Mongu

The basics

Mongu is a great jumping-off point for travelers visiting Liuwa Plain National Park, which sees the second-biggest wildebeest migration in Africa every year and is home to wildlife like lions, spotted hyenas, and cheetahs. In Mongu, the Nayuma Museum showcases the handiwork and traditions of the Lozi people and offers insight into the Kuomboka ceremony. If you like to shop, you can find everything from home goods to clothing at Barotse Mall and local baskets and handicrafts at the city’s craft shops. Don’t leave without trying the local mangoes and tiger fish.

Things to know before you go

• Mongu is a remote and beautiful part of Zambia, but it isn’t the most accessible place to visit, so travelers may want to join a tour.

• Considering that it’s in a fairly remote location, Mongu is well set up, with accommodation options, banks and ATMs, and service stations available.

• Bring sunscreen, a sun hat, and insect repellent. Long-sleeve shirts and long pants are also recommended to protect against mosquitoes.

• If you’re traveling for the Kuomboka ceremony, you should book accommodation well in advance.

How to get there

Although Mongu has an airport, it isn’t well-serviced, so most travelers will have to fly into Lusaka and drive 373 miles (600 kilometers) to reach Mongu. Given the long distances, you’re best off renting a car and driving yourself or joining a tour. If you’re planning to head out to Liuwa Plain National Park, you’ll need a high-clearance 4WD, basic recovery gear, and an experienced driver.

When to get there

The best time to visit Mongu is in the dry season, between April and October; April is an especially busy month, as this is when the Kuomboka ceremony takes place. While Mongu is accessible via tarmac road all year round, during the rainy season—November to April—the floodwaters of the Zambezi River reach the edges of the city. However, if you want to see the wildebeest migration at Liuwa Plain National Park, plan your trip for November.

Kuomboka Ceremony

Held over two days every April, Kuomboka is a centuries-old ceremony that signifies the journey of the Lozi King (Litunga) from the dry season palace in Lealui to the high-ground wet season palace in Limulunga. Kuomboka, which means “to get out of water” in the Lozi language, is celebrated with drumming, dancing, and singing as hundreds of canoes accompany the king’s barge on the 5-hour journey upriver.