Livingstone Festival (Aug 2010)

The annual Livingstone Festival showcases Zambian talent in all areas of the arts, as well as featuring acts from abroad.

During the festival the streets of the little town are taken over by theatrical troupes, performance artists, music groups, jugglers and clowns. There is also live music on offer, from blues, reggae and rhumba through to a capella.

The festival aims to highlight the massive AIDS epidemic that faces Africa, with discussions and lectures on the subject.

The event is Zambia's biggest festival and its cause is helped by the natural spectacle of the Victoria Falls down the road.

 

Bat Migration (25 Oct – 24 Dec 2010)

The fruit-bat migration to Kasanka is said to be the largest congregation of mammals in Africa, possibly even the world, beating the wildebeest migration about five times over. Watching the flying mammals rule the twilight sky is an unforgettable sight.

At about 6pm, the Zambian horizon darkens as around eight million straw-coloured fruitbats - recognisable by their golden, tawny fur, large orange eyes and dog-like facial features - fill the balmy skies, searching for their fruity breakfast. Returning at dawn with a belly full of mangos and waterberries, the nocturnal animals begin their daytime roost.

 

 

Kwanga Festival (Oct 2010)

Kwanga Festival, Zambia is celebrated by the Njumba tribe in the month of October. Every year the month of the festival varies. During the festival the members of the tribe come together in Samfya which is situated near Lake Bangweulu in Zambia. The festival stretches for at least three days. There is much singing, dancing, feasting and drinking during the Kwanga Festival, Zambia.

People wear colorful dresses and dance together. There are drum and rattle beats which encourage the dancers to dance more rhythmically. There are complex dance movements which are performed by the dancers. Kwanga Festival, Zambia marks the different periods of the growing phase. It also marks the rites of passage. The members of the community celebrate the festival and pay their respects to the chief of the community.