Kuomboka: A majestic journey and Zambia's 300-year-old tradition
Zambia's 'Kuomboka' festival marks the end of the rainy season and the historic relocation of the King or 'Litunga' of the Lozi people to higher ground after the summer floods.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema took part in the country's Kuomboka ceremony, standing alongside traditional leaders with thousands of spectators in a vibrant display of cultural heritage.
The annual event in Zambia's Western Province is a tradition stretching back 300 years.
It marks both the end of the rainy season and the historic relocation of the King—or "Litunga"—of the Lozi people to higher ground after the summer floods.
As Zambia’s Barotse Plain becomes submerged by the Zambezi River, the Kuomboka—meaning "to rise from the water to dry land"—unfolds.
President Hichilema arrived in the Mongu region on Saturday, 28 March, and proceeded to the Lealui Royal Village, the dry-season residence of King Lubosi Imwiko II.
‘Symbol of royalty’
The ceremony's centrepiece is the Litunga's journey aboard the royal barge, known as the Nalikwanda, from Lealui across the flooded Barotse Plain to the higher ground of Limulunga. He returns in August.
The vessel is accompanied by 80 to 100 rowers wielding oars, while subjects beat regal Maoma drums, sing, and dance. The start of the drumbeat signals the Litunga's readiness to depart the flood-prone plains.
The Nalikwanda carries a massive carved elephant with moving ears—a symbol of royalty.
As the barge glides forward, the crew lights a fire to signal to onlookers that the king is aboard and in good health.
A second barge, the Nalwange or egret, carries the queen, whose bird's wings flap as the barge moves.
Cultural celebration
It is an honour to be chosen as a paddler or rower aboard the Nalikwanda, where all paddlers wear matching red berets. King Lubosi Imwiko II, who has reigned since October 2000, serves as the custodian of the Lozi people's heritage.
President Hichilema described the ceremony as ‘’successful’’, saying tradition and culture remain ‘’key in fostering national unity.’’
During the ceremony, President and King Imwiko II donned traditional outfits, including the Siziba, a colourful Lozi attire made from chitenge cotton fabric.
The Siziba recently gained social media attention amid a banter between Ghanaians and Zambians after Ghanaian President John Mahama wore Ghana’s iconic fugu attire during his visit to Lusaka in February 2026.
Some Zambians jokingly called the Ghanaian outfit a "blouse," prompting Ghanaians, including officials, to proudly showcase the fugu more prominently internationally, while Zambians also featured the Siziba.