the Barotse Floodplain. At the heart of this culture is the Litunga, the revered King of the Lozi Kingdom, whose authority and traditions have endured for generations. The 300 year old Kuomboka Ceremony, meaning “to get out of the water,” commemorates the Litunga’s historic movement from the flooded plains at Lealui to the royal palace on higher ground at Limulunga as the waters rise each year. Guests on this exclusive safari will gain a rare insight into the history, customs, and traditions of the Lozi people while witnessing the grandeur of the royal procession aboard the Nalikwanda. The experience is complemented by a stay at Mutemwa Lodge and time spent in our traditional mobile camp on the Barotse Floodplain, where guests can immerse themselves in the landscapes, hospitality, and cultural heritage that make Western Zambia one of Africa’s most fascinating and authentic destinations.
