The Royal House of Mambwe
Guardians of a living heritage
The Mambwe Chiefdom preserves the royal lineage, history, and culture of the Mambwe people of Eastern Zambia — a people of the land, rooted near the Luangwa, carrying their traditions into a new century.
Eastern Province, Zambia · near South Luangwa
Who we are
The Mambwe people of Eastern Zambia
The Mambwe are a community of Eastern Province, speaking the Kunda language and living amid the rolling hills and fertile valleys near South Luangwa National Park. For generations, the chieftaincy has been the centre of community life — guiding custom, settling matters, and holding the memory of the people.
This is the official record of that heritage: the line of chiefs, the history that shaped them, and an invitation to experience the culture of the Mambwe firsthand.
Explore the chiefdom
Four ways into the story
Our History & People
From the Bantu migrations and the rise of the chiefdom to the colonial era and modern Zambia — the long story of the Mambwe.
Read the history →
The Royal Lineage
The custodians of the Jumbe throne, generation by generation — honouring those who have guided the Mambwe people.
Meet the chiefs →
Cultural Gallery
Landscapes, daily life, ceremonies, and the places of the chiefdom — a visual record of Mambwe heritage.
View the gallery →
Plan Your Visit
Experience the culture firsthand — village stays, festivals, and the wildlife of South Luangwa, gateway to the chiefdom.
Plan a visit →
The reigning custodian
HRH Chief Mambwe Che Jumbe Oswell Zimba
Current custodian of the Jumbe throne
The present holder of the throne engages with national governance, NGOs, and development partners on behalf of the Mambwe people. His tenure emphasises youth empowerment, sustainable development, and the revival of Mambwe culture.
An invitation
Experience the heritage of Eastern Zambia
Visit the chiefdom, witness a festival, or simply learn the story of a people who have kept their traditions alive for generations.