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Meridiela.

Mukuni Village

A large Leya village near Victoria Falls, seat of a chieftaincy older than the town.

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WhereSouthern Province
Nearest cityLivingstone
Best seasonMay to October
Time to allowTwo to three hours
Getting thereAround ten kilometres from Victoria Falls; road, taxi or tour
EntryVillage fee charged

Mukuni is a Leya village of several thousand people a short drive from Victoria Falls, and the chieftaincy there predates the colonial town of Livingstone by a long way: the Mukuni line traces back several centuries and the falls themselves fall within its traditional area. Guided walks go through the compounds, the craft market, the royal enclosure and the burial ground. It is a working village rather than a display, and the guiding is done by residents.

What you actually see

  • The chieftaincy - a line that predates the colonial town by centuries.
  • The compounds - the working village walked through with resident guides.
  • The craft market - carvings and baskets sold at the village edge.
  • The royal enclosure - the chief's ground and the burial area beside it.

When to go

May to October is dry and comfortable for walking. October is very hot. Guides work through the day.

Honest expectations

Selling pressure at the craft market is heavy and persistent. Some visitors find the arrangement uncomfortable, since people's homes are the attraction. Photography of people requires asking.

Nearby

Victoria Falls is west, and Livingstone is northwest.

What to pack for Mukuni Village

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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