Ceremonies of the Ancient Lunda Empire in Angola – “Last-Minute” Expedition, July 16–25, 2026

On our latest exploratory trip to Angola in late June 2026, we traveled through northeastern Angola, visiting the various tribal territories of the ancient Lunda Empire. Following a successful trip, we gathered information about the various festivals and ceremonies that will take place in the coming weeks. From Kumakonda, and after confirming the details on the ground, we couldn’t pass up the chance to offer our travelers the opportunity to attend one of southern Africa’s most important traditional festivals: the Mize of the Luvale people, where there will be a multitude of impressive makishis and various ceremonies. We’ve also been informed of an enthronement ceremony in another of the kingdoms in eastern Angola, and it even coincides with our travel dates.

For this reason, we are announcing this “last-minute” trip so we can take advantage of this rare opportunity.

The Lunda Empire was a powerful confederation of states that flourished between the 17th and 19th centuries in south-central Africa, encompassing territories that today form part of northeastern Angola, southern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and northwestern Zambia. Its historical influence and cultural legacy remain very much alive in Angola.

These ceremonies and festivals were revived after the end of the civil war that ravaged Angola until a few decades ago. These communities are reclaiming their ancestral culture with vigor and pride.

This is a journey of exploration and discovery. Therefore, we must approach it with an open mind and be prepared for the unexpected along the way, but at the same time, we are convinced that we will witness spectacular ceremonies.

Ceremonies of the Lunda Empire (Angola): The Route

• Day 1: Arrival in Luanda.
• Day 2: Domestic flight to eastern Angola.
• Day 3: Enthronement ceremony of the Lunda Empire.
• Day 4: A day on the road to attend the ceremonies.
• Days 5, 6, and 7: Luvale ceremonies.
• Day 8: Chokwe ceremony.
• Day 9: Domestic flight back to Luanda.
• Day 10: End of the trip in Luanda

Prices

• Group of 4–5 passengers: 3,700€
• Group of 6 to 9 passengers: 3,100€

What are we going to watch?

We will attend various ceremonies of the Lunda, Chokwe, Luvale, and Luchazi peoples.

The ceremonies will be just as spectacular as the ones we witnessed at Likumbi Lya Mize in Zambia years ago, although here there is no king, but a queen.

The highlight will be the centerpiece of the trip. For three days, we’ll live with the Luvale people to attend their Mize ceremonies.

The Luvale people of Angola live mainly in the Moxico region and are primarily farmers. Their social system is matriarchal, and their language is Luvale. They share historical roots and lineages with neighboring ethnic groups that we will also visit, such as the Chokwe.

Among their ceremonies, the Mukanda stands out: a rite of passage for boys between the ages of 8 and 12 who transition into adulthood after spending several weeks or months in the jungle, learning about their roles as men and husbands in traditional society.

The end of the Mukanda is marked by the Makishi, which consists of processions of masks representing ancestral spirits—an event we will certainly try to attend. In the Makishi, the dancers wear elaborate costumes and highly decorated wooden masks, and perform rituals that symbolize discipline, among other values.

We will conclude our journey with the ceremonies of the Chokwe people, one of the most fascinating cultural and spiritual traditions in all of Africa. The core of their rituals revolves around ancestor worship (ajimu or mahamba) and the passage through the various stages of human life.

We can’t share any more details at this time, but if you’d like to join this expedition to the Lunda Empire in Angola, please email us at info@kumakonda.com and we’ll send you more information.