Chief Mukuni Village Cultural Tour Zambia

This ethnic village is home to the Leya people, or Tokaleya as they are now call themselves, and has been in existence since the eleventh century, and is thus a working cultural village tour.
Dr David Livingstone visited this village on more than one occasion, sitting under a giant mango tree in the middle of the square, to meet with the chief of the day.
As the Chief viewed David Livingstone as an unbeliever, he was not allowed into the chief’s compound. It was also two men from this village, long time retainers of David Livingstone, who carried his body all the way to the coast after he died near Lake Bangweulu. The descendants of these men still live in the village. The population numbers approximately 7000 and one is invited as a guest to view how the local people live, work, build and decorate their huts. All tours are conducted by a guide who lives in the village. When Dr David Livingstone or Munali as he was known to Africans, met with Munokalya Mukuni (Royal of Royals), neither of them realised they shared one thing in common – the name “Livingstone”. One of the rituals during coronation transforms the Mukuni title holder into the “Living Stone”. And when he dies his death is officially announced as the “Living Stone is Shattered”. Senior Chief Mukuni is involved with the promotion of tourism in Zambia and his village provides an excellent opportunity to see rural life in action. Located just outside Livingstone, the village is inhabited by about 8000 people of Toka-Leya decent. Life here goes on pretty much as usual, even with a few tourists about; though, curios are for sale. Please do not bring handouts for the children, however donations to the local school are always welcome. If you are lucky, meetings with Chief Mukuni can sometimes be arranged. Remember to dress modestly in any rural setting (especially woman) and ask before taking photos. Refer to the Travel Facts and Info (Local Social Conventions) page for more details. We offer most affordable and fascinating Chief Mukuni Village Cultural Tour packages. Mukuni Village is a unique cultural haven and known as traditional and conservative village.