Every year after the rainy season, the Litunga and his procession make their way to Limulunga from Lealui as part of the Kuomboka Ceremony. The 2025 Kuomboka ceremony promises to be spectacular, with large groups of people making their way to experience this ancient display of the reliance of the Lozi people.
The Lozi people are Zambia’s fourth largest ethnic group, renowned for their distinctive culture and rich history. Every year, at the end of the rainy season, the richness of their culture is put on display at the Kuomboka Ceremony. The Kuomboka ceremony attracts swathes of people every year, eager to watch the Litunga and his procession move from Lealui to Limulunga. The Barotse Royal Establishment announced that the 2025 Kuomboka Ceremony would take place on 5th April. Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s Kuomboka Ceremony, which promises to be spectacular.
The History of The Kuomboka Ceremony
The Kuomboka Ceremony is one of Zambia’s biggest traditional ceremonies, dating back over 200 years. ‘Kuomboka’ is a Lozi word directly translated as ‘to move out of the water.’ The ceremony takes place to celebrate the movement of the Litunga (the Lozi King) from his summer palace in Lealui to his winter palace in Limulunga. Beyond the glorious cultural spectacle, the Kuomboka ceremony is evidence of the resilience and adaptability of the Lozi people. The Litunga and his subjects primarily vacate Lealui because of flooding from the Zambezi River to higher grounds in Limulunga. However, aspects of the Kuomboka are shrouded in mysticism.
Mystical Beginnings
Legend has it that after the arrival of the Lozi at the Zambezi Flood Plains in the 1830s, a great flood called Mezi ya Lungwangwa swept up the animals and villages where the Lozi had settled. The Lozi high God, Nyambe, is believed to have ordered a man called Nakambela to build a great canoe (the Nalikwanda) to escape the floods. Led by the Mwambwa, the Queen mother, the Lozi people departed to Limulunga in what became the first Kuomboka Ceremony.
The Magnificent Procession
Cultural beauty and tradition are on full display at the Kuomboka Ceremony. The Nalikwanda is one of the most recognisable symbols of the Kuomboka ceremony. Every year, the Litunga departs for Limulunga aboard the Nalikwanda, a magnificent boat painted with white stripes. Atop the boat is a replica of an elephant, the symbol of Lozi pride, complete with movable ears. The Kuomboka procession begins with the beating of a drum before dawn to mark the departure of the Litunga from the Lealui Palace. When the sun rises above the horizon, a different drum is leaned against a pole facing East, signalling that the ceremony is about to start.
The Nailkwanda is boarded by the Litunga, Indunas, attendants, musicians, and approximately 200 paddlers fitted with their signature red berets. Leading the procession is the Nalikwanda, followed by the queen on a boat with a crane with movable wings atop it. Before departure, the paddlers sing songs about the building of the Nalikwanda and songs that celebrate the strength and bravery of the paddlers. Another interesting aspect of the Kuomboka is the Lintunga’s attire. He starts the ceremony in traditional attire, but during the voyage, he changes into the uniform of a British admiral. This uniform was presented to the Litunga in 1902 by King Edward VII in recognition of treaties signed between the Lozi people and Queen Victoria. The Litunga is regarded as both a political and spiritual leader whose power is on full display at Kuomboka.
How to get to the Kuomboka Ceremony:
For those wishing to experience the marvel of this year’s Kuomboka ceremony, there are a few transport options available.
- You could travel by private car, bus or plane to Mongu.
- If travelling by bus or plane, you can book a cab to take you to your accommodation upon arrival.
- There will be boats at the harbour on the day of the Kuomboka. Be sure to get there early to secure your spot, as spaces run out quickly!
Where to stay during the Kuomboka Ceremony:
Mongu is a small town with a decent number of accommodation options. However, you need to book your accommodation in advance as there is high demand during the Kuomboka festivities. Here is a list of places you could consider staying at:
The Kuomboka Ceremony is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year and is a demonstration of Zambia’s cultural diversity. A symbol of the strength and resilience of the Lozi people, the Kuomboka Ceremony is something you have to experience at least once!
