Beside South Luangwa lies a normal, working, rural Zambian village that has decided to invite visitors to stay. There is nothing contrived or artificial about Kawaza Village, but it does offer you the rare opportunity to appreciate Kunda culture, an experience perhaps best described by one of our guests:
“Kawaza is a typical Kunda village - nothing more and nothing less. After being welcomed and introduced to Jackson, the village headman, I wandered through the village, escorted by Maya (a local guide with excellent English) and Constantino - a local lad with an eccentric taste in earrings!
In the golden light of the early evening we sat with some of the women as they prepared the evening meal of Nshima and sauce. Children of all ages appeared - I've never seen such big smiles. The men were busy drinking and chatting. Joining them, they were delighted that I liked their beer, and surprised I wasn't married - hence began an interesting conversation about the merits of three wives versus one! Later we visited the traditional healer - an eye-opening experience, as her comments proved astonishingly accurate.
That evening the village put on a dance, which became an excuse for neighbouring villages to join the party. I have no idea how many people joined us to dance in the moonlight, but it seemed like hundreds, from children to great grandparents - all accompanied by two drummers. After a warm-water shower/bath under the stars, I spent the night comfortably under a mosquito net in a firm bed in a traditional hut.
The following morning, I helped out with an English lesson at the school before being picked up and taken to my next safari camp. I was never asked for money or tips; the cost of the visit had been agreed in advance and put towards vital development initiatives. My visit has been the experience of a lifetime for me, and an equitable exchange of trust, wisdom, culture and money with Kawaza Village.”
Talk to us about Kawaza. We donate all of our booking commission on your time at Kawaza to their school fund.
Look on the right side of this page for trips that include time at Kawaza Village - just click on the link below 'Trips to Kawaza Village…'>>
Note that the team from Robin Pope Safaris were instrumental in helping Kawaza Village to get up and running, and they still provide the village with a lot of logistical support. Hence your time at the village would combine particularly well with time spent at other places run by Robin Pope Safaris: Nkwali, Nsefu, Tena Tena, Robin's House and the Luangwa Safari House.
Traditional Cultures: This award-winning, ground-breaking project allows visitors a real insight into rural Zambian life through a day or more actually staying in the village itself
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for traditional cultures in Zambia
Kawaza - informative and great evening 'show'
A really worthwhile trip. We visited villagers homes, met the headmaster of the local school, attended a church service, talked to a traditional healer, shopped at the local shop, fetched water from t...
Kawaza Village review
Kawaza was everything we had hoped for and more. Very relaxed on both sides leading to great interaction with the local population. We have given an excellent score for everything because everything ...
We want you to understand more about Kawaza Village. We're also confident that a trip there with us cost you the same or less than booking it any other way, even directly. So follow the links below.
New UK site for Kawaza Village This is a good, fast-loading and informative site that is worth looking at if you are thinking of staying here.
