Ukusefya Pa Ngwena

View on map
MusicMungwi/Kasama
Dates17–19 September 2026Confirmed listing
Duration3 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forLive music, late nightsThe ceremony's name and location trace
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: ZMW
CategoryMusicFestival type
The story

Ukusefya Pa Ngwena in Mungwi/Kasama

Ukusefya Pa Ng'wena, meaning celebrating by the crocodile, is the Bemba people's annual ceremony held in August or September at the original Ng'wena Village near Mungwi, close to Kasama in Northern Zambia. It commemorates the Bemba migration from the Kola region and the founding of the Chitimukulu dynasty under Paramount Chief Chitimukulu.

The story the Bemba retell every year at Ukusefya Pa Ng'wena begins far from Zambia, in the Kola region of what is now Angola, in the seventeenth century.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The ceremony's name and location trace directly to a founding legend: after migrating east from the Kola kingdom, the Bemba leader who first crossed the Luapula River took the name Chitimukulu, and his followers later found a dead crocodile on the banks of the Milando River, adopting the crocodile as their clan symbol and naming the settlement Ng'wena Village

02

The mystery stays covered

Chitimukulu, still the Bemba's single paramount chief today and head of Africa's largest concentration of Bemba speakers, calls his subjects back to that same original village every year to mark the nation's founding and its history of conquest across what is now Zambia's Northern, Luapula and Copperbelt provinces

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The Bemba trace their royal line to a migration from Kola

Water and renewal

Living ritual

in what is now Angola

The sacred route

Living ritual

through the Luba kingdom and across the Luapula

The local code

Living ritual

Chambeshi and Kalungu rivers

Tradition 5

Living ritual

with the crocodile clan identity and the Chitimukulu title both originating in specific episodes of that journey still recounted as the ceremony's founding story each year

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

17–19 September 2026

Getting around

For Ukusefya Pa Ngwena, plan transport around the exact Mungwi/Kasama venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Light, breathable clothing suited to Northern Province's warm climate works well for visitors, with modest coverage in keeping with the ceremony's royal significance; traditional Bemba...

Safety

Kusefya Pa Ngwena is easier with a small bag, charged phone and group plan that survives poor signal.

Where to stay

For Ukusefya Pa Ngwena, stay near the part of Mungwi/Kasama you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Ticketing varies by venue and stage. Confirm official passes before booking travel.

Language/currency

ZMW

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map10.18 S, 30.46 EOpen in Google Maps

Mungwi/Kasama, Northern Province, Zambia

Nearest airportMBI — Songwe
TransportFor Ukusefya Pa Ngwena, plan transport around the exact Mungwi/Kasama venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor Ukusefya Pa Ngwena, stay near the part of Mungwi/Kasama you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Mungwi/Kasama via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Mungwi/Kasama, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for September.Compare faresFestival gearLight, breathable clothing suited to Northern Province's warm climate works well for visitors, with modest coverage in keeping with the ceremony's royal significance; traditional Bemba regalia is worn by designated performers and chiefs rather than by the general public.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Zambia and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Ukusefya Pa Ngwena?

Ukusefya Pa Ngwena is listed for 17–19 September 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Ukusefya Pa Ngwena take place?

The festival is listed in Mungwi/Kasama, Zambia. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

3 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Mungwi/Kasama, Northern Province, Zambia

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLzambia.travel
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates17–19 September 2026
Source statusOfficial source linked
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