Discover Chimbwa

In the area around Chimbwa is Malama Umoyo Bush Camp, where you can take in a bend in the Luangwa River, a lowland floodplain, and the Chindeni Hills in the background. The traditions of the wider Eastern Province are another part of the picture. If you are looking for a holiday rental for a stay in Chimbwa, these aspects can help you consider the landscape, journey, and possible cultural events as different focal points of your trip.

The Luangwa landscape and accommodation nearby

Malama Umoyo Bush Camp is located in the Lower Lupande Area within Malama Chiefdom, on a bend in the Luangwa opposite the national park. From there, the view stretches across a lowland floodplain to the Chindeni Hills. The river, plain, and hills shape the landscape at this location near Chimbwa.

Guests at the camp can watch the sunset over the Luangwa from the cottage veranda or a large wooden deck. Wildlife that may be seen there includes elephants crossing the river, waterbucks coming to drink, and baboons at play. The accommodation comprises three separate cottages: two with two bedrooms each and one luxury cottage. If you are considering this accommodation for your trip, check current availability directly.

Malama Umoyo can also arrange a visit to Mwelwa village, but only on request. If you would like to include this glimpse of village life, contact the operator in advance.

Getting to Malama Umoyo Bush Camp

The following distances and journey times refer to the drive to the camp near Chimbwa. According to the operator, the route from Mfuwe International Airport is 70 kilometres and takes about two and a half hours. It follows both paved and unpaved roads; the duration is an estimate and may vary.

For the route from Petauke to the camp, the operator gives a distance of 140 kilometres and a journey time of five hours. It follows an unpaved road and requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle. From May to November, it is said to be comparatively easy to drive; during the other months, it may be difficult because of rain. Road conditions and journey times can vary seasonally. Therefore, check current conditions and the appropriate route before setting out.

Another connection listed by the operator runs from Petauke to the camp via Chipata and Mfuwe. This route is given as 340 kilometres and six hours. The road is paved as far as Mfuwe and unpaved thereafter. These figures offer different points of reference for the journey, but they are not guaranteed travel times. When planning, take into account your starting point, the type of road, and seasonal conditions.

Eastern Province traditions throughout the year

Eastern Province is home to the Kulamba Traditional Ceremony of the Chewa from Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique. The festival takes place every year in August and attracts thousands of visitors from Zambia and abroad who come to experience Gule Wamukulu. This dance is recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. For trip planning, Kulamba provides a recurring cultural event in August; check current event arrangements before your trip.

Another annual Eastern Province tradition is the Ngoni Nc’wala ceremony. It is held on the last Saturday in February in Mtenguleni village in Chipata. During the ceremony, the Ngoni honor God, ancestral spirits, and Chief Mpezeni for the first harvest and the food. Together, the two festivals mark different times and cultural occasions: Kulamba in August and Nc’wala in late February. If you would like to plan your trip around either ceremony, confirm the current dates in advance.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Kakumbi, Chikomba, Chilongozi.

Back to the overview of the wider travel region: Eastern Province.