Kabwata Cultural Village Travel Guide: Top Sights in Zambia, Tours &

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Kabwata Cultural Village- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Historical & Cultural; Zambia; 5 Reviews

Suggested Duration: 2 hours

Kabwata Cultural Village, located in Lusaka, Zambia, stands as a vibrant testament to the nation's rich artistic heritage. Established in the early 1970s, the village was founded to preserve and showcase the diverse cultural traditions of Zambia's ten provinces. Its thatched-roof chalets, reminiscent of traditional Zambian architecture, house over 80 artisans who specialize in various crafts, including wood carving, beadwork, pottery, and textile weaving. This initiative not only promotes the preservation of indigenous art forms but also provides a platform for local artists to display and sell their work, fostering economic empowerment and cultural exchange. Visitors to Kabwata Cultural Village can immerse themselves in authentic Zambian traditions by engaging with artisans, witnessing live performances of traditional music and dance, and exploring a wide array of handcrafted items. The village's commitment to cultural preservation and community engagement makes it a significant cultural hub in Lusaka, offering travelers a unique opportunity to experience Zambia's artistic diversity firsthand.

Operators offering tours in Zambia

Attractions in Lusaka

Lusaka National Park

3.6

Kalimba Reptile Park

4.4

Munda Wanga Environmental Park

Lusaka National Museum

4.2

Chilenje House 394

Wildlife Discovery Centre

4.6

37d Gallery

4.2

Freedom Statue

4.4

Reviews of Kabwata Cultural Village

SULA S SINYANGWE

5
Reviewed: 2025-07-22

This was my first time visiting Kabwata Cultural Village and my experience was amazing, my expectations were not let down! The people there are so friendly and hospitable My favorite part of the experience was the art and cultural pieces. I am definitely going back!!!
Jeneen G

5
Reviewed: 2025-05-15

I expected this place to be touristy/ commercial and had avoided it. But in fact this place had the lowest prices of all the places I shopped at for African crafts (including the Sunday market by Arcades Mall). The "village" is a government initiative to promote tourism, so it supports local entrepreneurs, who also seem to be provided a place to live within the same premises. I found a good variety of items here compared to the other places. I wish I had come here first before overpaying at the other places! But of course, as with anywhere else, you need to have a good idea of how much things are worth because some vendors will always try to start off with a ridiculously high price to test if you will take the bait.
GREEK TRAVELLER

5
Reviewed: 2025-05-04

A valuable cultural village in which the residents live there, most of them are artisans and make beautiful wood carvings mainly and sell them in tent shops. The detail of their work is remarkable, as is their art. It is worth buying small souvenirs from there at good prices, always bargaining. The people are polite and not too pushy, like elsewhere. They even let you take photos and videos of their work and the village.
Hans Gritsch

3
Reviewed: 2025-02-08

Collection of traditional African homes. Lots of local vendors with stone and wood carvings for sale. It was a bit of a tourist trap, but it was interesting to see the native wood. I enjoyed looking through the many minerals for sale.
Jari Lehmus

4
Reviewed: 2024-09-12

Friendly people. They are happy to tell you when you ask about goods and traditions. Market mood. Same stuff in every tent, prices vary depending on your haggling skills. There is also a small kitchen where you can get local food. Take one of the merchants with you and offer him a meal. Worth a visit.