Kuomboka: When the Zambezi overflows, the Lozi King departs by boat

In western Zambia, the end of the rainy season is like no other. When the upper Zambezi bursts its banks and floods the Barotse Plain, the King of the Lozi leaves his palace by boat, escorted by his people. This ceremony has a name: the Kuomboka.

"To get out of the water"

In the Lozi language, Kuomboka literally means "to get out of the water." The ceremony takes place at the end of the rainy season, when the flooding of the upper Zambezi inundates the plains of the Western Province. The return, which is more low-key, generally takes place in August and is called the Kufuluhela.

A plain that becomes a sea

At the height of the flood, water covers a vast expanse of the Barotse Plain, one of the great wetlands of Southern Africa. It is the high ground of Limulunga, on the edge of the plain, that serves as a refuge for the King and his court.

The King, on the plain or on the heights

The sovereign of the Lozi bears the title of Litunga. He resides in Lealui, on the plain, during the dry season, and in Limulunga, on the heights, during the rainy season. The Kuomboka is this royal relocation.

The legend of Nalikwanda

According to tradition, the Kuomboka dates back to a very ancient, great flood. The inhabitants were afraid to flee in their small canoes. The god Nyambe is said to have ordered a man, Nakambela, to build the first great canoe: the Nalikwanda, which means "for the people." Historians are not certain of the date of these origins, which some sources place in the 17th century.

An elephant on the water

Today's royal barge, the Nalikwanda, is painted black and white. It carries a large replica of a black elephant, whose ears can be moved from the inside. The elephant symbolizes the power and authority of the Litunga.

Dozens of paddlers and royal drums

The day before, the royal Maoma drums resonate to announce the departure. When the day arrives, the Nalikwanda sets off, steered by dozens of paddlers. Being part of this team is a great honor.

The admiral's uniform

The Litunga begins the day in traditional attire. During the journey, he dons a full British admiral's uniform, gifted in 1902 by King Edward VII in recognition of the treaties signed between the Lozi and Queen Victoria.

Our perspective

The Kuomboka showcases an Africa that has known how to turn a natural constraint into a celebration and a symbol. Every year, an entire community organizes itself to accompany its King to safety from the flood. These ceremonies are living treasures: knowing them and telling their stories is already a way of protecting them.