Set against the rich backdrop of Southern Province, the Livingstone Cultural & Arts Festival in Chongo offers a raw and rewarding plunge into Zambia’s cultural landscape. Far from a polished tourist show, this festival thrums with authenticity—a gathering where locals celebrate their heritage through vivid dance, music, and craftsmanship. Attending the festival is less about passive observation and more an invitation to engage with a community fiercely proud of its identity.

Chongo sits on an accessible plateau, about 15 kilometers northeast of Livingstone city, making it easy to plan as a day trip or a weekend excursion. The festival unfolds over several days in late July, when the Southern Province revels in its dry season, under clear skies and pleasantly cool evenings. For visitors, this timing is ideal: dust settles quickly, making for comfortable walking and vibrant outdoor performances.

Expect the festival grounds to be alive with the sound of drums that seem to echo the pulse of the earth itself, drawing crowds to communal spaces where traditional dance groups perform. The air carries the scent of firewood cooking and fresh crafts in the open market. Visitors will find bazaar stalls filled with intriguing handwoven baskets, batiks, and carved woodwork, each piece telling a story as much as the music or the movements on the stage.

Navigating the festival is straightforward, but the terrain calls for sensibility; uneven paths carved through scrubland encourage practical footwear. Water stations—often staffed by locals—serve as reliable hydration points, essential to keeping energy up through lively cultural exchanges. If planning to camp nearby, equipment suited for cool nights is advisable.

Engagement here goes beyond sightseeing: workshops for drumming and traditional weaving welcome visitors eager to immerse themselves. Guides and local volunteers offer insights into the history behind dances and crafts, enriching the experience with cultural context without turning it into spectacle.

The Livingstone Cultural & Arts Festival is an adventure in its own right—less about physical exertion and more an exploration of spirit and tradition. Yet, respect for the environment and cultural sensibilities is crucial. The festival pulses with a force quite its own, demanding attentiveness and openness from all who enter its space.

For travelers—whether cultural enthusiasts or adventure seekers—the festival presents a distinctively Southern Province experience that connects you to the land, its stories, and its people. Preparation is simple: a solid pair of shoes, a camera to capture moments of genuine connection, and an open mind. Together, they ensure you don't just visit Chongo—but truly encounter it.