Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
MWABONWA NO BEENZU KU KU SHUNGU NAMUTITIMA!
(Welcome to Zambia, home of the smoke that thunders), the mighty Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World!
I’m Sophia, co-founder & proprietor of MWABONWA Cultural Experiences. For over 15 years, I thrived in the Zambia’s hospitality industry serving & arranging activities for our international guests along our tourist corridor, which includes the falls and beyond.
The falls are very significant to Zambia, but there is something much more amazing that falls deeper & and is mightier than thunder! Would you like to experience Zambia, beyond the roar of the mighty Victoria Falls, beyond the tourist corridor? If so be our guest to create a memorable experience!
MWABONWA offers the only way to authentically experience Zambia, through my people & rich culture. We take you beyond the tourist attractions and invite you to be our guest in our providences & homes, where you can experience our Zambian life style as a local.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
What To Expect
We invite you to experience Nshima, it's more than our staple food, it's special, it's bonding, it's love, it’s our life. At Nshima with Sophia, you will. 1. Receive a hearty Mwaboonwa Cultural Experience Welcome. 2. Learn & exchange greetings in several Zambian languages, we have over 72. 3. Receive a brief history of Nshima to our people & culture. 4. Make Nshima with Sophie. 5. Take part in our traditional hand-washing ceremony before eating. 6. Eat & pair nshima with a relish (veggie or meat) just as the locals do.
Options
Learn to Cook Nshima, the Zambian Staple Food
What‘s Included
Bottled water
nshima plus a pairing
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
11 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Cooking in Zambia
Inspire38974291917,Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sophia and her family share their home, their food, and their culture as you learn to make Nshima. You get a glimpse of how real families in Zambia live, eat, and share in their communities. The food is tasty, healthy, and plentiful. Sophia and her family are warm and welcoming, and the neighborhood is charming and safe. Livingstone and Zambia have more to offer than the falls and the wildlife. There are amazing people and communities, and this is an excellent opportunity to experience a real neighborhood and family through cooking and eating.
100% amazing!
PaulinaD,Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience! Lovely people and lovely meal. It's a great opportunity to learn about the community and day to day life of the people leaving in the area.
Interesting and yummy
jennykschmidt,Jul 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sophia Jani was a hospitable and informative host. She explained some aspects of her culture, gave a tour of the typical Zambian home, and introduced me to several younger helpers. I was included in the stages of preparation of Nshima. When it was finished, cultural norms around eating were demonstrated. We had nshima and I had requested vegetarian sides, all of which were quite satisfying. Standards of hygiene were observed. Sophia also explained the work her organization does with the vulnerable.
Great Local Zambian Experience through People and Food
Curious22442496723,Jul 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sophia is amazing and very accommodating. It was very gracious of them to allow me the chance to spend time in their space and learn about how they make their traditional staple foods and live their daily lives. It was a lovely experience and I hope this event continues to grow in the future.
Amazing cultural experience!
L6054XNemilyp,Jun 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time learning how to cook nshima! Sophia very kindly welcomed us into her home and helped us make one of the best meals we have eaten so far on our trip! She was even able to help us book a visit to Mukuni village that same day, which we both enjoyed very much. Thanks again for having us!
Very authentic and impressive experience
Traveler05323727481,Sep 24, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A very nice experience. It was a lot of fun, you got an authentic insight into life from the people of Maramba and Zambia respectively. We were able to talk about everything openly and honestly. The food is very delicious. The nshima is accompanied by other delicacies. We would definitely do it again!
Learn to cook and be part of the family
425cathieh,Aug 30, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The hospitality from the community was inspirational. We were made to feel at home and with our family. We learned how to cook and eat Nshima, with vegetables, beans and meat stew. The good was awesome but even better the people we met on our experience. Thank you for sharing with us.
Nice activity!
Sunshine31479424651,Jun 10, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Nice way to become familiar with Zambia cuisine and culture! Sophie really makes the most of it. We had a great time cooking the Nshima. We would recommend the experience. You can call her +260977312503 or email her mwabonwa.ce@gmail.com
A grateful experience
819hampusb,May 16, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of the most wholesome and lovely activity. They took in in their home, thought us so much about the culture, the community, how they spread the love to the community and about their life’s. Would recommend every doing this, it’s brings the culture and Zambian life to an whole new perspective
Incredible authentic opportunity
Emma B,Jul 5, 2022
- Review from Viator
5.00Ms Sophie made us feel truly welcome. She took us on a tour of her neighborhood and then into her home. We talked and laughed and learned and cooked and ate. It was a generous opportunity to understand life in Zambia.
Related Experiences
Operated by Mwabonwa Cultural Experiences