This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines open now

User menu
Kawaza Village
Kawaza Village
Kawaza Village
Kawaza Village
Kawaza Village
Kawaza Village

Kawaza Village: Our full report

Just outside the South Luangwa National Park, and a few miles from Mfuwe town 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.


Though, in the past, visitors could stay overnight, or even for a few days, currently the village is only able to conduct daytime visits.

For a number of years guests visiting Robin Pope Safaris camps in the South Luangwa National Park could pay a brief visit to the school at Kawaza Village, until somebody suggested that it would be a good idea to spend longer in a local village and to meet local Zambians in their own environment. Now the local community at Kawaza run a tourism project where they can show guests what life is like living in a Zambian village. They have a few huts which they keep free for visitors who wish to spend the night. As well as visiting the school, it is also possible to visit the clinic, pay your respects to the village chief as well as visit a local healer.

On arrival at Kawaza village guests are met by Constantino, the village guide who is also the manager of the tourism project. He will introduce guests to some of the villagers and ask which activities they may be interested in visiting.

Visitors staying overnight will be shown to their accommodation which is a traditional mud hut with mud walls and solid earth floor. There are no windows, with the only light coming from the door. The hut is very basic with a mattress on a reed base covered by a mosquito net. There is no other furniture in the hut. Clean but threadbare pillows and duvet are provided on the beds.

A long-drop toilet with wooden “throne" is provided in an enclosed cubicle a few metres from the huts at the back of the village. This is the only exception to local village life as the toilet is in the typical western-style and is not used by the villagers. A shower, in a reed enclosure, consists of warm water in a basin with a jug for pouring water. Soap and towels are provided.

On an overnight stay by the Expert Africa team, in April 2011, we did a few of the activities offered at Kawaza. We visited the local school but, unfortunately (for us!) it was school holidays so there were no children in class. However we did get to meet the headmaster, Felix Maunga, who is also a member of the tourism project. He is young and enthusiastic and dedicated to his job at the school. He gave us an extensive tour of the school and its facilities. The school has 7 teachers, 10 classrooms and over 1,000 pupils.

The school visit was followed by a visit to the local clinic which was a short drive from the village. There is only one doctor here and resources are very limited. Afterwards we wandered through a string of villages where we stopped and chatted to people and eventually had a crowd of friendly children trailing after us! We also popped in to see the local healer who explained the various medicinal uses of herbs and traditional healing methods.

Guests are also invited to take part in everyday village activities such as brewing local beer, grinding the maize, drawing water at the well and picking maize in the fields. We even had a go at carrying heavy buckets on our heads!

Once back at Kawaza dinner was served. This was a traditional meal cooked by a local village woman. On our last visit there we were served chicken cooked over the fire, with some spinach and sadza (a staple maize dish). All meals are served in a reed and thatch ‘nsaka’, in the middle of the village, seated on the reed-covered floor and eaten by hand. A washbasin and soap are provided outside the ‘nsaka’ for washing your hands, both before and after the meal.

After dark guests are entertained by people from the surrounding villages with drumming and dancing around the camp fire. Once the drums start a huge crowd gathers to take part, and once it is over everyone disperses and the village is quiet again!

After spending a night in the village guests are woken at dawn by cocks crowing and the soft voices of the ladies getting up to light their fires and start another day.

Guests are invited to help the ladies sweeping the area around the huts – the village is spotlessly tidy.

Your day then begins again with the choice of more activities and another possible walk around the surrounding villages.

The team from Robin Pope Safaris were instrumental in helping Kawaza Village to get started, and they still provide the village with a lot of logistical support. If guests are booked at Kawaza in conjunction with any other Robin Pope Safaris properties then one of their guides will remain with you for the duration of the stay.

Your time at the village would combine particularly well with time spent at other Robin Pope Safaris properties : Nkwali Camp, Luangwa River Camp, Tena Tena and Nsefu.


Our view

Visiting Kawaza Village will give visitors a true insight of how life is living in an African Village. Its simple but uncontrived and the villagers really make you feel welcome.

Claire Scott

Claire Scott

Zambia expert

Geographics

Location
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Ideal length of stay
One night – possibly two - when the overnight stays are available.
Directions
Kawaza village is 30 – 45 minutes by road from Mfuwe airport (depending on the state of the roads)
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
Dinner is a traditional meal cooked by a local village woman. On our last visit we were served chicken cooked over the fire, with some spinach and sadza (a staple maize dish). All meals are served in a reed and thatch ‘nsaka’ in the middle of the village, sitting on the reed-covered floor and eaten by hand. A washbasin and soap are provided outside the ‘nsaka’ for washing your hands, before and after the meal.

For breakfast we were served traditional deep-fried doughnuts (mendazi’s) with freshly picked bananas and tea.
Dining style
Group Meals
Dining locations
Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
No
Drinks included
Drinks are included if staying with Robin Pope Safaris. Your guide will have a cool box with soft drinks, wine and beer in the vehicle.

Special interests

Cultural experiences
This fascinating and unique tourism project allows visitors a real insight into rural Zambian daily life. Visitors can take part by spending a day, or overnight, in this friendly village and experience the everyday routine of those that live there.
See ideas for Cultural experiences

Children

Attitude towards children
Children of all ages are welcome
Property’s age restrictions
None
Special activities & services
None
Equipment
None
Generally recommended for children
Kawaza is a great place for children to meet children of their own age from another culture, however because the overnight facilities are very basic we wouldn’t recommend if for children under 5 years.

Communications

Communications
There is cellphone reception in the village and it is possible to email from the school in case of an emergency.
TV & radio
None

Sustainability

Kawaza Village sustainability

The first village tourism enterprise in Zambia

Testimonies from former guests’ state that a visit to Kawaza Village was the highlight of their trip to Luangwa Park. While some choose to pay the village just a short visit, others spend more days learning and experiencing the local culture. The first authentic cultural village tourism enterprise in Zambia and winner of the infamous Silver Otter Award by the British Guild of Travel Writers, Kawaza Village Tourism Project was set up with help from Robin Pope Safaris. The safari group is still an active contributor to the project and acts as their booking agent, facilitating guests access to the village and promoting the project internationally directly on their website.

The village harbours approximately 12 families and 10 village members are now in charge of the smooth run of the project. Each tour of the village is tailor-made to suit the preferences of every visitor and depending on the length of their stay, guests can choose from a series of unforgettable activities. Usually a trip would start with a walk down to the lagoon where visitor can learn about the local plants and their medicinal uses, but also understand the layout of the village.

Other experiences include trying local food such as ‘nshema’, a traditional dish similar to the infamous European polenta, or even partake in the nightly gatherings – the perfect opportunity for storytelling and dancing. People are even invited to ramble the forests and help collect wild honey and learn how apiculturists make and raise hives.

The project provides financial support to orphans and elderly people in the community and supplies local primary school with textbooks and learning aids.

See more great sustainability projects in Zambia

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
There is a clinic in the area for non emergency care. There is a hospital at Mfuwe and Mfuwe airport is 30 minutes away for more critical cases.
Dangerous animals
Moderate Risk
Security measures
Guests are escorted back to their huts at night as elephant are known to wander through the villages.
Fire safety
None

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Guided walking safari

    Guided walking safari

  • Night drive

    Night drive

Extras

Disabled access
Not Possible
Laundry facilities
Yes laundry is possible if staying longer than one day. There is no charge for this. However, as items are hand washed, ladies undergarments cannot be included for cultural reasons.
Money
It is not possible to change money at Kawaza village
Accepted payment on location
Its possible to purchase local handicrafts from the villagers or the local shops. Payment is accepted in US$ or Zambian kwacha cash.

Other lodges in South Luangwa National Park

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Tafika

Tafika

One of the best camps in Zambia, Tafika is naturally built, combining excellent service and food with top guiding skills for a superb wildlife experience.


98% (318 reviews)
Nkwali

Nkwali

On the banks of the Luangwa River, with its own access to the national park, the intimate Nkwali is open year round.


96% (238 reviews)
Kaingo Camp

Kaingo Camp

Small and owner-run, the riverside Kaingo occupies a a quiet but excellent game area, with a series of wildlife hides and a focus on photography.


97% (213 reviews)
Nsefu

Nsefu

One of the Luangwa's oldest camps, Nsefu is a great safari camp in a remote, beautiful and game-rich location with top-rate guiding.


98% (191 reviews)
Tena Tena

Tena Tena

One of the Luangwa's best camps, in a beautiful, remote bush location, Tena Tena is very small, exceedingly well-run and has top-rate guiding.


95% (154 reviews)
Mwamba Bushcamp

Mwamba Bushcamp

Small, remote and owner-run, Mwamba offers first-class walking, 4WD safari drives and superb hides, with excellent guides and a real bush feel.


99% (152 reviews)
Chikoko Tree Camp

Chikoko Tree Camp

Chikoko Tree Camp is an excellent small, rustic bushcamp that concentrates on walking safaris, and is run by a top-quality operation.


98% (119 reviews)
Big Lagoon Camp

Big Lagoon Camp

Big Lagoon Camp is a great little rustic bushcamp built to high standards that focuses on excellent walking safaris, with the emphasis on top wildlife guides.


98% (93 reviews)
Kapani Lodge

Kapani Lodge

Kapani Lodge is now the main office base for Norman Carr Safaris, one of the Luangwa's oldest safari operations.


95% (78 reviews)
Flatdogs Camp

Flatdogs Camp

A relatively big safari camp, Flatdogs offers value for money with great guiding and good food in a comfortable, relaxed setting.


98% (74 reviews)
Luangwa River Camp

Luangwa River Camp

Luangwa River Lodge is a small and consciously stylish lodge in the Mfuwe area, overlooking the Luangwa River and the South Luangwa National Park beyond – an area renowned for great game.


96% (73 reviews)
Mchenja Bushcamp

Mchenja Bushcamp

Set in a shady ebony grove on the banks of the Luangwa, Mchenja is a smart tented bushcamp. It combines well with Kakuli and Nsolo – its sister camps with a focus on walking safaris.


99% (68 reviews)
Kakuli Bushcamp

Kakuli Bushcamp

Beside the Luangwa River, Kakuli is a comfortable tented bushcamp offering 4WD safaris and walking safaris – the best of which are camp-to-camp walks linking Kakuli with its nearby sister camps.


97% (65 reviews)
Nsolo Bushcamp

Nsolo Bushcamp

Nsolo is a small, comfortable bushcamp overlooking one or two pools in the usually dry Luwi riverbed. It concentrates on walking safaris in an interesting and diverse area, led by a knowledgeable guide.


97% (54 reviews)
Kafunta River Lodge

Kafunta River Lodge

Kafunta is a laid-back, friendly and good-value lodge on the outskirts of South Luangwa National Park.


96% (45 reviews)
Luwi Bushcamp

Luwi Bushcamp

In a remote part of the South Luangwa National Park, Luwi is a rustic bushcamp whose emphasis is on walking safaris with great guiding and a chance of seeing some rarely seen and elusive antelope.


93% (38 reviews)
Robin Pope Safaris bush-camp

Robin Pope bush-camp

RPS bushcamping in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia


99% (29 reviews)
Lion Camp

Lion Camp

Lion Camp is an established and comfortable camp with a swimming pool, located near to the game-rich Lion Plain in the northern part of South Luangwa National Park.


94% (25 reviews)
Robin Pope Safaris Mobile Safari Camp

Robin Pope mobile

RPS mobile safari camps are at the heart of their set-itinerary walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park, which start and finish at a permanent camp.


98% (24 reviews)
Puku Ridge

Puku Ridge

Puku Ridge is a luxurious designer camp set in a stunning location, high on a hill overlooking a floodplain within South Luangwa. Explore from here on 4WD safaris and walks.


96% (21 reviews)
Kapamba Bushcamp

Kapamba Bushcamp

In the remote far south of South Luangwa National Park, Kapamba is a small and very comfortable bushcamp offering good walks and game drives.


95% (20 reviews)
Mfuwe Lodge

Mfuwe Lodge

In a game-rich area close to the South Luangwa’s main Mfuwe Gate, Mfuwe Lodge is relatively large by park standards, but it’s stylish, modern and family friendly.


94% (18 reviews)
Kuyenda Bushcamp

Kuyenda Bushcamp

Kuyenda Bushcamp is a classic bushcamp with particularly delightful hosts and offers top-class walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park.


99% (16 reviews)
Luangwa Safari House

Luangwa Safari House

Luangwa Safari House is a vast and very smart four-bedroom house specifically designed for families and small groups, and offering an exclusive and flexible safari experience.


100% (14 reviews)
Three Rivers Camp

Three Rivers Camp

In the remote far south of South Luangwa National Park, Three Rivers Lodge sits at the confluence of three of the valleys rivers.


95% (13 reviews)
Island Bush Camp

Island Bush Camp

Island Bushcamp is a good-value, rustic, walking-only camp, in arguably one of the most remote parts of the South Luangwa, well away from all other camps.


100% (13 reviews)
Chinzombo

Chinzombo

Opened in early June 2013, Chinzombo offers luxurious and stylish accommodation with very high levels of service and excellent guiding.


98% (13 reviews)
Bilimungwe Bushcamp

Bilimungwe Bushcamp

A smart bushcamp with four very spacious chalets, Bilimungwe offers interesting walking safaris in pretty riverine woodland, as well as day and night safari drives.


95% (12 reviews)
Chindeni

Chindeni

Chindeni Bushcamp is a very modern and minimalist camp, which is a far cry from your traditional bushcamp and unlike most of the other camps in South Luangwa.


97% (12 reviews)
Robin's House

Robin's House

With your own expert guide, private vehicle, chef and valet, the two-bedroom Robin's House offers an exclusive, flexible safari experience – and is open year round.


95% (11 reviews)
Chamilandu Bushcamp

Chamilandu Bushcamp

A comfortable little bushcamp, Chamilandu has a picturesque setting by the Luangwa River, in an area with a range of habitats to explore on foot and by 4WD.


100% (5 reviews)
Mwamba Camp-out

Mwamba Camp-out

The Mwamba-Camp Out allows you to have an incredibly adventurous night in the bush, sleeping under mosquito nets with activities led by some of the best guides in Zambia.


92% (5 reviews)
Zungulila

Zungulila

Zungulila is a small, comfortable tented bushcamp with an emphasis on walking safaris, in the remote southern section of the South Luangwa.


93% (3 reviews)
Shawa Luangwa Camp

Shawa Luangwa

Opened in June 2021, Shawa Luangwa Camp is a small, intimate and rustic camp, with a good location in a remote section of the South Luangwa National Park.


93% (3 reviews)
Chichele Presidential Lodge

Chichele Lodge

Currently undergoing renovations, Chichele Presidential Lodge stands high within the park, with superb views, and is due to reopen in late 2022.


100% (1 review)
Luwi Riverbed Sleepout

Luwi Riverbed Sleepout

For an adventurous night in South Luangwa National Park, come and sleep out in the bush, around a campfire, with an experienced guide and game scout.


100% (1 review)
Mapazi Camp

Mapazi Camp

Mapazi Camp is a basic safari camp in the far north of the South Luangwa, with walking safaris led by renowned guide Deb Tittle.


No reviews yet
Chikunto Safari Lodge

Chikunto

Chikunto Safari Lodge is a more traditional property in the South Luangwa National Park, sitting on a peninsula of land created by the meandering Luangwa River.


No reviews yet

Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team

Africa