Tribal and linguistic map of Zambia. Some of the tribes shown on the map have merged with others bigger tribes or are extinct or on the brink of extinction.
The Bemba The Bemba represents 18% of the Zambian population. They recognise a legendary area known as Kola as their place of origin, where they were historically nomadic huntergatherers. Their paramount chief is known as the Chitimukulu. The Bemba migrated into the Copperbelt area in search of work. The Kaonde The Kaonde are found in Solwezi, Kasempa and Chizera districts of North Western Province and in Kaoma in Western Province. The Kaonde are descended from the famous Luba-Lunda Empire. They were among the first to mine copper and artefacts at the Kansanshi Mine in Solwezi - dating back to the Iron Age.
A map of African showing the origin of some Zambian tribes.
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Best of Zambia
The Luvale Emanating from the North of Lake Tanganyika, the Luvale’s first chief was a woman named Kenga Naweji. Their descendants are the Valuvale, Valuchase, Vambunda, Vachokwe and Vaviya Tribes all living in the North Western provinces of Zambia. The Luvale were known for their travels and trade for many centuries and their culture is influenced greatly by their